If you didn't get to have a Memorial Day party last year because of COVID-19, chances are you are ready to have a big get-together! Pull out the grill, set up the tables, and dust off the lawn games! Need some party inspiration? We put together some simple ideas to help you have the best Memorial Day Party ever!
FOOD
Let's start with the menu! Here are several delicious recipes that have been shared with us by our very own caregivers! Pick any, or all, of them to make your Memorial Day party extra special!
Marinated Grilled Pork Chops- Fire up the grill and try these pork chops instead of the typical hamburgers and hot dogs! You won't be disappointed, and neither will your guests!
Ingredients
6 pork chops
¾ cup brewed coffee
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 Tbsp. granulated garlic
1 tsp Kosher salt (I use coarse sea salt)
Directions
Mix together. Heat to boiling. Cool, then pour over meat in a zip lock bag for several hours or overnight. Grill until done.
Taco Salad- This is a classic side dish for BBQs and picnics. Feel free to swap out or add any of the topping ingredients to make it how you like it- black olives, black beans, cilantro, avocado, etc.
Ingredients:
2 heads lettuce
1 ½ lb. hamburger
1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
4 tomatoes, diced
3 peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
8-16 oz. shredded cheese
1 pkg. Dorito chips (crushed)
Dressing- southwest ranch, cilantro lime, western, etc.
Directions:
Fill a serving tray or bowl with lettuce (chopped). Brown hamburger; drain and add taco seasoning mix and kidney beans. Add hamburger mixture to lettuce. Add the rest of the ingredients in layers except chips. Add the dressing and top with crushed Doritos.
Sour Cream Apple Pie- What Memorial Day is complete without an American classic, apple pie? This is a twist on the traditional apple pie, adding sour cream to make the filling extra luscious!
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. flour
¾ cup sugar
⅛ tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp nutmeg
1 cup sour cream
2 cups diced apples
Topping:
⅓ cup flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
⅛ cup butter, cubed
Directions:
Mix filling ingredients together and pour into an unbaked pie shell. For the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the mixture. Bake for 1 hour at 350°.
DECORATE
Here are some simple party decoration ideas that will help take your party to the next level! These are quick and easy ideas that anyone can do!
Here is an easy DIY project for crafters of any age! Use scrap fabric to make a rag garland in patriotic colors! How to make a pretty & patriotic 4th of July ribbon banner craft (makeitgrateful.com)
Make simple utensil holders by removing the labels from a can and painting it! You can also fill them with flowers or flags for table centerpieces. Patriotic Tin Cans - STOCKPILING MOMS™
Kids, seniors, and anyone in between can help make this paper plate star wreath! Patriotic Star Wreath Craft for Kids - The Resourceful Mama
CELEBRATE
As you plan your special Memorial Day activities, don't forget to take a moment to think about all the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country! Because of their sacrifices, we are able to have the freedoms that we enjoy today! Here are a few ideas to make Memorial Day memorable and special for seniors:
Flag Raising- Have your own flag raising ceremony with your family or the whole neighborhood. Traditionally, the American flag should be hung at half-mast until noon and then raised to the top of the flagpole until sunset.
Attend a Parade- Check with your local paper or city hall building to find out if there will be a parade in your area.
Look through old photos- If you have a loved one who served in the military, ask them to show you some photos of their time in service. This can be a special time to hear some stories, too!
However you choose to spend your Memorial Day, we hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!