Memorial Day is often viewed as the unofficial kick-off to summer. Woohoo for three day weekends! It’s the perfect opportunity to fire up the barbecue and enjoy time with friends and family. We’re sharing some of our favorite Memorial Day party ideas to help get the celebration started!
Honor The Reason
Memorial Day originated in 1968. It was originally called Decoration Day and was used as a day to place flowers on the graves of soldiers who had died. Fast forward to 1971 – the traditional observance on May 30th was adjusted to the last Monday of May to create a longer holiday weekend.
While many people are excited to enjoy an extra day off, we encourage you to take a little time to honor the true reason behind Memorial Day. Our freedoms are not free and it is important to remember the men, women, and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for them.
You can pay tribute to the fallen by attending Memorial Day services. You can obtain information by contacting your local VFW.
Let’s Eat!
Let’s be honest – not everyone is interested in throwing a Pinterest-worthy party. However, you can still throw an amazing barbecue without spending hours on food and decorations. Sticking with potluck or buffet-style food options can make the event fun while still allowing it to stay casual. Here are a few of our quick tips:
- Burger & Hot Dog Bar – Offer various toppings, from traditional to unusual (like pickles or Sriracha)
- Fruit Skewers or S’mores Bar – Keep it cool with fresh fruit or fire up the fire pit and enjoy s’mores. Side Note: You can also go with a more patriot fruit skewer theme with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Grilled Veggies – Make healthy choices by adding some vegetables (including fresh corn) to the mix! Grill up some fresh veggies for a delicious alternative to chips.
- Safety Notes – Be sure to keep all cold items, such as mayonnaise, dairy, and egg dishes, on ice or in the refrigerator to avoid contamination that can lead to food poisoning.
Keep The Decorations Simple
You don’t have to spend days working on your party decorations. Backyard barbecues can be simple. Use galvanized steel tubs to ice down drinks. Opt for plastic/paper utensils and plates. String lights, paper lanterns, and decorative American flags also bring a big punch of festivity and patriotism to your party. However, remember that people are more likely to remember great food and conversations – not about your amazing decorations.
Play Outside
As the unofficial summer kickoff, it’s time to get OUTSIDE! Here are some of our most fun ideas for outdoor events:
- Set up a fun water station for the kids (and adults, too). You can even keep it super simple by just turning on your sprinkler!
- Have a water balloon fight.
- Play Twister on the lawn.
- Set up competitive traditional games, such as a three-legged race.
- Create a treasure hunt, one for kids and one for adults.
Everyone at D&D wishes you a very safe and happy Memorial Day. Let us know in the comments what your favorite traditions are.
Also, please don’t put things in the disposal that don’t need to go there. However, if you do, we’re available to help you out.