5 Things I Always Keep in Mind for a Memorial Day Party
Hey there, it’s your favorite chef from Bread Crumbs Catering! With Memorial Day just around the corner, you know what that means — it’s time to fire up the grill, pop open a cold one, and gather with friends and family to kick off the summer. Whether you’re hosting at home or letting us do the heavy lifting, here are five things I always keep in mind when planning a Memorial Day party:
1. Plan Around the Heat
Memorial Day tends to bring the heat — both from the grill and the sun. I always set up shaded seating with umbrellas or pop-up tents, and keep cold drinks in coolers all around the party space. A few handheld fans and misting bottles go a long way too!
2. Keep the Menu Simple, Seasonal, and Crowd-Pleasing
This is the time for burgers, hot dogs, grilled veggies, and fresh fruit. I lean into classic favorites but always throw in a twist — like watermelon feta skewers or a house-made chipotle aioli for those burgers. Bonus points if you prep most of it the night before.
3. Have a Game Plan (and Games!)
Nothing kills a party vibe like disorganization. I map out a loose timeline for when food’s ready, when music starts pumping, and when to bring out dessert. I also bring along a few lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or a patriotic trivia game to keep guests mingling and laughing.
4. Don’t Forget the Memorial
While the burgers and beers are great, I always take a moment to acknowledge what the day is really about. A short toast, a flag on the table, or even a simple moment of silence is a respectful way to honor those who’ve served.
5. Make Clean-Up a Breeze
Pro tip: set up a trash, recycle, and compost station from the start. Label them clearly and keep them in plain sight. Trust me, guests will help out more than you think — and you’ll thank yourself when the night winds down.
Memorial Day is about good people, good food, and remembering the good we’ve been given. If you want to skip the stress and let us bring the flavors, we’ve got a Memorial Day catering menu ready to go — just give us a shout.
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