Picture this: an outdoor dinner beneath a twinkling canopy of stars, adorned with red, white, and blue decorations, complemented by charming DIY American flags nestled in patriotically painted mason jars. Typically, the most memorable ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend at home revolve around engaging DIY projects. Your Memorial Day weekend doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag; a modest investment in grilling T-bone steak won't stretch your budget too thin.
Equipped with red, blue, and white fabrics, paper crafts, along with water or oil-based paints, and a selection of delicious Memorial Day recipes, you’re all set to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.
As you honor those who lost their lives, it's equally important to extend your support to their families. Consider activities that foster community, such as inviting the family of a veteran for a backyard camping experience during this extended three-day weekend.
The possibilities for a memorable Memorial Day weekend at home are virtually endless. Below is a curated list of the most creative and enjoyable activities to keep you engaged throughout the holiday.
Memorial Day Weekend Ideas at Home
Reflect on the story of Patrick Knapp, a Vietnam War veteran who, four years ago at the age of 68, expressed his desire to have a photograph taken with his family while dressed in full military uniform, or think of the World War II veteran who wished to connect with someone from his past battlefield.
While Memorial Day weekend is primarily dedicated to honoring American soldiers who lost their lives in service to the country, it would be even more honorable to invite a veteran to join you for a virtual tour of a Memorial Day parade together.
1. Backyard Cookout
Consider hosting a cookout in your backyard, inviting immediate family, extended relatives, or even a local veteran. An outdoor grill creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. This beloved American tradition gained popularity after World War II. Grilling up steak kebabs or beef skewers paired with refreshing rum or tequila can create an ideal backyard barbecue experience.
Compile a playlist of patriotic songs, arrange tables and chairs in your outdoor space, and stock up on delicious snacks such as crackers, fresh veggies, cured meats, and a selection of drinks from a veteran-owned shop. After relishing the first two days of your Memorial Day weekend, invite friends for a festive backyard cookout to celebrate your patriotism.
2. Set Up a Starry Dinner
Image courtesy of Confetti & Bliss
Bright blue, red, and white decorations will ignite a sense of patriotism in everyone. Baking chocolate chip cookies adorned with patriotic sprinkles, crafting colorful maple cinnamon star cookies, and setting a table decorated in red, white, and blue are delightful activities for your Memorial Day celebration.
With numerous online cooking classes available, take the opportunity to follow along and prepare special meals for your starry dinner. If you find it challenging to create edible patriotic sprinkles, various online retailers can provide you with ample supplies for your three-day event.
3. Outdoor Games
There’s a plethora of outdoor games to engage every family member, as well as fun activities you can enjoy together in your backyard. Games like badminton, frisbee, and lawn darts, combined with music such as “American Flag On The Moon” by Brad Paisley and “American Soldier” by Toby Keith, will elevate the atmosphere as you all play energetically.
Giant Jenga serves as a fantastic outdoor board game suitable for both children and adults. Paint the blocks in patriotic colors, and while waiting for them to dry, a challenging game of croquet with strategically placed posts and wickets can serve as an excellent starter activity.
4. Tour The White House Virtually
A 360-degree virtual tour of the White House connects you to American history and instills a sense of patriotism. This immersive experience allows you to explore the public rooms, admiring the exquisite wall décor and corridors adorned with portraits of notable figures like Lincoln, Bush, Washington, and Kennedy.
With just a computer and an internet connection, you can access this online tour for free. As you gaze at the portraits of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, you’ll find yourself reflecting on the memories of World War I and II that coincide with the meaning of Memorial Day.
5. Backyard Camping
No backyard camping adventure is complete without a sturdy fire pit to keep warm on chilly nights while you share stories. Hot beverages served in patriotically themed cups and thermoses, along with string lights illuminating your backyard fence, will create a cozy atmosphere.
This year's Memorial Day coincides with the onset of summer, making the addition of a backyard camping bathtub a refreshing option for hot days. Use yoga mats in patriotic colors as soft bedding for your sleeping bags.
For your meals, consider serving savory pork burgers and refreshing soft drinks alongside whiskey cocktails. Plan your games and activities in advance, and prepare a playlist of your favorite patriotic songs.
6. Watching Documentaries
Dedicating time to watch documentaries like "The World At War," "Why We Fight: The Complete Series," and "War Comes to America" over Memorial Day weekend will deepen your understanding of the sacrifices made by American soldiers.
With an array of American war documentaries available on platforms like Netflix, BBC, and Amazon, create a curated list to guide your viewing throughout the three-day weekend.
7. Craft Patriotic-Themed Art
Transforming your indoor space with vibrant patriotic-themed art crafted during Memorial Day weekend is entirely possible. Gather materials like cardboard, sparkly embellishments, paint, fabric scraps, and wooden cutouts, and spend some creative time with kids making wreaths and decorations to hang on your gate and front door as a tribute.
Ideas for patriotic crafts include paper rosette wreaths, firework confetti sticks, tie-dye towels and bed sheets, and painted flower pots.
8. Watch the National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert is broadcast on various stations and is accessible to everyone for free. This year's concert will air on May 28th from 8 PM to 9:30 PM ET. To catch the concert, tune into your local PBS station, or stream it live on PBS's Facebook page, YouTube channel, or website.
Since this is a brief annual event, consider incorporating additional Memorial Day activities, such as watching documentaries, preparing delicious meals, and enjoying indoor games.
9. Send Military Care Packages
Organizations like Operation Gratitude, Hero
