Did you know that Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day and has been observed since the years after the Civil War? Though it was only made a federal holiday in 1971, the tradition of the day has a much longer history and has become a time when homeowners across this great nation invite friends and family into their homes to honor our country. Whether you’re planning an outdoor BBQ or just wanting to show your pride to the neighborhood, we’ve got the tips and tricks you need to keep the celebration as classy as you want. From the front door to the backyard, prepare to wow your guests with tastefully thought-out decor and dishware. This Memorial Day weekend, use your own decorations to celebrate the red, white, & blue.
Indoors or Outdoors?
Memorial Day weekend is typically the weekend the neighborhood pool opens and homeowners take advantage of nice weather to hold an outdoor BBQ or dinner party. While you may be stymied by the weather, if the forecast calls for sun and nice temperatures it’s a great opportunity to open your own pool for the season or enjoy showing off your new patio remodel and outdoor kitchen.
Whether due to weather or personal preference, an indoor Memorial Day celebration can be just as fun. Have guests help out in the kitchen and make sure you have decor set up in the dining room or living room - wherever you’ll have guests spend time. Plus, keeping the party indoors means you don’t have to worry about pests like mosquitoes and you can plan a more formal dining party if that’s the kind of celebration you’re looking for. If you choose to stay indoors, you’ll want to use dishware and place settings to incorporate your patriotic theme.
How to Tastefully Incorporate Red, White, & Blue
Table Decorations
Picnic tables are great settings for patriotic decor without going over the top - you can use a red table runner over a white plastic table cloth with blue paper napkins, for instance, or American flag-themed tableware. Red and blue bandanas also add a pop of visual interest that maintain the colors of your BBQ or dinner without overdoing the ‘stars and stripes.’
Memorial Day Decor
While there are tons of flag-themed napkins, paper plates, and decor, don’t go overboard with the flag-patterns - leave those for the Fourth of July. Instead, stick to solid colors that you can mix together for a red, white, and blue theme, and think about using silver star stickers to class up a cooler or drink bucket.
Home decor is a great way to add a celebratory flair to your home even if you’re not hosting a party! Scatter red, white, and blue decorations throughout your home, inside and out, and don’t forget about the front of the house! If you have a white picket fence, weave a red banner in and out of the slats and tie blue ribbon around the fence posts by the door, for instance. And what better, easier way to show your colors than hanging a classic American flag by the door?
Dessert Recipes
If you’re hosting or just looking for a dish to bring over, why not try a dessert that goes with the theme? These recipes are all easy, great ways to incorporate patriotic colors into your cooking.
- Red-White-and-Blue Fruit Cups from the Food Network
- Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes from Taste of Home
- Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake from allrecipes
No matter what tasty foods or desserts you choose to bring or offer your guests, incorporating red, white, and blue into your decorations will give your Memorial Day weekend party the class and celebratory air it deserves!
