Memorial Day kicks off the summer season, and what better way to welcome this wonderful time of the year than by hosting a fun shindig for all of your family and friends? Pull out the barbecue, whip up some fresh lemonade, and head out into the sunshine for a Memorial Day party your friend and family will be talking about for years to come.
An Outdoor Affair
The weather is warming up, so plan to have your party in the great outdoors and take advantage of the glorious sunshine. Set up card tables on the lawn, or lay out blankets and have a picnic-style shindig. If you plan on keeping the party going well after the sun has gone down, make sure you prepare your backyard with the proper lighting. String up twinkle lights, place tea lights on all the tables, and let the glow of candles keep all those you love in clear sight even when the stars come out. If you don’t have enough yard space to handle all of your guests, you can always move the affair to a public park that allows you to rent out different areas. Some parks offer full kitchens that party planners can use, meaning everything you need to throw a festive party is included.
Keep Your Guests Entertained
While there’s much to be said about casual mingling and conversation, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of entertainment options for guests to enjoy while they bask under the summer sun. Invest in some backyard games that your family will get wonderful use of for years to come, and take it a step further with a bit of personalization. Companies like Victory Tailgate offer all the popular backyard games we know and love, but allow you to put your own spin on it. Why not include your favorite sports team’s colors on a cornhole set? You’ll add a special touch to your occasion that everyone will enjoy. Keep the kids giggling with the purchase of an Uncle Sam cut out. Have willing adults and little ones put their face in the opening, and prepare a bucket of of water balloons ready for tossing—a fun and silly way for your guests to cool down in the summer heat!
To Theme or Not to Theme
Consider throwing a themed party to put a fun twist on the occasion. You can get into the patriotic summer spirit and give nod to the occasion by requesting your guests wear American flag clothing. If you want to take it a step further, you might request that friends and family members show up as historical American figures from the past—be prepared to catch a George Washington or Benjamin Franklin in the mix. Get ready for hilarious outfits and amazing photos to remember the occasion by.
The Food
Nothing fits a summer shindig like barbecue, and luckily, this makes planning food for the day a whole lot easier. Stick to the classic “American” foods; think hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie, macaroni and cheese, etc. If you’re working on a budget, make the affair a potluck occasion and ask your loved ones to bring their favorite American dish.
The Décor
Have your Fourth of July decorations from last year do double-duty, or purchase some new décor items that you can use for both occasions this year. You can’t go wrong with American flags, and you can up the ante with red, white, and blue balloon bouquets. Stick with white table cloths and accessorize with red and blue plastic cups and cutlery for an easy way to bring some festivity to your spread.
Summer is almost here, and with Memorial Day on its way, it’s time to get on top of your party planning. With the right décor, food, entertainment, and of course, family and friends, you’ll be well prepared to have a May shindig you won’t soon forget.