It is essential that meals look appetising to counter reduced appetites.

Portions
To someone with a small appetite a huge pile of food can be off-putting – so don’t overfill plates.

Colour
Macaroni cheese, potato and cauliflower may taste delicious, but, on the same plate, it’s a visual disaster. A mix of colour tells the body to be hungry. Use parsley, tomatoes, strawberries, blackberries, or mint leaves to add colour, remember not all vegetables are green.

Surroundings
Fresh flowers, pretty table mats, fruit on the side are little touches that can make such a
difference to a dining room.

Relaxation
Why not serve coffee and teas after the meal, and encourage your diners to linger and socialise over mints and chocolates (checking they are vegetarian or vegan)?

Highlight of the day?
In the best-run homes mealtimes can be the highlight of the day – with relatively easy
attention to detail.