Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Sunday Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life.
I think about summer often, and maybe because of everything the season offers, maybe too much. And when I do, my mind drifts to family barbecues, enjoying ice cream along a boardwalk, neighborhood parties, and picnics. I can even taste the season’s flavors: juicy peaches, grilled burgers, salads brimming with tomatoes and cucumbers, sweet corn on the cob… and more ice cream!
Now that we’re deep into the season, I’m realizing how important food is to my summertime activities and its role in bringing friends and family together. The food we share satisfies our hunger and feeds our need for social interaction and belonging, strengthening our relationships and communities.
As we move into the last full month of summer, I find myself thinking about how we can leverage our love of food to enhance its impact on our taste buds and our connections with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
A barbecue gathering
We’ve all been to backyard barbecues where the cook is working the grill wearing a giant smile and a personalized apron, while everyone else enjoys the warm evening, a cold beverage, good conversation, and whiffs of sizzling steak and smoky ribs. Conversation during the cruditès inevitably turns to shared anticipation for the main course.
The McCanns are very into having summertime family gatherings and they all have an additional ritual around the food: Everyone plays a part in the preparation of the meal. The adults are given jobs like preparing appetizers and making desserts, while the grandkids are assigned duties like putting out condiments, hot dog and hamburger buns, napkins, and whatever other accoutrements we’ll need.
Nobody leaves our house without feeling like they contributed to the success of the evening. These moments of collaboration and laughter are what make our gatherings special, and they give us even more to talk about next time.
After all, the act of preparing and enjoying a cookout is more than just cooking; it's about strengthening bonds over the food we eat. It's these simple pleasures – good food, great company, and the beauty of a summer night – that make barbecues at our home or beach picnics so memorable.
The power of a potluck
Another quintessential summer food ritual is the potluck. These gatherings democratize the culinary experience, inviting everyone to participate and contribute. Each dish brought to a potluck symbolizes an individual's heritage and tastes.
As we sample each other's creations, we engage in conversations, learn about different cultures and cooking techniques, and build bonds. Potlucks epitomize the spirit of sharing and collective enjoyment, reinforcing the idea that food is a universal language that unites us all.
Potlucks are not limited to summer. They’re held at many events throughout the year, including at churches after services, community centers, schools, and offices. In fact, several of our offices now hold monthly salad bar potlucks. It’s a great way to enjoy the food that everyone contributes and reinforces the sense of community among our team members while also eating a healthy meal.
If you’re thinking about hosting a summer potluck picnic, or have been invited to one, check out these very shareable recipes from Harry & David for inspiration. You’ll find ideas for everything from sweet-and-spicy mango pasta salad to a very seasonal stone fruit charcuterie board.
Breaking the ice while breaking bread
If you find yourself at a gathering this summer with strangers with nothing to say, just look to what you’re eating for conversation starters.
At farmers markets, for example, you can exchange cooking tips, recommend favorite vendors, or ask about unfamiliar ingredients. The excitement of discovering a new type of cheese or a unique heirloom tomato can lead to discussions about culinary techniques and food origins.
At a barbecue, the grill naturally draws people in to discuss what's cooking, share favorite recipes, or reminisce about past gatherings. The aroma of sizzling burgers and hot dogs invites questions and comments, making it easy for guests to strike up conversations with those they might not know well.
Summer meals also encourage storytelling, with each dish having its own backstory. Someone might share how a recipe has been passed down through generations, while another might recount a memorable meal they had while traveling.
Food is a universal language throughout the year. But in the relaxed atmosphere of summer, it becomes even more powerful in sparking a hunger for conversations and strengthening relationships.
All the best,
Jim
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AUTHOR
Jim McCann is the founder, CEO, and chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. as well as a business leader, author, and philanthropist with a passion for helping people deliver smiles. Devoted to helping others, he also founded Smile Farms, a 501(c)3 organization that provides meaningful jobs in agricultural settings to young adults and adults with developmental disabilities.
