Picnic Etiquette for Memorial Day Weekend
The first summer holiday weekend is upon us, finally, the beginning of summer, sunshine and long days. I put together some etiquette reminders as we set to go out, have fun and socialize with family and friends. Whether you are the guest at a picnic, graduation party or family reunion — you may even be the host — we have to think about our behavior and putting our best foot forward. A picnic is networking at its best.
Picnics are becoming more personalized. We choose the foods we serve, our dining partners, and the location. Planned or impromptu, picnics are casual, fun and relaxed. The history of picnicking is credited to the Europeans, and people all around the world enjoying participating in these leisurely outings. The earliest picnics in England were medieval hunting feasts. We've come a long way.
After your invitation arrives, ask the host if you can bring something. They always appreciate the gesture.
Once you get there, track down the host to greet them, as they will be busy in many directions.
Talk to your children about the rules and what you expect from them, the running in and out of doors, their dirty plates, where in the house or neighborhood they are allowed to go. Can they go on the neighbors trampoline?
When going through the potluck line, just take one serving. You can always go back for seconds. Remember the double dipping rule!
If you are bringing food to share, try to at least double your recipe.
If you are a vegetarian, talk to your host about the choices they are serving or choices for you to bring. Picnics are about sharing food items and space.
When playing outdoor games, think about the best place to throw the frisbee.
Watch your foul language, as well as your alcohol intake, at picnics and ball parks. These are family friendly activities. Let's keep them that way.
Remember to clean up after yourself and throw trash away. You may have to clean up after others as well.
Always say good-bye to the host and thank them.
Use your common sense, simple rules and enjoy yourself (not at the expense of others). Always be the better person.
Happy Memorial Day.
joe simonton
12:47 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
I am sorry but I do not see how this is news or how this is common practice, this sounds more like a rulebook for socialists
Megan Rozsa
8:38 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Hi Joe,
This is a blog that was typed up by one of our readers. It's not meant to be news, just some light reading for you.
Thanks!
joe simonton
10:50 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Megan So she is just a self-described Etiquette Expert
Nikki Ferrell
12:16 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Hey Joe - Catherine runs a firm in Beachwood called Etiquette Consulting Services.
Bob Smith
10:46 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
You guys are impressive. Her blog should be called 'common sense', but obviously it is not given that you are actually disagreeing with it.
Nothing makes me happier than knowing I will never spend a picnic with Tom, who apparently enjoys eating with his hands, spitting all over the place, getting bombed and letting his stupid kids run wild. But hey man, civil disobedience is fashionable!
Susan Ruiz Patton
10:50 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
@Bob Smith Like!
joe simonton
10:54 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Well Bobby I guess you have never actually been to a pig roast, there is not a lot of fine china and silverware around, and what wine do you actually serve with pig
joe simonton
11:00 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
So Susan Ruiz Patton who is a As Regional Editor for Patch agrees with Bob Smith "@Bob Smith Like!" who calls another readers kids stupid "and letting his stupid kids run wild" is this actually the patch's view on kids
Susan Ruiz Patton
5:28 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Dear readers,
I'm sorry. I was responding to the common sense part of Bob's comments. Not his description of someone else's children.
Susan
Bob Smith
10:59 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Yep, I have been to many, moron. All have had silerware.
Peter Grossetti
11:26 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Yesterday, Bob's insult-of-the-day was "trash". Today it's "moron."
Still waiting for my call, "Bob".
joe simonton
11:44 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Really Bobby. so what you are saying is that nobody at "your" pig roasts that you have gone to ever eat anything without silverware, no children ever run around,and nobody ever drinks more than 2 beers
Bob Smith
12:55 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
The fact that you are sitting by your phone waiting to argue indicates that you are not at work. The fact that Cuy County Propery info does not have a record of you indicates that you are a renter.
I don't talk to unemployed renters, Pete.
Peter Grossetti
1:10 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Bob - I never said I wanted to argue; I just want you to call me "trash" to my face ... just like you did to other people here who do not share your views who are trying to have a rational conversation.
Everyone else - These types of immature, name-calling, antagonists need to be "called out." They hide behind their keyboards. They insult people's opinions. They have no solutions.
Steve
1:44 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
@Bob, you have wayyyyyyyyy to many prejudices, you should spend more time working on those than sitting at your computer, unless of course your looking up self-help directives.
Troy McClure
11:03 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Anyone who can not decipher the difference between "news" and a "column" should unplug their computer, shut up and go back to school. But then again, I enjoy ripping into one's unfortunate circumstances. Like being clueless.
joe simonton
11:24 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
AWWW whats wrong troy is freedom of speech not working for you
Nikki Ferrell
12:18 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Clearly this blog has ruffled some feathers, though I have a hard time seeing why! Let's all take a tip from Catherine and use some of our etiquette on this stream. I'd hate to shut down comments on such a non-controversial blog!
joe simonton
12:42 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
also Nikki you have a single poster calling peoples kids "stupid" and calling other posters "Morons" and these type of comments are ok
tom m
3:02 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Ok Nikki ferrell why is it allowed that someone post that my kids are stupid, and your regional editor Susan Patton agree with him
joe simonton
12:33 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Nikki as I posted earlier Susan Ruiz Patton who is a As Regional Editor for Patch agrees with Bob Smith "@Bob Smith Like!" who calls another readers kids stupid "and letting his stupid kids run wild" is this actually the patch's view on kids?? and Nikki do you think that regional editors of the patch should be in agreement with readers calling other readers kids stupid
Evan Hammersmith
12:36 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
the blog lists basic procedures for being a respectful human when invited to another's house. While I didnt learn anything new, I was reminded of a pot luck at my house where an uninvited friend of a guest showed up. He was too classy to use a plate, so he instead tore off the lid to the pizza box to use as a plate. He took the community bowl of caramel corn off the table and sat it in his lap for his personal enjoyment. He later left without thanking ANYONE let alone the hosts for providing a free meal. I'm not high society, but my mother raised me better than that...
Sallie M
12:57 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Wow! After reading through the all the comments I'm glad I choose to pick my battles! If being offended by this etiquette post is the worst thing that has happened to you, I want your life! (And your time)
Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!