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.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . Conversation promoting apparatus, comprising: 
 plate means having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a first open-ended question means to which one or more dining partners answer to promote conversation between dining partners.    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said open-ended question means is a command.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said first side is an area of a bottom surface of said plate means.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said first side comprises an area of an upper surface of said plate means adapted to be hidden by food or the like.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a second plate means having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a second open-ended question means different from said first open-ended question means.  
   
   
       18 . Conversation promoting apparatus comprising: 
 a plate and an open ended question, the open ended question being printed on a surface of the plate, the open ended question being adapted to be read out loud by an individual using the plate for dining to promote conversation between the individual and a dining partner.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the open-ended question is a command.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein said surface is an area of a bottom surface of said plate.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein said surface comprises an area of an upper surface of said plate adapted to be hidden by food or the like.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a second plate and a second open ended question, the second open ended question being printed on a surface of the plate, the second open ended question being adapted to be read out loud by an individual using the plate for dining to promote conversation between the individual and a dining partner.  
   
   
       23 . Conversation promoting apparatus comprising: 
 an empty dining piece into which a user pours a drink to be used by an individual to assist in dining having printed on one side an open-ended question to which one or more dining partners answer to promote conversation between the dining partners.    
   
   
       24 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein said empty dining piece defines a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said open-ended question is printed on said bottom surface of said holding means.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , further comprising a second empty dining piece into which a user pours a drink to be used by an individual to assist in dining having printed on one side a second open-ended question, wherein said second open-ended question is different from said first open-ended question.  
   
   
       26 . Conversation promoting apparatus, comprising: 
 an empty dining piece into which a user pours a drink having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a first open-ended question to which one or more dining partners answer to promote conversation between dining partners.    
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein said open-ended question is a command.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein said first side is an area of a bottom surface of said dining piece.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein said first side comprises an area of an upper surface of said dining piece adapted to be hidden by a drink.  
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , further comprising a second empty dining piece into which a user pours a drink having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a second open-ended question different from said first open-ended question.  
   
   
       31 . Conversation promoting apparatus comprising: 
 an empty dining piece into which a user pours a drink having printed on a first side thereof adapted to -be presented in an unexposed manner a first open-ended question which may be read aloud to which one or more dining partners answer to promote conversation between dining partners.    
   
   
       32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein said empty dining piece is a glass.  
   
   
       33 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein said empty dining piece is a goblet.  
   
   
       34 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein said empty dining piece is a cup.  
   
   
       35 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , further comprising a second an empty dining piece into which a user pours a drink having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a second open-ended question different from said first open-ended question.  
   
   
       36 . Conversation promoting apparatus comprising: 
 a glass adapted to hold drink having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a first open-ended question to which one or more dining partners answer to promote conversation between dining partners.    
   
   
       37 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein said open-ended question is a command.  
   
   
       38 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein said first side is an area of a bottom surface of said glass.  
   
   
       39 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein said first side comprises an area of an upper surface of said glass adapted to be hidden by a drink.  
   
   
       40 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , further comprising a second glass having printed on a first side thereof adapted to be presented in an unexposed manner a second open-ended question different from said first open-ended question.  
   
   
       41 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein each of the open ended questions are in the form of a command.  
   
   
       42 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , comprising a plurality of plate means, each of the plate means including an open ended question affixed on the surface of the plate means, each of said open ended questions being in the form of a command.