We're Taking the Party Outdoors 0
That’s right, it’s spring in the Midwest, and we’ve taken to getting ready for entertaining on the
deck, the patio, or in the backyard. No more snow. No more freezing temps. We’re busy planning and can’t wait to see our friends and family. From Memorial Day to 4
th of July to Labor Day, we’re going to enjoy picnics and barbecue’s, pool parties and just good old-fashioned outdoor fun.
In my family there is at least one major picnic. The big event is at my brother’s lake house in July. Extended family members pull out their camping gear, prepare their menus, and pack their cars with everything they need for a weekend of fun. Swim suits, sleeping bags, snacks and salads, Frisbees and bean bag toss, party goods, even decorations – everything goes into the car and off we go to Michigan. Ants and mosquitoes be damned, it’s our party! Summer is our season. And after the winter we just had, we’ve earned it!
The party might not be until July, but we’re already thinking about it. That’s why we’re stocking up on
party supplies - colorful paper plates and napkins for the summer celebration. No need to run the dishwasher. In fact, there is no dishwasher at the summer cottage. But we’re ready. We’ve got disposable pint glasses, our fancy margarita glasses and champagne flutes to toast the season. We’ve got our supply of
patriotic party goods – those red, white and blue plates and napkins for Memorial Day and the 4
th of July, and we also have a collection of all those pretty pastel and Hawaiian
Luau party designs. Won’t matter which we take to Michigan because all anyone cares about is getting together and making memories. Memories created by several generations gathering together for one weekend each year, becoming reacquainted with distant cousins and great grand nieces and nephews.
We count on a hot, sunny day so the kids can play in the water and build sand castles on the beach. And the years when the weather does not comply, we pull out our sweatshirts and light the camp fire a little earlier in the evening. Instead of water and sand play we fill the day with games and activities until it’s time to roast the marshmallows and get out the guitar for an evening of song and camaraderie.
It’s only spring but I can already taste the party. It tastes like summer, a most refreshing tingle to the palate.
#patrioticparty #partysupplies #MemorialDay #July4th #LaborDay #luauparty
This year we get a 4th of July bonus. The holiday falls on Saturday. Thus many businesses are closed on Friday (we’re open so even last minute shoppers can get the best patriotic party supplies).
Almost all are eager to see spectacular bursts of color in the sky throughout Independence Day weekend. Not only is it an excuse for the little ones to stay up late and don their favorite glow jewelry, it also is a time for families to come together and celebrate the birth of our country. In the Midwest it has particular importance as one of the few holidays that generally promises good weather for an outdoor party.
The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2nd in 1776, but it took two days before the document, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, was complete. If you order your balloons on July 2nd they’ll be ready for pick up on July 4th, the date that makes U.S. Independence from Great Britain, or as we call it, the birthday of the United States. Back then there were 13 colonies; today three are 48 states, all united to recognize our forefathers and our country’s independence. And we do it in style. It is estimated that there are more than 14,000 firework displays across the country. And who knows how many backyard parties, picnics, parades, or barbeques are held each year. We are in the heat of summer and everyone looks forward to an excuse to get together and party.
Happy Birthday U.S.A. Let’s party!
