Memorial Day is often called the official start of summer, and the weekend signals the beginning of a season of outdoor entertaining. This time of year translates into casual barbecues, grilled burgers or steaks, casual dining under the stars, themed brunches, outdoor weddings and everything in between. We all had to pause parties and social gatherings for the last few years, so the sunny days of summer have special significance in 2022. As with any celebration, a pop of planning yields happier guests and a more relaxed host (or hosts). Keep reading for a dose of our best outdoor entertaining etiquette tips as you dream up your social calendar and spread the fun.
Outdoor Entertaining Etiquette: Summer 2022
Give Your Guests an Experience
Envision yourself as a guest at your outdoor party. What do you see, smell, taste and hear? From the moment a guest receives the invitation, the theme has been set by the host. Be clear with your expectations so guests will feel comfortable. For example, if you would like your guests to wear a certain color, specify this on the invitation. If you would appreciate your guests bringing their own drinks, BYOB is appropriate to request.
The smell of the grill, the delicious comfort foods from your past, and a great playlist can conjure up all kinds of memories. A signature cocktail can be as easy as a large pitcher of sangria. Whatever alcoholic libation you offer, have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and bottled water available.
Whether you are going for a modern or nostalgic event, put some thought into your theme and all the details. One of my favorite recipes is perfect for a Memorial Day party. My girlfriend Gina shared it with me several years ago, and it reminds me of my visit to Exira, Iowa when we went downtown to watch the parade, then came back home to fried chicken, potato salad, several other sides and Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Here is the recipe:
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Crust:
3 cups of crushed pretzels – use a meat tenderizer or something to break up the pretzels
¾ cup melted butter
4 tablespoons sugar
Topping:
2 packages of strawberry gelatin
2 containers of sweet, frozen strawberries, thawed
2 cups boiling water
Yummy Filling:
1 cup sugar
1 package cream cheese (8 ounces)
Tub of thawed whipped topping
Directions:
Boil water and pour gelatin in – dissolve. Stir in strawberries and let set in the fridge for approximately one hour. Mix crust ingredients together and place in 12×9 dish. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and let cool.
Beat filling together with a mixer until lumps are gone. Spread with spatula over cooled crust and refrigerate until cool. When gelatin is almost set, spoon over filling and refrigerate until firm.
Let Your Theme Lead the Way
Selecting a theme for your outdoor bash helps everything fall into place. Some ideas for inspiration, courtesy of HGTV:
- Summer Spa Day
- Bohemian Nights
- Summer Sweet Tooth
- Splash of Citrus
- Bring the Beach to Your Backyard
- Tropical Luau
- Outdoor Game Night
Join Forces With Family, Friends or Neighbors
Another outdoor entertaining etiquette recommendation: party planning is always more fun when shared with other people who are just as excited to welcome and entertain guests. It also makes it easy to brainstorm menu ideas, share the cost of food and rentals, combine outdoor games and divide and conquer tasks as each of you play to your strengths. You’ll also expand your social circle when you collaborate on the guest list and open up the opportunity to meet new faces.
Have Essentials Handy
You can never have enough sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer and pool towels within reach. Create a basket with extras for guests and restock throughout the party. This is the time to find a great selection of summer favorites you can reach for again and again. You can stick to the red, white and blue theme or branch out to summer colors you can use all season.
Display the Flag With Respect
The flag should be flown at half staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset to honor our patriotic heroes. I am often asked if it is disrespectful to wear a flag on your body or display on a hat. On the contrary, unless the article is made from an actual United States flag, people are often wearing the garment to show support of their country and their patriotism. I only suggest you think carefully before you choose your outfit to make sure it is not offensive.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
You may also like Honor a Soldier This Memorial Day. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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