The Sunday Edit | No. 17: The Memorial Day Edit
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The Summer Table:
A Memorial Day weekend issue with easy grilling ideas, simple summer sides, something sweet, and a moment of remembrance.
A meal shared, children playing outside, sunlight lingering a little longer at the table-these are the gifts of ordinary days.
If you missed our last issue, you can catch up on No. 16 here.
In This Issue
The Sunday Journal: The First Table of Summer
May 17, 2026
There is a quiet shift that happens over Memorial Day weekend.
The days begin to stretch toward summer, the grill comes out, and meals have a way of moving outdoors whenever the weather allows. It feels like the first table of summer-not quite the full abundance of the season yet, but a beginning. A long weekend. A slower meal. A chance to gather.
And still, at the heart of this weekend is remembrance.
Before summer begins in earnest, Memorial Day asks us to pause. To remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. To hold gratitude close and to remember that 250 years ago, a group of brave souls determined to create a new country with a new vision of freedom for all, and to that end, many gave their lives not only for their family, but for us as well.
This weekend, may we recognize the gift of ordinary days: a meal shared, children playing outside, sunlight lingering a little longer at the table.
This week's Sunday Edit is a simple one, gathered with that spirit in mind: easy ideas for the grill, fresh sides for the season ahead, something sweet to share, and a few moments of remembrance and gratefulness.
Happy Sunday and Happy Memorial Day.
At the Table: An Easy Summer Grill (Memorial Day Recipes)
Memorial Day weekend is often the first time the grill feels like the center of the meal again. I like to keep the menu simple: something grilled, something fresh, something cool, and one small touch that makes the table feel special.
On the menu:
- The Starters: If your menu of Memorial Day recipes includes grilled steak as the main, try salami caprese skewers. For a more casual menu of BBQ foods and ribs, you'll love a cool cucumber salad and this yogurt dill sauce to serve with veggies and chips.
- The Sides: Alongside the main event, the summer side dishes often take the spotlight! These grilled vegetables with burrata are always a favorite, feel special, and like a warm welcome to summer. On the simpler side, in addition to pasta salad or potato salad, this grilled corn on the cob is a favorite summer standby.
- The Savory: This year, The Seattle Dog will make an appearance at our grill party, but ribs and firecracker burgers are always on the menu, too.
- Elevated Upgrade: If you're grilling steak, a generous dollop of Herbed Infused Compound Butter is a simple culinary addition that makes a standard cookout feel like a catered event.
- The Sweets: Memorial Day and s'mores are made for each other. These s'mores cookie cups, or s'mores cookies, are an easy way to enjoy s'mores without a campfire.
The Sweets: Easy Summer Desserts
Reflection: Honor & Remembrance
Before the weekend gives way fully to summer, Memorial Day invites us to pause and remember. Whether through a quiet moment, a visit to a local memorial, or simply taking time to reflect, we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
If you'd like to read more, these two pieces from the archive remain close to my heart:
- The Meaning of Memorial Day: A story of freedom and remembrance
- Poppies of Memorial Day: The meaning behind the red flowers
Wishing you a meaningful and beautiful weekend filled with delicious food, beautiful company, and a remembrance of all that came before.
Stephanie
At the Table | 31Daily
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