It is the official/unofficial start to Summer with Memorial Day coming up. I asked my hubby to write a few words about throwing a good Memorial Day event, since he is the one that typically puts everything together for our Summer BBQ’s… Below are some good tips for entertaining over the Memorial Day Weekend.

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Memorial Day is a holiday we observe in the United States to remember the people who have died while serving in the armed forces.  In social media today you may see many internet memes relating to the sentiment that, “Memorial Day isn’t just a BBQ day”, but with many other federal holidays in our country it is inevitable that people will gather and share a meal.  We live in a military town and our circle of friends is largely comprised of active and former military members.  We sometimes observe Memorial Day either hosting or attending a gathering and often life stories of fallen comrades remembered are told.

 

If you’re hosting a gathering this year, here are a few tips you might find helpful:

 

Decorating for your event is easier when you already have a theme.  Displaying U.S. flags appropriately on Memorial Day is a great start to helping to set the tone and mood for your guests.  Flags are sold in many sizes and there are several options for display at various price points.  If you’re not sure how to properly display your flag, there are numerous resources on the internet to highlight the part of the U.S. Code that constitutes the “Flag Code”.

 

When it comes to partyware such as napkins, plates, utensils, and table cloths, look for solid colors or red, white and blue or patriotic patterns.  It’s a good idea to steer clear of the decorations where the U.S. flag is printed on the materials to keep from offending veterans or other patriotic folks in attendance.

 

Take a moment once everyone is gathered but before serving your food to address the occasion for the day and talk about what Memorial Day means to you.  Encourage your guests to participate or share.  It’s a great way to bring everyone together and ensure your event isn’t “just another BBQ”.

 

It’s typically warm on Memorial Day and it’s important to plan activities to take advantage of nice weather.  Individual or small group activities like corn hole or horse shoes are fun, low cost, easy to set up and clean up.  Group activities like volleyball or badminton are great way to include the majority of your guests.  For more active people, a soccer ball and some makeshift goals is an inexpensive idea to keep even kids with endless energy entertained.

 

 

We found everything we needed for our Memorial Day Get Together at our local Walmart Store!