Summertime affords the wonderful opportunity of a slightly slower pace in this rush around world.
We do a little more gathering, gardening, and gallivanting than in other seasons of the year.
The kids are out of school, and we are more able to spend some quality time with family.
However, sometimes, the days pass by too quickly and we don't make the most of what we have, and then...
everyone is back to the same old grindstone, and some of the moments are lost.
Don't let this happen to you and yours this summer.
Set your intentions and make some plans to create some memorable moments.
Why not throw a party for your family? Generally we think that we have to invite other people to our summertime soirees, but when is the last time you delivered some personal invitations to your own children and spouse inviting them to a planned evening of good food and good company--yourselves being the good company? Often people get together spontaneously and enjoy a barbecue or an evening on the lawn, but I am suggesting something that will make your family want to set aside the time to attend.
If you have aging parents, or relatives that have lived a full life with an abundance of stories to tell, invite them to be the guest of honor.
On your invitations to family members, tell them who the guest of honor will be, and ask them to think of 3-5 questions that they can ask at the party to spark some family history memories.
Expect an RSVP, with the questions included.
In that way, you will ensure they have thought about it and have a personal interest in the answers.
You can even have the kids decorate a "chair of honor" for the distinguished guest and give them the charge of making sure they are comfortable and well cared for during the evening.
Do not forget the video camera.
You will be recording history in the making.
Once you have those details settled, decide on what you want to serve.
It will be more memorable to serve a family favorite or recipe passed down through the generations.
Pull out some old family cookbooks, or ask your guest some of the food they grew up with, and how it was prepared.
Get some clear plastic tableware to serve everything on, so that the food is more easily seen, and looks more palatable.
Clear plastic is also sturdier, and for the young and old, you will have less spilling, collapsing, etc.
When more than one sense is engaged in an experience, it become imprinted on the memory more strongly.
Consider the diverse ways you can make this evening one that will last in every one's hearts for a lifetime.