For many of us, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer. It’s also a time to look back and reflect upon those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. It only seems appropriate that American Tent should think about how to celebrate Memorial Day. Keep reading for our best Memorial Day party tips.
When Is Memorial Day 2022 Celebrated?
When is memorial day celebrated? Since 1970, we have observed Memorial Day as we know it today on the last Monday of May. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 30, 2022.
Throw a Memorial Day BBQ
If you’re wondering how to throw a Memorial Day party, we’ve got you covered! A traditional outdoor barbecue is a perfect way to celebrate this special holiday. A simple menu of burgers, brats, and hot dogs on the grill is absolutely appropriate for a Memorial Day weekend party. It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Just be sure to include some vegetarian and gluten-free options for guests with dietary restrictions.
Think About the Venue
If you’re planning on grilling, it only makes sense to have an outdoor Memorial Day picnic. Some of the best party spots for Memorial Day weekend include local parks, a local beach if you’re lucky enough to live near one, or even your backyard! Of course, May weather is unpredictable. It may be so sunny that you need shade or so rainy you need shelter. Either way, if you have a tent for Memorial Day weekend, you’ll be prepared for any scenario.
Send Invitations
You can have fun and be creative with your Memorial Day party invitations. A patriotic red, white and blue invitation will capture guests’ attention and get them in the mood to celebrate. If you have any veterans attending, be sure to make them the guests of honor. Include any special requests in the invitation, such as a dish to pass or other instructions. Make sure you ask your guests to RSVP so you have an accurate headcount ahead of time.
Don’t Forget About Drinks
To accompany all of that delicious food you’ll be grilling, you’ll need equally delightful Memorial Day party drinks and cocktails. Traditional BBQ picnic drink ideas include:
- Lemonade
- Ice tea
- Ice water infused with lemon, lime, or any other favorite fruit
- Bottled beer
- Sangria
You also can set up an adult drink station with a variety of spirits and mixers so guests can whip up their favorite cocktails. Don’t forget to include kid-friendly options such as milk and sparkling water.
Decorations
For Memorial Day party decoration ideas, you can easily find decor with a patriotic theme without blowing your budget. Red, white, and blue balloons and streamers add a festive touch to your Memorial Day tent. American flags, large or small, can be incorporated into your design theme. Red, white, and blue carnation centerpiece decorations are another inexpensive way to bring patriotic decor to your party. Best of all, you can send centerpieces and balloons home with guests as party favors.
Memorial Day Activities
It’s not a party without some fun Memorial Day party games! Traditional outdoor favorites include:
- Water balloon toss
- Croquet
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Cornhole
- Ladder toss
- Horseshoes
For younger guests, give them red, white, and blue sidewalk chalk and have a flag drawing contest. If the weather is rainy, have small buckets of crayons and butcher paper on stand-by for an indoor coloring contest under the tent. For grown-ups, card games and cribbage boards can provide ample indoor entertainment.
Commemorate the Present and the Past
While your party is sure to be memorable, be sure to commemorate the event with lots of pictures and videos. You’ll be glad that you did in years to come. Also, since Memorial Day is a time to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, consider reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and having a moment of silence for those who have passed. If you have veterans in your family, display pictures of them in military uniform.
Remember About Social Distancing
Just because it seems like the worst of the COVID pandemic is behind us, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely over. Give your guests the ability to socially distance by placing seating at a distance. Place a bucket of red, white, and blue face masks at the entrance to your party tent for guests to grab if they forgot their masks. Place hand sanitizers at food and drink stations so that guests can sanitize their hands regularly.
Conclusion
However you plan to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, at American Tent, we’re here to help! We have a wide variety of tents that are perfect for any size gathering. Contact us today to start planning an amazing event.
