Tips for Hosting a Memorial Day Party

Memorial Day is a day to bring friends and family together to remember those who have served for our country. What better way to do that than a BBQ? If you are planning on hosting a Memorial Day party, see the tips below to make your Memorial Day a hit.

Food:
Nothing says Memorial Day like a BBQ. Keep the food simple and create a more complex condiment station. Grill burgers & brats and provide various toppings for your guests so that they can build their own burger/hot dog. 

Some things to include in the condiment station:

• Ketchup & various mustards
• Guacamole & pico de gallo
• BBQ sauces (spicy, tangy, sweet)
• Various cheeses
• Pickles, onions, peppers

Drinks:
Providing a signature drink for your guests is a great touch. There are so many different recipes on Pinterest, but if you are looking for a simple alcoholic drink, try the Red White & Blue Slushy Cocktail

• 2 oz. Smirnoff® Red, White & Berry
• 1 ¼ cups strawberries
• 4 cups ice
• 2 ¼ cup lemonade
• 2 oz blue curaçao

Combine all ingredients and blend, serve immediately. 

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic drink, try Patriotic Punch. This punch tastes great and is kid friendly

• 46 oz (1 can) pineapple juice
• 1 gallon of fruit punch
• 1 Bottle of ginger ale
• Ice

Décor:
If you are interested in decorating, keep it simple! Buy some small flags, and red, white, & blue flowers and you have centerpieces. The day is about being with your family to remember our brave soldiers so decorating is not necessary. If you are worried about bugs, purchase a few citronella candles or tiki torches with citronella oil. Both also serve as décor. 

Clean Up:
Hosting a BBQ can be stressful. Purchase paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils, etc. to make clean up easy. If you do plan on decorating, purchase red, white, & blue paper products to keep the theme consistent.