Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of summer, which is enough reason to get excited about the start of a new season. This fun-filled Entertaining Guide shares Memorial Day Party ideas that will kick-off your summer season in a fabulous way.

Memorial Day Party Ideas

Decorations

Atmosphere

Traditional red and white checkered table cloths, hanging paper lanterns, and cardboard star cut-outs are affordable, easy-to-use decorations that will instantly add visual interest and a festive touch to your Memorial Day party. And you can also add some patriotic throw pillows to your sofa and chairs (which can be brought out again during July 4th and Labor Day holidays).

Balloons

No party is complete without festive, fun-filled colorful balloons. If you want fast, easy, and affordable balloon decorations, use the Yankee Doodle Dandy E-Z Balloon Kit. This miraculous portable (disposable) helium balloon kit is available in 2 convenient sizes, and includes a filled helium tank plus 20 or 50 assorted color, self-sealing, pre-strung latex balloons. With this unique, DIY party decor kit, you can inflate and seal a perfect balloon in just 6 seconds! No wonder it’s known as the ‘fastest, easiest, safest helium balloon kit‘ on the market.

Flowers

Add life to your Memorial Day party with fresh flowers. An abundant arrangement filled with vibrant red roses, bluebells, and white gerbera daisies make an especially lovely and festive floral centerpiece.

To create a country-inspired look, use a wicker or wooden basket instead of a traditional glass vase. This can easily be done the day of the party by using wet floral foam. Saturate the block of foam in water, and then insert each flower stem. The foam provides the flowers with water, while the brick keeps the shape of your arrangement in tact. In addition, the foam can be cut into virtually any shape, so that it easily fits within the container, basket, or vase you want to use.

And for a finishing touch, add a small American flag into the bouquet.

Food

Appetizers & Meals

Before the main meal is served, why not offer your guests a range of edible goodies, served on a colorful and convenient Stacko Serving Stand. The individual cups and cones can be used to serve single portions of any kind of food – including salads, dips, salsas, and appetizers.

A traditional Memorial Day party is known for it’s mouth-watering barbecue. The main meal should include hamburgers and hot dogs (and even vegetarian-options, such as the Gardenburger), complete with a variety of delicious condiments (including ketchup, mustard, sauteed onions, lettuce, and tomato).

Complement your meaty-offerings with a tossed salad, including roasted vegetables.

Desserts

A Memorial Day party is a great occasion to serve traditional All-American desserts. Everything from Apple Pie A La Mode to Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treats to satiate any sweet tooth. What better way to cool down on a warm day than with a big scoop of ice cream. Breyers recently introduced a brand new line of ice cream toppings (including delicious hot fudge, fruit toppings, and more), that will surely add flavor to a bowl of yummy ice cream. Scoop and enjoy!

Beverages

Instead of using plastic cups, opt to serve refreshments in Aladdin’s Insulated Mason Jars. Your guests will feel like they’ve been transported back in time, and will enjoy the nostalgic touch these glasses provide. These are especially useful for outdoor entertaining, as they are compatible for hot and cold beverages.

Adult Beverages

If you have guests who want to get fit for summer, but still enjoy your Memorial Day party, consider serving them a low-calorie, but highly-flavorful concoction. The SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Pomegranate Berry Punch is an easy-to-make recipe that only has 92 calories per serving.

While you’re at it, your guests are sure to love the antioxidant-rich, all natural and organic, fruity-flavored VitaFrute Cocktails by VEEV®.

And no fabulous Memorial Day party is complete without a Skinnygirl® Mojito. Combining Cruzan® Rum with a cool touch of citrus and mint, Skinnygirl® Mojito is a refreshing drink.

Kid-Friendly Beverages

For the younger party guests (or the non-drinking crew), thirst-quenching refreshments such as Lemonade and Berry-infused Sparkling Water are health-conscious, yet flavorful options that your Memorial Day party guests will surely enjoy.