"Foodways. Dining is social in colonial era Food played a very important part in the social lives of 18th-century Virginians. Aside from providing basic sustenance, dining was also one of the most important ways that colonial Virginians exchanged information. The dining process might last for two hours in some upper-class households. It wasn't unusual for a conversation that began at a dinner table to continue well into the night". Colonial Williamsburg, Households, Dinner Table, 18th Century, Conversation, Dining, Night