Dinner party conversation generator

Abstract

Tableware capable of facilitating conversation between guests and a method of using the same is provided that includes: a) providing a set of open-ended questions or commands each being separately printed on a surface of a dining-piece; b) distributing one or more of the dining-pieces to each dining partner; c) having each dining partner read aloud the open-ended question or comment printed on their dining-piece; d) having one of the dining partners answer the open-ended question; and e) engaging all of the dining partners in open discussion of alternate answers to the question.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of facilitating conversation between at least two dining partners, said method comprising: 
 a) providing a set of open-ended questions each being separately printed on a surface of a dining-piece;    b) distributing one or more of the dining-pieces to each dining partner;    c) having each dining partner read aloud the open ended question printed on their dining-piece;    d) having one of the dining partners answer aloud said open-ended question; and    e) engaging at least one other of the dining partners in open discussion of alternate answers to said question.    
     
     
         2 . The method of generating conversation according to  claim 1  wherein said providing a set of open-ended questions each being separately printed on said surface of said dining-piece includes printing each of said open-ended questions on an unexposed surface of said dining-piece.  
     
     
         3 . The method of generating conversation according to  claim 1  wherein said distributing of one or more dining-pieces to each dining partner is randomly.  
     
     
         4 . Conversation promoting apparatus comprising: 
 a tableware piece having printed on one side a first phrase to which one or more dining partners answer to promote conversation between the dining partners.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said first phrase is an open-ended question.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said first phrase is a command.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said tableware piece defines a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said phrase is printed on said bottom surface of said tableware piece.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , further comprising a second tableware piece having printed on one side a second phrase, wherein said second phrase is different from said first phrase.  
     
     
         9 . A method of promoting discussion between dining partners, said method comprising: 
 a) providing tableware having an open-ended question printed on a surface thereof;    b) distributing said tableware to at least one of the dining partners;    c) having each dining partner read aloud said open-ended question printed on their respective tableware;    d) having one of the dining partners answer aloud said open-ended question; and    e) engaging all of the dining partners in open discussion regarding said open-ended question.    
     
     
         10 . The method of promoting discussion according to  claim 9  wherein said providing tableware having an open-ended question printed on said surface of said tableware includes printing each of said open-ended questions on an underside of said tableware.  
     
     
         11 . A method of facilitating conversation between at least two dining partners, said method comprising: 
 a) providing tableware having a command printed on a surface thereof;    b) distributing said tableware to at least one of the dining partners;    c) having each dining partner read aloud the command printed on their dining-piece;    d) having one of the dining partners answer aloud the command; and    e) engaging at least one other of the dining partners in open discussion of alternate responses to the command.    
     
     
         12 . The method of generating conversation according to  claim 11  wherein said providing tableware having a command printed on a surface thereof includes printing each of said open-ended questions on an unexposed surface of said tableware.