A Classic Americana Memorial Day Barbecue

If your Memorial Day plans include entertaining guests with an outdoor barbecue, look no further than this classic, all-American celebration from Celebrations at Home for red, white, and blue inspiration. A basic BBQ menu paired with old-fashioned games and fun makes this a great way to kick off Summer with the entire family.

Happy Memorial Day!

01
Welcome to the Party!

Welcome to the Party!

Get the look of this classic Americana BBQ with free printables!

02
A Great Way to Greet Guests

A Great Way to Greet Guests

A welcome table (especially one that immediately offers up good eats or drinks) is a nice way to make company feel welcome, and ready to party! For this display, a piece of indoor furniture was brought outside — we love the rustic look of red, white, and blue flowers in the partially opened dresser drawer.

03
Layer It On

Layer It On

A blue and white gingham tablecloth gives the seated table an old-fashioned picnic feel, and layered place settings add interest.

04
Good Eats

Good Eats

The buffet table was kept simple, and every detail was attended to. Canning (or Mason) jars are a charming way to serve drinks, and condiments were transferred into coordinating serving pieces. Even the baked beans were served in mini canning jars — perfect for grab 'n go eating.

05
The Centerpieces

The Centerpieces

Wooden planter boxes were flipped upside down to serve as a base for recycled cans-turned-vases.

06
Vintage Vibe Props

Vintage Vibe Props

An adorable "faucet" soap dish is transformed into a server for Dubble Bubble.

07
Stack Your Own Shortcakes

Stack Your Own Shortcakes

An unexpected take on the traditional sundae bar, building your own shortcakes is a nice way to incorporate fresh Summer berries into your menu. Dress up a whipped cream can in patterned fabric, and offer guests the option of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

08
Super Sliders

Super Sliders

A party-perfect alternative to the full-sized burger, mini sliders are easier for guests to eat while mingling.

09
Easy Eats

Easy Eats

Turn fun patterned paper into cones, and fill them with an easy snack, like chips or popcorn.

10
BBQ Beans

BBQ Beans

The printable labels on the baked bean jars are free to download.

11
Drink Up!

Drink Up!

Canning jars can be easily customized with name tags for each guest to ensure that no one's drinks are mixed up.

12
All in the Details

All in the Details

Transferring basic condiments into glass containers makes them look extra special, and tying coordinating fabric on the wire basket makes it a perfect piece for this party.

13
Icebreakers

Icebreakers

Scattering games on the tables and around the backyard makes it easy to mix and mingle, even if not everyone at your party knows one another.

14
Red, White, and Blue Backdrop

Red, White, and Blue Backdrop

Simple party accessories (and found props, like the wire baskets showed on the table here) are artfully arranged for a down-home vibe.

15
Cracker Jack!

Cracker Jack!

The retro packaging of Cracker Jacks makes them a great (and inexpensive!) favor for vintage-inspired, all-American BBQs.