Memorial Day Party Ideas
Effortlessly host your friends and family, AND honor those heroic men and women who have served our beautiful country with these easy Memorial Day party ideas! You and your guests will love the (effortless) patriotic party decor, delicious drinks / desserts, and a special tribute to those who have served our country!
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Observing and thanking those who have served our country and fought for our freedoms.
Memorial Day holds a special place in the hearts of many. It is, of course, a time to gather friends and family over a hot BBQ filled to the brim with hot dogs and juicy hamburgers, but more importantly it’s a time to honor the men and women who’ve served our country and fought for our freedoms!
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Both my grandfather and Adam’s grandfather served our country during World War II, and while thankfully they lived to enjoy the freedoms they fought so hard to protect, we couldn’t imagine not observing their heroism!
Memorial Day Party – Decorations that honor our heroes
Did you know that Memorial Day was previously coined Decoration Day? A name that’s seemingly appropriate, however perhaps mildly insensitive. At some point the idea of observing those who have served became overshadowed by party streamers, yard flags, and the smell of hot dogs… perhaps it became more about the kick off of Summer than those that served before us? Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. This is truly where the tradition of Memorial Day parties began. So, needless to say, these simple entertaining ideas incorporate those that are near and dear to our hearts; those who have served our country and fought for our freedoms! For without them, the men, the women and their families we would not live as we do today!
Hanging photographs of our loved ones who served is a beautiful reminder of our freedoms. I place ours over the service area, which serves as a beautiful reminder and conversation piece. Let’s share stories and truly observe the brave men and women of our country!
One of our favorite traditions is to proudly hang our bunting flags! Something about these tea-stained flags brings me back to a simpler time… a time of early Americana. Hanging classic bunting flags on your front porch is a easy, yet impactful way to add Memorial Day decoration to your home. It screams America… it beams with pride!
Another way I like to add patriotic decor is thru the use of flowers and effortless, patriotic floral arrangements. White and blue Hydrangea, and red Geranium can be arranged in seconds and are classically patriotic! Simply repot your geranium and accent with a mini American flag. Next, cut your hydrangea stems, place in a simple white vases and you’re done! (see this post on how to cut and make your hydrangea last for up to 10 days!)
Use your food and beverage station as part of the Memorial Day party decor
Want another effortless way to add patriotic charm? Serve up your drinks in clear beverage dispensers and let the patriotic colors shine thru! Serving up colorful beverages is an easy and delicious way to naturally add a little red, white and blue to your Memorial Day party! We love a crown pleasing and delicious Red Sangria (perfect for warmer weather)! Have kids at your party? Mix up a delicious fruit punch as a non-alcoholic option!
In lieu of regular glasses, I put out small mason jars for guests to easily serve themselves. Add an adorable daisy mason jar drink lids and pop in a simple striped paper straw (available in red or blue) to make any occasion feel more festive!
Easy Red Sangria Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 2 red apples, diced into chunks
- 1 orange, diced into chunks (remember to remove the rind)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 bottle medium-bodied red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup orange juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place all ingredients in the beverage dispenser and stir to combine.
- Next, refrigerate the sangria for 3 to 4 hours, up to overnight, before serving.
- Finally, when ready to serve, give the sangria one last stir and add ice to the beverage dispenser.
Memorial Day Menu
Memorial Day Party Idea – Main Dish
Hamburgers and hotdogs are a staple at any Memorial Day gathering and it’s not hard to see why! Both are non-fussy crown pleasers! Children and adults alike load up their buns with a hot dogs (or hamburgers) and a tasty array of condiments… it couldn’t be simpler. Me? I’m an an onion, ketchup and mustard gal! My husband, well he prefers his tried and true Flo’s Hot Dog Relish 🙂 A New England favorite where he grew up!
Simply serve up your food in a festive patriotic food trays, and you easily add a little red, white and blue to this Memorial Day celebration! PLUS, these paper food trays make for easy clean up and that’s a Win-Win in my book!
Memorial Day Party Idea – Side
A patriotic fruit salad is a no brainer for your Memorial Day party; It’s simple, festive and delicious! Gather a large bowl, toss in some strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas and apples… sprinkle with a pinch of white sugar and your patriotic fruit salad is complete!
Memorial Day Party Idea – Dessert
And of course no Memorial Day would be complete without a festive dessert! There are many red, white and blue dessert recipes to choose from, but our family favorite is angel food cake served with fresh fruit and whipped cream! Keep things simple and let your guests decorate mini angel food cakes with patriotic blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream on top!
OR
Try making this super simple (and delicious) Summer dessert! Serve on classic blue and white plates (whether real or paper gingham plates) and you have instant (yet subtle) patriotic flair!
Get the recipe for this delicious mini Angel Food Cake with Blackberry Reduction Sauce here!
Shop this Post and Similar Items for your Memorial Day Party Ideas
Below are a list of either exact items used in this post about Memorial Day party ideas or items that would work equally as well and are patriotically adorable! All products are all items that I either own (and love) or are on my Memorial Day party wish list! Enjoy!
American Bunting Flags (tea-stained)
American Bunting Flags (Plain)
Classic Stitched American Flag
Clear Glass Beverage Dispenser
Paper Patriotic Food Containers
Blue and White Gingham Melamine Plates
Red and White Gingham Paper Plates
Blue and White Dinner Plates (these are gorgeous!)
Red and White Striped Paper Straws
Blue and White Striped Paper Straws
Like this post? Then you will enjoy these posts as well!
- My favorite ideas for decorating your porch
- Learn to make a beginner compote flower arrangement
- Simple Summer Time Dessert – Mini Angel Food Cake with Blackberry Reduction Sauce
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