NATIONAL TV DINNER DAY

September 9, 2026September 8, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National TV Dinner Day is observed annually on September 10th. In 1953, C.A. Swanson & Sons changed the prepackaged meal business forever. Introducing the TV Dinner revolutionized frozen food.

In 1962, Swanson stopped using the name TV Dinner. However, in the United States, the term remains synonymous with any prepackaged dinner purchased frozen from a store and heated at home.

Amazon Basics Classic TV Dinner Folding Tray with Storage Rack, Natural - Set of 4 Trays — Amazon Basics Classic TV Dinner Folding Tray with Storage Rack, Natural – Set of 4 Trays

Casual Home 5 Piece Tray Table Set, Espresso — Amazon Basics Classic TV Dinner Folding Tray with Storage Rack, Natural – Set of 4 Trays

The first Swanson TV Dinner consisted of a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cornbread dressing, peas, and sweet potatoes. Originally, Swansons made the tray of aluminum. They separated each food item into individual compartments, too. At home, the cook heated the dinner in the oven. The cooking time was usually 25 minutes. Today, nearly all frozen food trays can be cooked in the microwave or a conventional oven.

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When Swanson’s first sold TV dinners, they priced them at 98 cents. In the first year, production estimates reached 5,000 dinners. To their surprise, Swanson far exceeded that amount. In the first year, they sold more than 10 million of them.

TV Dinner Facts

1960 – Swanson added desserts to a new four-compartment tray.
1964 – Night Hawk name originated from the Night Hawk steak houses that operated in Austin, Texas, from 1939 through 1994. The original diners were open all night, catering to the late-night crowd. The restaurants produced the first frozen Night Hawk TV dinner in 1964.
1969 – The first TV breakfasts were marketed. Great Starts Breakfasts and breakfast sandwiches followed later.
1973 – Swanson markets the first Hungry-Man dinners. The meals included larger portions of its regular dinner products.
1986 – Microwave-oven safe trays debut on the market.
1986 – The Smithsonian Institute inducted the original Swanson TV Dinner tray into the Museum of American History.

Much has changed since the original TV Dinner. They also remain a popular choice for a fast and convenient meal, fun to eat in front of the TV!

Looking for something to watch? Check out some of my favorites here.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTVDinnerDay

Get out a TV dinner, pop it in the microwave or oven, and enjoy! Use #NationalTVDinnerDay to post on social media.

Paragon Microwave Food Storage Tray Containers - 3 Section/Compartment Divided Plates W/Vented Lid, Set of 6 — Paragon Microwave Food Storage Tray Containers – 3 Section/Compartment Divided Plates W/Vented Lid, Set of 6

Ez Prepa [20 Pack] 32oz 3 Compartment Meal Prep Containers with Lids - Bento Box - Plastic - Stackable, Reusable, Microwaveable & Dishwasher Safe — Paragon Microwave Food Storage Tray Containers – 3 Section/Compartment Divided Plates W/Vented Lid, Set of 6

NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY

July 21, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

On July 22nd, relax in the shade and enjoy National Hammock Day. These portable, comfortable slings create excellent napping spaces no matter where you are!

Try some of these on you patio, porch, or in a livingroom corner. They make a great place to curl up with a good book or catch some zzz’s.

Inspired Home Living Large Deluxe Brazilian Hammock Chair KIT- Hanging Rope Swing - 2 45x45cm Pillows - Storage Bag - Steel Eye Hook - No Hammock Stand Required

by Inspired Home Living — Inspired Home Living Large Deluxe Brazilian Hammock Chair KIT- Hanging Rope Swing – 2 45x45cm Pillows – Storage Bag – Steel Eye Hook – No Hammock Stand Required

by Inspired Home Living

A hammock, used for swinging, sleeping or resting, is a sling made of fabric, rope or netting. When suspended between two points, a hammock forms a sling used for swinging, sleeping or resting. They are made from fabric, rope or netting. Usually, a hammock suspends between two points such as trees or posts.

ONCLOUD Double Hammock with 9 FT Steel Stand Space Saving, Hammock Stands Heavy Duty Includes Portable Carrying Case for Outdoor or Indoor (Yellow Blue)

by ONCLOUD

Though the hammock dates back thousands of years to Central America where it protected people from creatures and dirt, the netted bed didn’t find Europe until explorers brought it back in the 17th century. Not long after, the hammock found its way onto naval ships, providing comfort and maximizing space.

After swaying across the oceans, the hammock eventually became a more leisurely item. Made from a variety of fabrics, it suspended between trees in backyards and at lake cabins. Easily packed into a backpack, hammocks became essential elements of survival. Hikers, campers and mountain climbers added the light and compact sleep sling to their kits.

If the leisure of hammocks seems ho-hum to you, don’t go. Extreme hammocking puts the adventure into your rest and relaxation. Thrill-seekers sleep in hammocks hundreds of feet above a canyon floor.

Whether you use a hammock to take a nap or as a convenient tool in your camping kit, July 22nd second recognizes one innovative way to catch some sleep.

RISEON Handmade Boho Large Brazilian Macrame Fringe 2 Person Double Deluxe Hammock Swing Net Chair for Beach, Yard, Bedroom, Patio, Porch, Indoor, Outdoor, Wedding Decor 95" Lx 59" W

by RISEON — RISEON Handmade Boho Large Brazilian Macrame Fringe 2 Person Double Deluxe Hammock Swing Net Chair for Beach, Yard, Bedroom, Patio, Porch, Indoor, Outdoor, Wedding Decor 95″ Lx 59″ W

by RISEON

HOW TO OBSERVE

Hang up your hammock and take a nap. Use your own or borrow a hammock to celebrate. Post on social media using #NationalHammockDay.

NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH

June 30, 2026June 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

July is an excellent time for National Picnic Month. The fresh air stirs the appetite, and garden vegetables and fruits make outdoor eating easier.

Picnics hearken back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. A bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit made for an instant meal under the sky. The word picnic is derived from the French word piquenique.

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by Scuddles

Whether we pack meals for tailgating at sporting events, an afternoon get-away or a weekend of camping, picnics provide an excellent way to enjoy the company of friends and family away from home.

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by Tirrinia

It’s important to keep the meals simple and focus on the company. Sandwiches, finger foods, and beverages may seem plain, but it’s more about spending time with each other and being in nature.

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by apollo walker

HISTORY

The American Bakers’ Association founded National Picnic Month in 1952.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Pack up the picnic basket and head out to your favorite park. Bring juice, wine, fruit, cheese, bread and some smoked meats and you’re all set. Use #NationalPicnicMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH – July

June 29, 2023August 28, 2023Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

July is an excellent time for National Picnic Month. The fresh air stirs the appetite, and garden vegetables and fruits make outdoor eating easier.

Whether we pack meals for tailgating at sporting events, an afternoon get-away or a weekend of camping, picnics provide an excellent way to enjoy the company of friends and family away from home.

It’s important to keep the meals simple and focus on the company. Sandwiches, finger foods, and beverages may seem plain, but it’s more about spending time with each other and being in nature.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Pack up the picnic basket and head out to your favorite park. Bring juice, wine, fruit, cheese, bread and some smoked meats and you’re all set. Use #NationalPicnicMonth to share on social media.

Try any of these great recipes in your picnic basket. Any of them are great if making a picnic for Independence Day.

HISTORY

The American Bakers’ Association founded National Picnic Month in 1952.

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NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY – July 22

June 30, 2020June 30, 2020Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On July 22nd, relax in the shade and enjoy National Hammock Day. These portable, comfortable slings create excellent napping spaces no matter where you are!

Try some of these on you patio, porch, or in a livingroom corner. They make a great place to curl up with a good book or catch some zzz’s.

Whether you use a hammock to take a nap or as a convenient tool in your camping kit, July 22nd second recognizes one innovative way to catch some sleep.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Hang up your hammock and take a nap. Use your own or borrow a hammock to celebrate. Post on social media using #NationalHammockDay.

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TV Dinner Facts

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTVDinnerDay

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