A checklist for your Memorial Day celebration
If you’re hosting Memorial Day 2024, you’re probably wondering exactly what you need to stock up on. Even if you have good food and company covered, there are a few more items you’ll need to pick up before the party. To point you in the right direction, here’s our checklist to help you celebrate Memorial Day weekend 2024, covering everything from outdoor decór to backyard entertainment.
In this article: Coleman Chiller Series 60-Quart Wheeled Portable Cooler, Twinkle Star LED Star String Lights and Baden Champions Volleyball Combo Set
Memorial Day food and drink essentials
First things first— make sure you have all your food and drink essentials on hand for your Memorial Day cookout before you branch out with decorations and entertainment. Many Memorial Day parties will be held outside, so stock up on outdoor-friendly serveware, drinkware and other dining essentials.
Paper plates
Kingsford 35-Count Square Disposable American Flag Plates
You don’t have to worry about washing the dishes with these patriotic paper plates. They’re sturdy and microwave-safe, with a 10-inch size that works for appetizers and mains. Each set contains 35 plates.
A portable cooler
Coleman Chiller Series 60-Quart Wheeled Portable Cooler
Keep bottled water and brews chilled in this convenient portable Coleman cooler. It holds up to 47 cans with 30 pounds of ice and has a side spigot for easy draining.
A timeless serving bowl
Lipper International Acacia Wave Serving Bowl
No matter what salad you’re serving up this Memorial Day, this elegant wooden bowl will look great on your table. When it’s not holding greens, the timeless design functions as an everyday centerpiece.
A silverware caddy
Bedding Craft Galvanized Flag Utensil Caddy
Utensils and napkins stay organized and accessible in this America flag-themed caddy. It has four spacious compartments, and during the off-season, it’s ideal for holding art supplies or cosmetics.
Patriotic cupcake liners
Chef Craft 50-Count Cupcake Liners
From cupcakes to cornbread, these charming liners are essential Memorial Day baking accessories. The liners fit most average-size muffin pans and retain their shape well while in the oven.
Food baskets
These fast food-inspired baskets are ideal for serving burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. They offer quick and easy cleanup when they’re covered with grease-proof liners.
A chilled appetizer tray
With warm weather on the horizon, this chilled appetizer tray is sure to be a hit at the cookout. Load up ice in the lower level then cover the upper deck with veggies, cheese, shrimp or cold cuts.
Grill tool kit
Upgrade your regular grill tools to this 13-piece kit by Cuisinart, which includes a convenient carry case. Tools are crafted from stainless steel and have ergonomic wood handles.
A classic tumbler set
US Acrylic 24-Ounce Premium Plastic Tumblers
Pick up this six-piece set of drinking glasses that are shatter-resistant, free of bisphenol A (BPA), and well-suited for outdoor use. The 24-ounce tumblers are also top-rack dishwasher-safe.
Memorial Day meal ideas
Here’s a dash of culinary inspiration for your Memorial Day meals, featuring fun new spins on barbecue and alfresco favorites.
Burgers and hot dogs
Burgers and hot dogs remain grill favorites, and this Memorial Day, punch up these classic dishes with gourmet condiments.
Terrapin Ridge Farms Spicy Chipotle Garnishing Sauce
Add a spicy kick to burger and hot dogs with this well-balanced chipotle sauce. It’s also vegan, low carb, low sugar and Keto-friendly as well as gluten- and dairy-free.
Inglehoffer Applewood Smoked Bacon Mustard
This bold mustard has a sweet, spicy finish that gives any burger or hot dog restaurant-quality flavor. As an added bonus, it’s free of cholesterol, preservatives and trans fats.
Grilled chicken
Introduce a new flavor profile to grilled chicken. These spice blends work well for grilled chicken sandwiches and grilled chicken topped salads.
Go fresh and bold with this organic seasoning blend, which has a unique blend of lemon, lime, orange and black pepper. The seasoning is non-GMO, Certified Kosher and gluten-free.
Island Spice Jerk Seasoning of Jamaica
Straight out of Jamaica, this jerk seasoning gives chicken a flavor-rich Caribbean twist. It’s a versatile seasoning, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up sprinkling it on other dishes too.
Desserts
If you’d like to whip up homemade desserts this Memorial Day, here are a few quick and easy ideas that are outdoor-friendly.
Pistachio pudding pie
- Take a box of pistachio instant pudding and follow preparation instructions for pudding pie.
- Pour mix into a graham cracker crust pie shell.
- Let sit for four hours before serving.
- Garnish with ground pistachios, chocolate chips or Oreo cookie crumbs.
Peach and nectarine popsicles
- Blend until smooth: 2 large ripe peaches, 2 large ripe nectarines, 1 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt and ⅓ cup coconut flakes.
- Sweeten as desired with sugar, stevia or honey and blend again.
- Pour mix into popsicle molds and let freeze overnight.
Simple pineapple sunshine cake
- Take a box of yellow cake mix and follow preparation and baking instructions.
- After the cake cools completely, drizzle dark rum over it and let sit.
- Thaw an 8-ounce container of light whipped topping. Drain a 15-ounce can of crushed pineapple. Combine both these ingredients, plus one packet of instant vanilla pudding, for the “frosting” topping.
- Add frosting as desired to the top of the cake. Chill cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
- Serve in squares and garnish slices with maraschino cherries.
Outdoor decor for Memorial Day
If you’re wondering how to decorate your outdoor space for a Memorial Day party, keep it simple and stick to red, white and blue. Here are a few festive outdoor decór pieces we like:
Starry string lights
Twinkle Star LED Star String Lights
If you expect your Memorial Day party to run into the evening, invest in these starry string lights that shine in bright white. The string is equipped with eight light modes, including twinkle, flash or slow fade.
A welcoming wreath
Idyllic Patriotic Americana Wreath
This inviting wreath adds a patriotic pop of color to any door, featuring rose-shaped ribbons and star details. It’s handcrafted from wood, plastic and metal and will last for years to come.
A red, white and blue tablecloth
DII Americana Plaid Tablecloth
Adorn tables indoors or outdoors with this classic plaid tablecloth. This cotton tablecloth is conveniently machine-washable. It comes in five sizes and is also available as a table runner.
A versatile table runner
Artoid Mode Red Stars America Patriotic Table Runner
This star-themed table runner is made of durable and machine-washable polyester. It comes in red or white in six sizes to accomodate a variety of dining tables.
Fun things to do Memorial Day weekend
Looking for ways to entertain your guests? Get the whole group involved in these fun outdoor games, activities and arts and crafts.
A Bluetooth speaker
JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Stream your favorite tunes indoors or outdoors with a Bluetooth speaker like JBL Charge 4. Considered an outdoor party essential, it delivers rich sound quality and offers nearly 20 hours of playtime. This JBL speaker comes in 10 colors, red being the most festive for the occasion.
A stacking tower game
GoSports Giant Wooden Toppling Tower
Everyone’s favorite indoor stacking game is now lifesize at nearly 5 feet tall. The game set includes 54 giant blocks and features a colorful stars-and-stripes theme.
A rock painting set
Dan & Darci Rock Painting Kit for Kids
This rock painting kit comes with 10 smooth rocks as well as paints, stickers and googly eyes to decorate them. It’s an ideal arts and craft activity for kids ages six and older.
A volleyball and badminton set
Baden Champions Volleyball Combo Set
Touted as a must-have backyard game, this volleyball and badminton kit is a favorite for small and medium-size groups. All equipment is weather-resistant and fits inside a convenient carry case.
A tie-dying kit
Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Party Kit
This tie-dye set includes enough dye and supplies for a party of six people. The kit includes user-friendly instructions, making it a popular choice for those new to tie-dying.
A classic backyard game
Portable and easy to set up, this cornhole set is great whether you’re hosting Memorial Day or heading to someone else’s backyard. The game set includes eight premium cloth bean bags, two boards and a carry case.
A splash pad for kids
If you’re expecting a warm Memorial Day, help kids stay cool with this inflatable splash pad. It’s made with BPA- and phthalate-free plastic and measures 68 inches in diameter.
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