outdoors

Memorial Day is usually spent watching the latest blockbuster film, but it is also a great time of year to get outside and celebrate the nice weather.  Depending on where you live you may be able to plan a traditional picnic with blanket and basket, or maybe just bring the idea of summer inside.   But either way, planning a Memorial Day picnic is a great way for you to spend the first long weekend of the season with family and friends.  Here are some great and fun menu ideas for your holiday picnic as well as some tips for giving it a Memorial Day theme!

 

Food & Drink!

When planning any menu,  it is always important to balance taste and nutrition.  It is also important to a have a theme and, since this is a Memorial Day picnic, choosing menu items that are simple to prepare and eat outdoors, as well as All-American, is your best bet.  Things like burgers and hotdogs are great for backyard picnics.  Fried chicken is another great main course idea, but if you want something more portable,  a hero sandwich is an easy choice.

To complete your meal, items like potato salad, garden salads, and coleslaw are inexpensive and easy to prepare sides, but if you are looking to get more creative,  then consider a nice pasta salad or a seven-layer dip.  Lastly, don’t forget dessert!  Staples like apple pie, brownies, or cookies are all great and easy choices.

For drinks you’ll want to provide several choices and some non-alcoholic beverages to make all your guests happy.  Lemonade and other fruit-based drinks will make the kids happy and are also great mixers.

 

Decoration Ideas

The easiest way to decorate for your Memorial Day picnic is to use red, white, and blue.  Set your picnic table with a blue tablecloth or blanket and add red and white napkins, plates, and cutlery.  You can also continue this theme by adding an arrangement of red, white, and blue carnations or other flowers, and add a few small flags to give it that finished look.

Memorial Day is a great time of year to host a party for family and friends, and these ideas can help you get your summer season started with a fun and inexpensive picnic.

Penny Womack, REALTOR®, ABR, SFR