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25 Memorial Day Decorations for a Patriotic Barbecue
Stars and stripes forever!
If you like to go all out for major holidays like Halloween and Christmas, why not keep the enthusiasm up for summer? After Easter, we can drift into a decorating lull until fall begins and we pull out all the stops with ghosts and gourds galore. But there is just as much reason to celebrate—and decorate—in the summer, starting with the unofficial (but kind of official) kick-off to the season, Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, which takes place this year on May 29, is when we recognize, honor, and remember all of the brave military personnel who died serving our country. What better way to pay tribute than by proudly displaying Memorial Day decorations in our nation’s colors? We love classic red, white, and blue bunting hung across the front porch. Striped napkins and table runners also fit the theme and can add a coastal look to your table all season long. Or take an even more straightforward approach when setting your table by pairing blue glassware with elegant white flowers and a fresh raspberry dessert.
Whether you’re planning a picnic at the park, a cookout at home, or a day on the water, these stylish Memorial Day decor ideas will bring all-American flair to your outdoor party. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite decorations that flaunt the stars and stripes and interpret the theme more subtly. Either way, you can use them again on the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
This set of paper fans in a variety of patterns look great clustered together, but you can hang them up any way you'd like.
United States Flag Store US Stars & Stripes Printed Poly-Cotton Pleated Fan
United States Flag Store US Stars & Stripes Printed Poly-Cotton Pleated Fan
You just can't beat the timeless appeal of red, white, and blue bunting strung across the front porch. This oversize option, measuring 3-by-6-feet, is extra impactful.
Theblockprints Red, White, and Blue Block Print Tablecloth
Theblockprints Red, White, and Blue Block Print Tablecloth
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This gorgeous handmade tablecloth is the perfect foundation for an alfresco summer meal. Keep place settings simple so that the unique (and subtly patriotic) block print can steal the show.
My Mind's Eye USA Felt Pennant Banner
We love the vintage look of this felt pennant. It would look so cute tucked into a vase of flowers, staked in an outdoor planter, or simply tacked up on the wall.
Pottery Barn Libery Handcrafted Burlap Wreath, 24"
This durable indoor-outdoor wreath would look equally cute hanging on your front door, over your fireplace mantle, or on the wall behind a dessert display.
West Elm Constellation Pierced Ceramic Candleholders
Mimic sparkling fireworks by filling these delicate perforated candleholders with flickering LED tea lights.
L.L.Bean Yard Games Giant Ring Toss
This ring-toss set is the right colors for the celebration, plus it's a crowd-pleasing party game you'll play all summer.
Pottery Barn Liberty Burlap Party Banner
Bring a bit of rustic flair to your outdoor porch or balcony with burlap bunting. We love how the loose, pulled edges of the jute fabric make it look naturally aged.
Permasteel Portable Rolling Patio Cooler
Permasteel Portable Rolling Patio Cooler
We can't choose between this bright cherry red or the more subdued cornflower blue. This retro-style cooler sits on casters for easy entertaining and holds up to 110 cans. It has a genius integrated towel holder and bottle opener, plus a container to catch tops.
Crow Canyon Home Enamel Dinner Plates (Set of 4)
Opt for supremely durable enamelware plates at your Memorial Day picnic as a nod to classic Americana. Bring in color with the striped napkins featured below or the gorgeous block print tablecloth featured above.
These hanging paper stars in red, blue, and silver work as wall decorations or hang on a door or even in a doorway.
Party Again Celebrate. Every Day. Patriotic Paper Straws (Pack of 50)
Party Again Celebrate. Every Day. Patriotic Paper Straws (Pack of 50)
Featuring stars and stripes, these biodegradable paper straws are sure to be a hit. They come in packs of 12 and can even double as party favors.
My Mind's Eye Stars & Stripes Canvas Banner
Incorporate this festive canvas banner into your pinwheel display or hang it on the wall or a doorknob as a standalone accent.
Dot and Army Seersucker Cloth Dinner Napkins (Set of 4)
Whether you go for the red and white or navy and white stripes, these seersucker napkins will elevate your tablescape. They're available as a set of four dinner napkins or four cocktail napkins.
Ralph Lauren Midnight Sky Pitcher
Serve anything from homemade lemonade to your go-to alcoholic beverage in a classic Ralph Lauren black-and-white pitcher you'll use all summer.
Crate & Barrel Alma Blue Double Old-Fashioned Glass
No matter what you're serving, any drink will look prettier in a deep blue glass inspired by Paris flea market finds.
Meri Meri Gold Foil Star Plates (Set of 8)
Everything—chips and salsa, hot dogs, cupcakes—looks more festive when served on a shimmering gold plate.
MulanDesignsByEllen Embroidered Stars and Stripes Table Runner
MulanDesignsByEllen Embroidered Stars and Stripes Table Runner
No patriotic tablescape or barbecue spread is complete without an on-theme table runner. This red and white striped option is so richly embroidered it looks handmade; fields of stars cover both ends.
Grandin Road Red White & Blue Bunting
Classic bunting looks patriotic on your porch but is subtle and stylish enough to stay up all summer.
Impress Life Red, White & Blue Star String Lights
Impress Life Red, White & Blue Star String Lights
Shimmering tricolor star string lights add some ambiance as your barbecue goes from day to night.
Brittney Morgan is a noted land mermaid and a Virgo with a penchant for crafts, red lipstick, and buying way too many throw pillows. Her work has also been published at Apartment Therapy, NYLON, HuffPost, Hello Giggles, Elite Daily, and more.
Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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