How to Throw the Best Memorial Day Party Ever

By Sydney Mondry
Updated May 17, 2016 @ 5:30 pm
Credit: Courtesy

Every year on the last Monday of May, we take some time to honor those who've passed away while serving in our country's military. While somewhat of a somber occasion, Memorial Day also marks the official start of summer vacation. So we gather together both to remember and celebrate, usually in a beautiful backyard with a pile of grilled meats and a big bucket of cold drinks. If you happen to be the one hosting this year, take a look below at our must-have Memorial Day party items. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 8

BBQ Tools

Credit: Courtesy

This six-piece collection of stainless steel tools is the purchase you need—nay, deserve—for cooking an endless amount of hamburgers and hot dogs. Your guests and grill will thank you.

$185; food52.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 8

Flower Arrangement

Credit: Courtesy

In honor of peonies finally being back in season, we suggest purchasing the gorgeous Peonies for President! bouquet from San Francisco, Calif.-based company Farmgirl Flowers. All of the buds are American-grown and come swaddled in a pretty, eco-friendly burlap wrap.

$85; us.farmgirlflowers.com

3 of 8

Serveware

Credit: Courtesy

Cut your clean-up time in half by using this adorable paper serveware from Meri Meri. The tropical fruit theme is perfect for a start-of-summer soirée.

Price varies; shopmerimeri.com

Advertisement

4 of 8

Beverage Tub

Credit: Courtesy

A classic beverage tub gets a rustic-chic upgrade with hardware-inspired fluting and galvanized sheet metal. Keep it stocked with beer and canned champagne for the adults, and bottled lemonade for the kiddos.

$70; crateandbarrel.com

5 of 8

Pitcher

Credit: Courtesy

Whip up a simple, summery cocktail and let guests serve themselves using this cheeky Kate Spade pitcher.

$30; katespade.com

6 of 8

Striped Straws

Credit: Courtesy

And for sipping? Festive striped straws, of course. These look extra cute when tucked in mason jars or margarita glasses.

$6 for a pack of 24; acmepartybox.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 8

Decorative Lights

Credit: Courtesy

Elegant copper string lights help turn an afternoon BBQ into an evening affair. Plus, you can re-use these for all future outdoor shindigs.

$58; anthropologie.com

8 of 8

Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

Credit: Courtesy

Everyone loves a freshly made s’more. Save time searching the ground for the perfect stick by handing out these stainless steel roasting skewers. The bumps on the tongs ensure that marshmallows land on a graham cracker and not in the fire.

$27; barbeqa.com

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Sydney Mondry