While Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is first and foremost the day we set aside for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces, it is also a holiday that marks the start of the summer season – and visits from family and friends who are on vacation. Sometimes our guests just pass through, on their way from one place to another, and sometimes they linger, for a night, or more, as many of our guests will be doing this coming Memorial Day weekend. If you want to enjoy your company and have time for a meaningful visit, plan to keep meals fairly easy and relaxed – especially breakfast. Breakfast options, like bowls of fruit and homemade muffins are excellent choices, as are an assortment of juice, yogurt and cold cereals, including granola, which can be eaten with milk in a bowl, enjoyed as a tasty snack throughout the day, or added to a batter for making cookies. Attractive, easy to use self-serve dispensers are particularly convenient to set up for visitors, with OXO’s new Good Grips Countertop Cereal Dispenser being practical and just plain fun to use, whether you’ve got a houseful of company, or not. I find I’m getting rather fond of this new-to-me self-serve concept, and if you’ve been the chief cook and bottle-washer, through one holiday meal to the next, you will too.

Sue Ade is a syndicated food writer with broad experience and interest in the culinary arts. She has worked and resided in the Lowcountry of South Carolina since 1985 and may be reached at kitchenade@yahoo.com.