Memorial Day is the day we pay tribute to all who have served our country. It is celebrated the last Monday in May as a day of reflection, pride, and respect for our armed forces. Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficially beginning of summer. Celebrate by having your Memorial Day gathering outdoors.

The Invitation:
-Pre-made invites with American flags, or patriotic scenes can be found at any craft or stationary store.
-If any additional clothing is necessary (e.g. the balloon toss)be sure to mention it on the invitation.


The Decoration:
(Note: Many of the decorations used for your Memorial Day party could do double duty on the 4th of July)
-Red, white, and blue plates (in a stripe, solids, or flag pattern) as well as matching cups, plastic ware, and napkins, and a coordinating table cloth.
-Spread Citronella candles in colorful tins throughout the party/food area to keeps pests at bay.
-Drape red white and blue crepe streams through trees and doorways
-String clear, red, and blue lights around the party area for lighting if the party will go into the evening hours


Activities:
-Horseshoes
-Volleyball
-Potato sack races
-Tug of war
-Frisbee
-Softball
-Water balloon toss (great for kids)


The Food:
-Plan a potluck dinner to take some of the pressure off of you and some of the heat out of your kitchen.
-Have plenty of ice-cold beverages on hand
-Don’t forget to stock up on ice, and a cooler or large ice bucket to keep it all in

Here are a few recipes that will make your Memorial Day picnic one to be remembered:

Tomato Salad
1 tomato chopped
1c orzo pasta
1c feta cheese
¼ c virgin olive oil
½ c green olives (use black if you want)
½ c lemon juice
3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
3 tbsp fresh chopped dill
salt and pepper to taste

Cook orzo until al dente, drain and rinse, then set aside until cooled

Mix orzo, olives, feta, parsley, dill, and tomato in a serving bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together oil and lemon juice then mix into salad. Salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.



(additional recipes)