Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Memorial Day Party
Memorial Day is the perfect time to kickoff the summer with the first warm weather party of the year. If you're gearing up to celebrate by hosting a patriotic fête, here are the best cocktails to serve, food to grill, and decorations to buy for the event:
1. Start With Summer-Themed Invitations
As the unofficial start of summer, a Memorial Day party should include everything we love about the season. Make it a cookout so you can spend time outside in the warm weather. An invitation like this Etsy design will make the theme very clear: BBQ, cookout, and an ode to all-things summer.
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2. Stick to a Red, White, and Blue Color Scheme
The nature of the holiday makes your decor choice fairly simple: stick to red, white, and blue. Incorporate the American flag into your decorations whenever possible, like with flags or wreaths. If you have an American flag waving proudly at your home, remember that citizens are asked to display the flag at half-staff before noon on Memorial Day.
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Since no party is complete without an epic balloon display, pick up a patriotic bundle like this red, white, and blue party set from Etsy.
SHOP NOW Patriotic Balloon Set, $14-84
3. Stick to Summer Classics for the Menu
Your Memorial Day party menu should feature all-American classics. Maximize your time outdoors by hosting a BBQ where you can cook everything on a grill. Stick to a simple menu of burgers, hot dogs, skewers, and grilled vegetables. If you're planning a grill-free picnic instead, bring a few sandwich options with a pasta or potato salad, watermelon slices, and chopped vegetables with hummus.
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SHOP NOWSteak Burger Flight, Chicago Steak Company, $149.95
For dessert, take advantage of the patriotic theme with an American flag cake, like this one from the Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten. If you're looking for even more dessert inspiration, we've got 20 other recipes right this way.
A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten) on Jun 29, 2017 at 9:41am PDT
4. The Drinks Should Be Flowing
A strong drink setup is essential to any Memorial Day party, because what is a summer BBQ without a full cocktail list?! In addition to your basic drink offerings, create a signature cocktail for your event. This red, white, and blue cocktail is equal parts refreshing, delicious, and completely on-theme. For even more Memorial Day cocktail ideas, check out 14 other recipes to make here.
As with any summer party, expect plenty of beer drinkers who will want to sip a refreshing brew. But you can also please beer and booze lovers at the same time with a beer cocktail, like a Birmosa, which combines mango puree and a macro lager like Peroni.
5. The Most Important Addition to Any Party: Rosé
Did you think we'd plan a party without T&C's signature summer beverage? Nope. Memorial Day means rosé season is underway, so make sure you have a few pink wine options for your guests. Rosé is available in a range of princes, so there's something for every budget. One inexpensive option is Whispering Angel, which is made in Provence, France. For a sparkling wine try Taittinger Prestige Brut Rosé Champagne. It comes with at a higher price point but will please any party guest. If you're on the go or heading to a picnic, choose from an plethora of canned rosés options, many of which are surprisingly good. Dark Horse's canned Rosé is a great starting point.
6. Make a Donation to a Military-Focused Charity
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Consider making a donation of any size to a military-focused charity in honor of the occasion, and urge your guests to do the same in lieu of bringing food, drinks, or gifts. Here are three charities that can help you make an impact on Memorial Day:
National Military Family Association DONATE NOW
National Military Family Association has been supporting families of military members since 1969. One of the organization's highlights is the Operation Purple Program, which offers a summer camp experience for military children along with family retreats and healing adventures for military families.
Tuesday's Children DONATE NOW
Originally founded to help families who lost a loved one on September 11th, Tuesday's Children provides assistance and support to families and communities grieving after traumatic loss. The organization has a special initiative specifically for families of fallen military members.
Hope For The Warriors DONATE NOW
This nonprofit organization works directly with veterans, military families, and families of fallen military members. It offers a range of services, including peer mentorship programs, military spouse scholarships, and health and wellness support for veterans and families.
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