Here we are, preparing for a brand-new ball season. Time to pick out the duds to wear to the ball, hotel room, tickets, childcare…. Well, for some military families. With the pandemic still continuing, military balls are canceling across the U.S. With it being the second year of no military ball for some families, it’s time to mix it up (again) and celebrate the ball, your own way.
All You Need for A Military Ball, Your Way
Food
This is awesome. No need to worry about food allergies, you can choose food that is allergen-free! Make it at home, or splurge on your favorite restaurant. Or perhaps splurge on the new restaurant you have been wanting to try but haven’t due to time or cost. Well, you aren’t spending several hundred on ball tickets! Order food to go for a luxurious meal at home in celebration of the ball.
Don’t forget the cake!
No ball celebration is complete without cake. The typical offerings of sheet cake at a ball don’t have to happen this year if you don’t want them to. Get a slice of cake from a local bakery, or maybe try something a little different with cannoli or baklava. All the sweets are for the taking. If you are making it a family ball, consider a dessert bar, shakes or root beer floats. There are so many ways to fulfill that sweet tooth!
Dress up or down!
No dress code in your own home! If you want to wear yoga pants, do it. If you want to dress up, do it! Athletic pants and sweatshirts never felt so comfortable when you are celebrating the ball your own way at home.
Dance off!
Whether you are up-to-date on all the new dancing trends or not, get your dance on. Don’t be afraid to use YouTube University to learn dance moves, or ask your kids (they probably know!)
Baby, you’re a firework!
Add a little sparkle to the day with confetti poppers, sparklers, or fireworks. I mean, if they celebrate July 4th with a sparkle in the sky, who says you can’t do a little too for a military ball? Please check state regulations for what is legal before setting off fireworks.
Outdoor options.
If your unit ball is canceled but there is a group that desires to gather together, consider outdoor options. Get a tent for an outdoor covering, everyone brings tables, chairs, and food to celebrate together. Perhaps there is a dinner cruise in your area that your group could go to. You can get dressed up, enjoy the food and dance – all with your people.
Donate to a favorite organization.
In lieu of paying for ball tickets, hotel room, a new outfit for the ball, and childcare, consider donating to an organization that supports military families and veterans. Every little bit helps, and it stays within the military community.
Don’t go it alone.
Based on your level of comfort, consider asking close friends over to celebrate. Print up invitations with the details – including the date, time, and dress code. Make dinner potluck style so everyone can share their favorite dish.
Make it a staycation.
The ball is more than a celebration, it is time together as a family and friends reflecting on the year. Getting that hotel room as a break is sometimes just as much of the celebration as dressing up and getting down on the dance floor. Why not get a hotel room local to where you are? Dress up or down, but order room service or get food delivered for a treat. Want to bring the whole family? Why not! It’s your ball!
How are you celebrating the ball this year?
