Memorial Day PARTY

Memorial Day is one week away!

As most of our lives are returning to some semblance of "normal" post-pandemic, and families are starting to gather and celebrate again, Memorial Day festivities are a great place to start dusting off your hospitality skills, and your Weber grill.

Growing up, my family always had some sort of shindig on Memorial Day. Mostly grandparents, aunts, uncle, cousins, maybe a friend or two. The grill was always fired up with pork steaks, bratwurst, kebabs. And the tables overflowed with salads, and sides like corn on the cob, grilled veggies, deviled eggs, and baked beans.

From left to right - Grandma Mardell, my brother Josh, my mother Emmie and me playing Wiffle Ball at the park during a family event.

Pies, cobblers, and crisps with ice cream were always the dessert of choice at our party, along with plenty of cold watermelon.

Whether you smoke your BBQ, or grill steaks, or just make some craft sandwiches for your Memorial Day gathering, I've got two AMAZING sides that are sure to complement your spread and WOW your guests.

First is These Cool, Creamy Cucumbers

Simple to make in advance and have ready, this play on a cucumber salad is bright and fresh, and will certainly help balance anything else you are serving at your gathering.

Next is this Watermelon and Feta Salad

This salad is an absolute DELIGHT. You and your guests will be surprised by how delicious it is. A collection of flavors not usually paired together, but totally complimentary, its a secret weapon side dish you'll want to keep in your back pocket for all your summer parties.

Make one or both of these dishes next weekend, and you'll be sure to have hosted a party your guests won't soon forget.

But whatever you find yourself doing this Memorial Day, I pray you are surrounded by your loved ones, and your time is filled with joy.