Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Memorial Day Party Planning Ideas: Remembering our Troops


Memorial Day is one of the more exciting three-day weekend holidays that Americans truly enjoy celebrating. It is a great way to kick off the summer up ahead as the weather warms up and school winds down. However, don’t forget that this holiday is meant to celebrate the lives of those who died serving in American wars. Be sure to enjoy this holiday weekend fully and patriotically.

Since it is a summertime party, Memorial Day parties should be outdoor events. Whether you decide to host the party at your house, a park or the beach, be sure everyone knows where to go. Why not have the fun start with the invites? Send patriotic invites online at Evite.com or through the mail.

Decorations are easy and obvious: red, white and blue is the way to go with any decorative items. Flags, colorful carnations, streamers, balloons, confetti and all should be red, white and blue.

For your menu, think of foods that you can toss on the grill. Make it a summertime cookout party with lots of hot dogs, burgers, steaks, chicken, shrimps and anything else you feel like firing up. Keep it simple and fun. Guests can even bring their own meats while you provide the side dishes such as corn, beans, potatoes, salads or you can even host a potluck menu to share a variety of foods.

Plenty of drinks should be on ice for the party as well. Soft drinks and juices are great thirst quenchers for the kids while a cold beer and iced/blended cocktails will keep the party alive for the adults. For desserts you can decorate a sheet cake or cupcakes with patriotic colors.

Any Memorial Day party or weekend is going to be a day of fun in the sun so be sure to have plenty of bug spray and sunscreen on hand for everyone to enjoy the party comfortably.

Plan activities for young and old alike to enjoy throughout the day. Kids love being active, so have them moving around with games like tag and hide-and-seek or hold potato sack races. You can even rent out carnival games and inflatable games such as bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses and even water slides and games like water-balloon tag if it’s hot out.

Even the adults love inflatable games and water slides; but for the guests who would like to relax a bit more you can arrange a game of cards, charades, karaoke challenges, horseshoes and Frisbee. Everyone should know to dress lightly, but encourage them even more by holding a “best Hawaiian shirt contest”.  Remind them to bring extra clothes if you plan on having water games.

There is plenty to enjoy outdoors in the sun during a Memorial Day party, be sure to do so responsibly. Most importantly, don’t forget to remember those who have served and are currently serving in the United States military. Attend a parade, visit a grave, collect donations for a military fund or simply create your own “thank you” cards with arts and crafts to send to a soldier, sailor or marine. Make Memorial Day a truly memorable holiday celebration.

1 comment:

  1. Really like your blog, thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas about Memorial Day. I am always looking for new ideas.
    Thanks,
    Rita, Hosttheparty.com

    ReplyDelete