Memorial Day 2025 is right around the corner, and it's the perfect time to honor our heroes while gathering with friends and family for a fun-filled weekend. When is Memorial Day this year? It falls on Monday, May 26, 2025. But before you plan your long weekend getaway, take a moment to reflect on what is Memorial Day — a day of remembrance for the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
Whether you're hosting a laid-back BBQ, a splashy pool party, or a patriotic office potluck, we've rounded up the best Memorial Day party ideas to help you celebrate with style and heart. Ready to plan a party to remember? Let's dive into our top 10 ideas for Memorial Day 2025.
Looking for red, white, and blue party essentials? Explore our Memorial Day collection for themed plates, napkins, and more.
1. Host a Backyard BBQ Bash
Nothing says Memorial Day weekend party ideas like a good old-fashioned backyard BBQ. Fire up the grill and treat your guests to mouthwatering classics that scream summer. Whether hosting a small family gathering or a big neighborhood cookout, a BBQ sets the perfect tone for Memorial Day festivities.
Backyard BBQ Must-Haves:
- Grilled Favorites: Juicy burgers, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, chicken wings, grilled veggies, and skewers loaded with colorful bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Side Dishes: Corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, and watermelon slices.
- Patriotic Desserts: Berry trifles layered with whipped cream, flag-themed cupcakes with red, white, and blue frosting, and star-shaped cookies.
- Easy Party Snacks: Deviled eggs, veggie cups with ranch dip, red-white-and-blue fruit skewers, and cheese platters.
Make cleanup effortless with Memorial Day disposable plates in red, white, and blue. They're festive, functional, and perfect for outdoor use. Add some patriotic-themed napkins and plastic tablecloths to bring the whole look together.
2. Organize a Memorial Day Pool Party
Planning to beat the heat? Make a splash with a Memorial Day pool party filled with laughter, water games, and refreshing beverages. Pool parties are great for guests of all ages and add a tropical twist to your patriotic celebration.
Pool Party Essentials:
- Inflatable Fun: Add American flag pool floats, beach balls, and inflatable lounge chairs to the mix.
- Games: Organize water balloon toss contests, floating ring toss, and pool volleyball for endless entertainment.
- Drinks Station: Serve refreshing beverages like strawberry lemonade, blue raspberry punch, and cucumber water in plastic drinkware.
- Poolside Snacks: Offer mini sliders, fruit cups, popsicles, and individual snack bags to keep guests fueled.
- Safety First: Have sunscreen, towels, extra goggles, and a first-aid kit.
Disposable cups help keep the area safe and shard-free. Choose our durable and stylish options to maintain a polished party vibe.
3. Create a Red, White & Blue Tablescape
Turn your dining space into a patriotic paradise with a bold, beautiful red, white, and blue tablescape. Whether hosting a formal dinner or a casual lunch, your table can steal the spotlight with a touch of color and creativity.
Design Your Tablescape:
- Plates: Use color-themed plates in alternating red, white, and blue settings.
- Flatware: Go for metallic or color-accented flatware sets to add a chic touch.
- Drinkware: Serve beverages in clear or tinted plastic drinkware, adding garnishes like citrus slices or berries.
- Serving Bowls: Present your dishes in coordinated trays and bowls that match your color scheme.
- Textiles: Finish with napkins and plastic tablecloths in patriotic colors or themed prints.
- Extras: Incorporate candles, confetti, or mini flags as table décor.
Shop our tableware collection to create your perfect Memorial Day setting.
4. Throw a Memorial Day Office Party
Even if you're working on the holiday weekend, you can still embrace the patriotic spirit. Bring your team together with fun and festive Memorial Day office party ideas that boost morale while keeping things light and respectful.
Office Party Ideas:
- Potluck Lunch: Organize a red, white, and blue potluck where each dish matches the color theme.
- Themed Games: Host Memorial Day trivia or create a bingo game with patriotic icons.
- Decorations: Decorate the break room with streamers, mini flags, and a themed snack bar.
- Appetizers: Set up a buffet with sliders, buffalo chicken dip, meatballs, pinwheel sandwiches, and patriotic cupcakes.
Stock up on Memorial Day plates and napkins to keep your office neat and cheerful. Don't forget disposable cutlery and drinkware for easy cleanup.
5. Plan a Memorial Day Picnic in the Park
Take your celebration outdoors with a classic picnic setup. Enjoy the fresh air, lush greenery, and a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxing and reflecting.
Picnic Planning Checklist:
- Menu: Bring sandwiches, wraps, chips, pasta salad, lemonade, cookies, and fresh fruit.
- Games: Pack board games, cards, a frisbee, and a soccer ball for group activities.
- Seating: Use picnic blankets, foldable chairs, and pop-up canopies for shade.
- Eco-Friendly Serveware: Choose trays and bowls, compostable plates, and serving utensils like spoons, forks, ladles, and tongs for easy cleanup.
- Décor: Add touches like bunting, lanterns, and flowers to make your picnic space pop.
Enjoy the moment with great food, good company, and nature as your backdrop.
6. Set Up a DIY Patriotic Photo Booth
Let your guests capture the moment with a fun DIY photo booth. It adds entertainment, encourages creativity, and gives everyone a keepsake to remember the celebration.
Photo Booth Setup:
- Backdrop: Use a flag tapestry, streamers, foil curtains, or a balloon wall in patriotic colors.
- Props: Provide hats, star-shaped sunglasses, mini American flags, boas, and funny signs.
- Lighting: Set up string lights, a ring light, or even use natural daylight for bright and cheerful photos.
- Sharing Station: Create a space for guests to view and share their photos. Encourage posting on social media with a unique party hashtag.
Include a small table with snacks, drinks, and party favors to keep the booth lively and inviting.
7. Host a Memorial Day Potluck Dinner
A potluck dinner combines the best of community and creativity. Invite guests to bring dishes highlighting their traditions or nod to patriotic themes.
Potluck Planning Tips:
- Theme Ideas: All-American BBQ, favorite summer dishes, or red-white-and-blue themed menu.
- Dish Categories: Assign guests to categories like appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts.
- Table Setup: Arrange food on long tables with labeled signs and disposable dinnerware.
- Serveware: Use elegant disposable serving trays and bowls to streamline setup.
- Decorations: Add candles, fresh flowers, or festive centerpieces to enhance the ambiance.
Potlucks take the pressure off the host and foster a sense of connection and shared celebration.
8. Organize Lawn Games & Family Activities
Keep everyone entertained with energetic and inclusive lawn games. Ideal for families, these activities spark joy, laughter, and friendly competition.
Game Suggestions:
- Kids: Sack races, bean bag toss, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests.
- Adults: Horseshoes, bocce ball, ladder toss, giant Jenga.
- Group Fun: Team relay races, flag scavenger hunts, trivia challenges.
- DIY Crafts: Set up a station for kids to make patriotic hats or decorate flags.
Reward winners with small prizes or medals for extra excitement. Keep everyone hydrated and shaded with a refreshment stand nearby.
9. Feature a Moment of Remembrance
While the fun is essential, it's equally vital to honor the reason behind the holiday. Set aside a moment for thoughtful reflection.
Ways to Show Respect:
- Moment of Silence: Gather your guests at 3:00 PM for a quiet tribute.
- Flag Ceremony: Raise and lower the American flag following proper etiquette.
- Remembrance Lanterns: Have guests write messages or names on lanterns to be lit in the evening.
- Memory Table: Set up a small area with framed photos, flowers, and candles dedicated to those who served.
These gestures will help ground the celebration in gratitude and respect.
10. End the Night with a Movie Under the Stars
Finish off your Memorial Day celebration with a cozy outdoor movie night. It's the perfect way to wind down and spend quality time with loved ones.
Movie Night Setup:
- Movies to Watch: "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Top Gun," "Forrest Gump," "A Few Good Men."
- Equipment: Use a portable projector, a white sheet or screen, and speakers for a cinematic experience.
- Seating: Provide blankets, camping chairs, sleeping bags, or inflatable loungers.
- Snack Station: Serve popcorn in themed containers, offer drinks in plastic tumblers, and include dessert bowls with cookies and candy.
- Lighting: Add soft string lights or lanterns to keep the space cozy and magical.
Create a playlist of patriotic tunes before the movie starts for a smooth transition.
Sip, Celebrate, and Simplify
This Memorial Day 2025, let your gathering be both meaningful and memorable. Whether planning a poolside bash, a cozy picnic, or a heartfelt tribute, these Memorial Day party ideas will help you honor the occasion with style, spirit, and simplicity.
Make your party planning stress-free using disposable partyware that looks stunning and cleans in a snap. Our premium-quality disposable party supplies give you everything you need to elevate your Memorial Day celebration.
Ready to throw your best Memorial Day party yet? Explore the Memorial Day Collection and simplify your celebration today.
Celebrate responsibly. Celebrate in style. Celebrate with heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Memorial Day in 2025?
Memorial Day in 2025 falls on Monday, May 26.
2. What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday honoring and remembering the military personnel who died in service to their country.
3. What are some traditional Memorial Day foods?
Classic foods include grilled burgers, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, and patriotic-themed desserts.
4. How can I decorate for a Memorial Day party?
Use red, white, and blue tableware, flags, streamers, balloons, and themed centerpieces to create a festive setting.
5. Are disposable plates good for outdoor parties?
Yes, they make cleanup easy and are ideal for outdoor settings like BBQs, picnics, and pool parties.
6. What are fun Memorial Day activities for kids?
Sack races, flag decorating, bean bag toss, and water balloon games are all kid-friendly options.
7. How can I make my Memorial Day party respectful and fun?
Include a moment of silence, a flag ceremony, or a remembrance table while enjoying games, food, and music.
8. Where can I find Memorial Day-themed party supplies?
You can find a full range of patriotic disposable dinnerware, drinkware, and décor at our disposable partyware collection page.