There's no such thing as being too patriotic on Memorial Day. Decorate with American flags and red, white and blue balloons, flowers, vases, tablecloths and tableware.
Having your party outdoors? String red, white and blue fairy lights in trees and bushes to add a cool glow after the sun goes down. For a more elegant touch, hang mini lanterns on string above your party area.
Remember, Memorial Day is the day we thank those who died protecting this country, so if you're flying an American flag, it flies at half-mast until noon.
Parades are practically mandatory on Memorial Day. Or, they should be. Show your appreciation for local veterans, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, police and fire departments by cheering them on and clapping along to the marching band.
To fill the rest of your long weekend, go fly a kite. Seriously. If the wind has kicked up and you have access to a large, flat outdoor area, give it a whirl. Purchase a few for your guests, or get crafty and make your own. You'll need wooden dowels, sturdy paper and string.
Time to get your grill on. Go traditional by marinating your favorite meats. Prepare marinades a few days in advance and let the meats sit in marinade at least overnight for maximum flavor.
Or get creative and grill up some mini pizzas. Roll out your dough beforehand, then place it on the grill. When the bottom is golden brown, give it a flip. Add your favorite toppings, sprinkle with cheese and cover the grill for a few minutes to cook the toppings and melt the cheese.
For dessert, bake or buy a rectangular sheet cake, frost with whipped cream, then decorate with strawberries and blueberries to look like an American flag. Not feeling so artistic? Frost cupcakes with white icing and top with your favorite berries.
Featured Memorial Day Party Recipes from Epicurious.com sponsored by
Lunar Lemon Quencher
• 1 can of frozen BACARDI® Mixers Margarita mix
• 1/2 can of frozen BACARDI® Mixers Margarita mix
• 1/2 cup of BACARDI® Rum
• 6 ounces of Minute Maid Lemonade
• 5 cups of ice
• Lemon for garnish
Blend together BACARDI® Mixers Margarita mix, Minute Maid Lemonade and BACARDI® Rum. Add ice and blend for 45 to 60 seconds or until uniform. Garnish with lemon slices. Serves five people. |  |
| 1. | Stars and Stripes Forever / John Phillips Sousa |
| 2. | Born in the USA / Bruce Springsteen |
| 3. | American Pie / Don McLean |
| 4. | Breakfast in America / Supertramp |
| 5. | Blowin' in the Wind / Bob Dylan |
| 6. | Games Without Frontiers / Peter Gabriel |
| 7. | What You Talkin' About / Genghis Blues Soundtrack |
| 8. | American Without Tears / Elvis Costello |
| 9. | Hail, Hail, the Gangs All Here / Fred Astaire |
| 10. | The Star-Spangled Banner / Francis Scott Key |
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