Memorial Day is the occasion to show our gratitude and respect to those soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for the country. The day is also celebrated as the unofficial beginning of summer fun. A Memorial Day party is one of the perfect ways to start the summer out right.

Image via: Pinterest

Pick a Location

The first thing you have to decide for a Memorial Day party is to pick a suitable location. If it is a small gathering, your patio or backyard will be enough for a barbeque. However, a local park or any other large outdoor venues will be appropriate for a large gathering.

Image via: Babble

[ad#co-1]

Set up the Menu

If you are going to host a barbeque party, you have to plan the menu in advance. You have to figure out what you have to buy and what to ask your guests to bring. As the host, you can arrange for the entrees and beverages and ask your guests to manage other items. Give clear instruction to everyone about what s/he has to bring. Otherwise, you may end up with nothing but only 12 bags of tortilla chips. In addition, consider storing some back up items in case someone forgets bringing any item.

Image via: Pinterest

Seating Arrangements

You have to arrange for some comfortable seating areas for your guests. If the gathering is big, you can move some of your indoor furnishings outside. Other than that, borrowing or renting some chairs and tables is also a good option. As the party will be held during summertime, do not forget to keep some umbrella-ed tables and plenty of paper fans. A buffet style will be the easiest way to serve food to a big crowd. It will need a long table, plates, dishes, platters, pans, napkins, and utensils.

Decorations

Memorial Day parties do not need much decoration. Balloons, piñatas, and streamers combined with fresh flowers and American flags will be enough. Shiny cut-out shapes and stars will also be good for decorating the place. Use tiki torches, paper lanterns, and candles if the party is going into the evening.

Image via: Pottery Barn

Entertainment

A good music system can keep your guests entertained. You can ask them to bring their own compilations along with them. For the kids, arrange for some games to keep them busy. Adults can engage themselves in games like bocce ball, croquet, or even baseball if you have enough backyard space.

Image via: Pottery Barn

By following these tips, you can host the most exciting Memorial Day party of this season. However, make sure to keep the planning simple. Otherwise, you won’t have time to have fun and enjoy your guests.

For more summer entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.