Hello, long weekend! Memorial Day is almost here, and we can’t wait to kick off the unofficial start to summer with three days of neighborhood barbecues, rooftop brunches, and delicious cocktails. Whether you’re having a low-key pool party with your besties or inviting the whole neighborhood over for an outdoor happy hour, you deserve to celebrate in style.
Need some summer party ideas for your Memorial Day celebration? Ditch the red solo cups in favor of our chic styling and hosting tips. Keep reading to explore our Memorial Day weekend party ideas that are sure to entertain any guest.
Serve Up Style at the Bar
While you’re mixing up drinks, why not make a statement? Our 5 Piece Mixology Set includes the home bar essentials need to create crowd-pleasing cocktails (think: classic martinis, refreshing mint juleps, and bubbly mojitos) with a gorgeous copper finish. Plus, the shaker features seven easy drink recipes printed on the outside, so you’ll always know what to serve in a pinch – even if you’re new to bartending. Fake it ‘til you make it, right?
Sip from Something IG-Worthy
Once you’ve mixed up your cocktails, pour them into pretty glasses that will double as the perfect accessories for every photo opp. Whether displayed on your bar cart or featured in your guests’ selfies, our hammered Moscow mule mugs are guaranteed to turn heads. Amp up the summer vibes by choosing a rainbow finish.
Take Cocktails On-the-Go
Bringing the party down to the beach or by the pool? Your cocktails are invited! Sweat-proof, shatter-proof, and made from durable stainless steel, our insulated tumblers are the perfect option for outdoor sipping. Choose shades that match the rest of your party table setting – and don’t forget to keep both wine tumblers and growlers on hand to fit any drink you decide to serve.
Memorial Day Party Table Setting
The bar may be where the party starts, but the table is where memories are made. A few intentional touches can transform any outdoor space into a stunning spread of stars and stripes.
Lay the Foundation
Start with a red, white, or navy blue tablecloth as your base. Layer in your Lenox dinnerware and mix in linen napkins folded into simple knots for an effortlessly chic look. Mini American flags tucked into bud vases make charming, no-fuss centerpieces that pull the whole patriotic palette together.
Light It Up
If your party runs into the evening (and the best ones always do), lighting makes all the difference. String bistro lights above the table or along a fence line to cast a warm, golden glow. Flameless candles inside hurricane holders are a beautiful — and kid-safe — way to add ambiance.
Don't Forget Extra Seating
Hosting more than your picnic table can hold? Get creative. Scatter outdoor pillows across a clean patch of lawn for relaxed floor seating, lay out a few picnic blankets for a casual, garden-party vibe, or even utilize those extra lawn chairs you have lying around. The little ones will think it's an adventure. The adults will appreciate the excuse to kick back with a cold drink close by.
Build a Menu That Celebrates in Red, White & Blue
No Memorial Day party is complete without festive food. Whether you're firing up the grill or keeping it simple with a grazing table, here's how to put together a spread that's as fun as it is delicious.
Fire Up the Grill
The grill is the undisputed star of Memorial Day weekend, so let it shine. Keep the main course classic and crowd-friendly for your backyard BBQ: burgers, hot dogs, and smoky BBQ chicken are always a hit. For something a little more elevated, add marinated kabobs: thread alternating pieces of chicken, red peppers, and zucchini onto skewers for a colorful, easy-to-eat option that looks gorgeous on a platter.
Set everything up buffet-style so guests can graze freely. Seasoned corn on the cob, homemade potato salad, and baked beans round out the spread beautifully.
Appetizers & Grazing Boards
Keep guests happy while mingling with snacks between rounds at the grill with a few easy bites.
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Patriotic Caprese Skewers — Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving and arrange on your best serving platter for a starter that's as beautiful as it is effortless.
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Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels — Spread your favorite spinach artichoke dip onto a large flatbread, roll tightly, slice into rounds, and serve at room temperature. These travel well, hold up in the heat, and disappear fast.
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Americana Charcuterie Board — Arrange sliced meats, cheeses, red grapes, strawberries, and blueberries on a large wooden board in the colors of the American flag.
Something Sweet
Dessert is where the patriotic color scheme really gets to play. A few ideas that are easy to make and even easier to love:
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Flag Berry Parfaits — Layer whipped cream, blueberries, and sliced strawberries in clear glasses for a no-bake red, white, and blue dessert that looks stunning and requires zero oven time.
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Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies — As American as it gets, individually portioned and a perfect addition to your outdoor party checklist where slicing and plating isn't practical.
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Flag S'mores Dip — Melt chocolate chips in a cast iron skillet, arrange marshmallows on top in the pattern of an American flag using red and blue sugar for color, and serve with graham crackers for dipping. It's the dessert that will have everyone crowded around the table.
Cocktails & Mocktails With Patriotic Spirit
You've already got the bar tools and the gorgeous glassware sorted — now let's talk about what to pour into them.
Crowd-Pleasing Cocktails
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Red, White & Blue Sangria — Combine your favorite white wine with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and a splash of blue curaçao. Let it chill overnight so the flavors meld, then serve over ice in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. It's stunning, simple, and endlessly refillable.
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Watermelon Margarita — Blend fresh watermelon with lime juice, tequila, and a touch of triple sec. Rim your glasses in blue sugar for the full patriotic effect. Serve in your best stemware for a presentation that earns its Instagram moment.
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Strawberry Mint Julep — A summer twist on a Southern classic. Muddle fresh mint and strawberries, add bourbon and simple syrup, then pack with crushed ice. Serve in your hammered Moscow mule mugs for maximum style points.
Mocktails Everyone Will Love
Not every guest is drinking, and they deserve something just as festive.
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Patriotic Layered Punch — This one's as impressive to look at as it is to drink. Layer cran-cherry juice, a blue raspberry drink mix, and a splash of lemonade in a clear glass for a naturally red, white, and blue effect. Add a Twizzler straw for a fun, kid-friendly finish.
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Fresh Lemonade Station — Set up a self-serve drink dispenser filled with homemade lemonade and a jar of simple syrup on the side so guests can sweeten to taste. Add a garnish station with mint sprigs, strawberry slices, and lemon rounds for a DIY touch that guests love.
Yard Games for Every Age
Great food and beautiful drinks set the scene, but having party entertainment ideas ready to go really elevates the day. Here's how to keep everyone entertained from the afternoon all the way through sunset.
For the Grown-Ups
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Bean Bag Toss / Cornhole — A summer party essential. Pick up a set with American flag boards (or paint your own) and set up a bracket. Winners get bragging rights — and maybe a sweet treat to take home.
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Yard Jenga — Paint a jumbo wooden block set in alternating shades of red, white, and blue for a festive twist on the classic. Warning: this game is significantly more dramatic at full size.
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Trivia Game Tournament — Host a quick round of Memorial Day or American history trivia. Teams of two or three keep it lively, and a small prize for the winners adds a competitive edge. This is also a natural conversation starter for mixed groups who don't know each other well.
Kid-Friendly Ideas
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Sidewalk Chalk — Allow kids to get creative with sidewalk chalk on a designated backyard patio or sidewalk area. This is an easy and mess-free way to keep younger guests entertained.
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Patriotic Craft Station — Set out supplies for kids to make their own mini flags, decorate paper stars, or paint rocks in red, white, and blue. It keeps little hands busy and sends guests home with a souvenir they made themselves.
DIY Decorations
Store-bought decorations are perfectly fine — but a few handmade touches make your party feel personal and Pinterest-worthy.
Painted Lawn Stars
Use a star stencil and grass-safe spray paint to add festive stars across your lawn. They'll fade naturally before the next gathering, but between now and the 4th of July? Your yard will be the most patriotic on the block.
Paper Poppy Backdrop
The red poppy is the official flower of remembrance for fallen soldiers, making it one of the most meaningful Memorial Day symbols you can incorporate. Cut poppy shapes from red and black paper using a simple stencil, assemble with a glue gun, and hang as a stunning backdrop behind your bar or buffet table. It's a conversation piece with genuine heart behind it.
Tissue Paper Fireworks
These are easier than they look and incredibly effective as overhead decor. Fold layers of red, white, and blue tissue paper accordion-style, tie in the center with wire, and fluff the layers outward into a starburst shape. Hang from tree branches, a pergola, or string lights for a festive overhead display that works just as well for the 4th of July.
Kick off Summer in Style with Lenox
We can’t wait to see how you bring style to the table this Memorial Day! Shop Lenox to accessorize your summer entertaining with fashionable and functional drinkware, bar tools, and more.