With summer knocking on our doors, we can’t help but get excited about hosting outdoors! There’s something about the fresh air and warmer temps that always help to make a gathering one to remember. We especially look forward to Memorial Day weekend, which serves as the unofficial beginning of the summer season – even if summer doesn’t technically start for a few weeks! So, keep reading, friend, and get inspired with simple tips and tricks to celebrate hassle-free with the people who mean the most.
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Memorial Day Ideas: How to Host an Outdoor Party
Create a Mood
Ever arrive at a party and it just feels like it’s going to be a good time? That’s a sign of a hostess who knows the art of creating a mood. For a Memorial Day party, try out these easy ways to set the mood of casual yet sophisticated fun!
Bring the indoors out. When hosting outdoors, we always recommend adding a bit of indoor comfort to your space. Style pillows and throws on seating to offer guests comfort when a cool evening breeze begins, or consider adding some greenery to bring a bit of life to your outdoor area.
Create a playlist. Finding a musical playlist that fits the ambiance you’re seeking has never been easier! Many music streaming services have ready-made lists to help create a relaxing and welcoming gathering.
To really make this work, you’ll need at least one good speaker that can be connected via Bluetooth to your phone. Place your speaker in a corner outdoors, and watch your Memorial Day vibe begin to take form.
Our Favorite Speakers for an Elevated Occasion
Keep Hues Muted
Blush, White and Blue
When decorating for Memorial Day, you’ll want to reach for the reds, whites and blues. To keep a refined, sophisticated aesthetic, we suggest opting for muted versions of these bold colors. For reds, find deep blushes; for whites, select creams; and for blues, consider earthy slates. You’ll be surprised how choosing soft hues easily creates a calmer, elevated aesthetic.
Food can help you celebrate in patriotic colors, as well. One of our absolute favorite (and most popular!) summertime dishes is our Blush Wine Vinaigrette Pasta Salad. So easy to make but so, so delicious, it boasts colors of the holiday: strawberries, blueberries, and feta cheese.
Keep the Menu Seasonal and Fresh
Speaking of food: Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off of summer, and what says summer more than fresh fruits and vegetables? Consider letting seasonal produce be the star of the show for your gathering to meet the season in perfect harmony. This option boasts nutritious vitamins and minerals, plus lots of delicious seasonal flavors and fresh, crunchy textures!
Find Your Menu
Get inspired by seasonal produce perfect for outdoor hosting.
If You’re Planning to Fire Up the Grill Though…
…then you have to make an all-time favorite in Jenna’s house: Nick’s Seasoned Hamburgers! This recipe is quick and easy while also delivering delicious flavor while grilling outside.
Nick’s Seasoned Hamburgers
Offer Favors That Cool and Refresh
We often think of favors for weddings, showers, birthdays and the like, but it’s a nice personalized touch to any celebration. For Memorial Day, temperatures are heating up, so consider small favors that offer a big impact on your guests comfort.
Party Favor Idea: Individual Fans Affordable, seasonal, and a nice gesture to guests, hand fans can be offered on a table as guests arrive to help cool down and get comfortable. We found these on Amazon and absolutely fell in love!
Must-Have Decorative Serveware
You know us: we love to always have serveware on hand! From platters and pitchers to trays and salad tongs, decorative serveware is both functional and stylish, adding to your gathering in more ways than one.
Finally, when serving loved ones outdoors, keep in mind food safety. Prepare any chilled items the day before or morning of, then store items in or on serveware in your refrigerator and take out right before guests arrive. According to the USDA, keep in mind the 2-Hour Rule, which notes that if the temperature outdoors is over 90 degrees, only allow food to sit out for 1 hour, at most.
Friend, we hope these tips and tricks help you to celebrate Memorial Day with loved ones – whether outside or in! Summer is a time of togetherness, and we hope you find yourself spending time with good company.
Hap-bee Hosting!
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