Memorial Day Ideas

Choose a Location

Since the date is already determined, the first thing you need to determine is the location of the party. With Memorial Day being at the end of May, the weather is usually perfect for an outdoor event. You could head out to a park, host the event in your backyard, or choose a sandy location. Most parks have grills, tables, and covered shelters that would work for a Memorial Day party. A more convenient route may be to throw the party in your backyard. You don’t have to worry about transporting any food, supplies, tents, etc. and you don’t have to worry about making a reservation for a spot (like you would at a public location). Another option is to throw the party at a beach, whether it be on a lake or the ocean. When you’re not grilling you can head out on a boat, jet ski, or take a swim. If you or your friends don’t own a boat, many marinas will have options to rent a boat or jet ski for the day or a certain amount of time.

Depending on whether the venue or area has any tables, chairs, or covered areas, you might want to consider renting tents, tables, and chairs. Try to get an approximate head count so you rent the right amount. Since Memorial Day is usually a BBQ with casual eating, you won’t need a seat for everyone since people just eat whenever. If you’re heading to the beach, make sure to have towels, blankets, and lawn chairs for your guests.

Strike Up the Band!

At your Memorial Day party, you will want to provide some entertainment. If you go for a band, choose one that can provide some patriotic music. Some traditional options may be an Americana band, country band, or other party band. If you want to get a little more creative with the entertainment, there are some original strolling options. Hire a presidential impersonator, like Barack Obama or the original George W (Washington that is) to interact with your guests. You could also hire someone like a stilt walker to dress up like Uncle Sam.

You could also book entertainment that is a little more interactive with the guests. Have a face painter or airbrush artist there to decorate your guests’ faces with flags and anything else red, white, and blue. Another option, especially if you have a lot of kids at the party, is to book a balloon twister to make fun animals and patriotic themed creations. For the young people at your party, you could also rent some inflatable bounce houses. You’ll just need to make sure the area you’re holding the party at has enough room for the inflatables.

Let Grilling Season Begin!

One of the best parts of Memorial Day weekend is the barbecue! You could have a caterer cook up everything for you or you can grill up your favorite foods yourself. Have your guests each bring something to toss on the grill, like burgers, bratwursts, veggies, or whatever else they like. That way you know everyone is getting something they like, and it saves you from having to buy everything yourself. You could also do the meal potluck style. Have each guest bring a certain item. If you have an RSVP guest list, assign each person to bring a certain dish: entree, side item, dessert, etc. If you want some adult beverages at your party, hire a bartender to keep the cold drinks flowing.

With all the hubub of throwing a party, don’t forget about the meaning behind the holiday. Pay your respects to those who have served our great country, especially any family members or those who passed away in the line of duty. God Bless America!