Creating an atmosphere

One of my goals for the 2008/2009 School year is to create an atmosphere of beauty in which my family can live and grow.

Tonight I set our dinner table with seasonal candles and played classical music while we ate. My hope is that eventually our dinner manners and conversation will match our environment. Sometimes the dinner table can be a tough place to be for a little one. There are so many rules and it can seem like they are constantly being corrected (sit down, don't bang your fork, keep your food on your plate etc.). It's hard on the adults as well. I feel our dinner table has been a very negative place. I know it is partly the stage our family is in (3 littles ages 3, 2 and 4mos) but it still can make dinner tense and I want to do whatever I can to alleviate the stress on everyone.

The report so far? Dinner was still a bit of a battleground, but the music and candles were appreciated by all. As far as the atmosphere, I guess we will see what happens. Will music soothe the savage beast(s)?

Now I am brainstorming other ways to add beauty to our daily routine. Any suggestions?