You need to drag your peeps to the table to get them to eat. If you happen to see a collectable while they're all at the table, pick up one of the peeps from the long side of the table (not the side with their backs to the TV). For some reason, those two seats make the peeps stay for a long time. If you have more peeps than seats, seat the kids first, then the parents. The kids will use the "slow" spaces and mom and dad can get back to working on their careers!

PS: Welcome to the game...and the forum!! Lots of great peeps here, too!!