41 Memorial Day Decoration Ideas for Your BBQ Bash

Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday meant to honor those who have lost their lives in defense of the United States. Celebrated on the last Monday in May, many people take this day off to enjoy family barbecues and neighborly potlucks. Here are a few festive Memorial Day decoration ideas to make your long weekend photo- and company-ready.

1. American Flags

A classic patriotic decoration, you can hang one or more flags from walls, doors, archways, windows, on cars or even across your roof. Incredibly versatile, use them anywhere you can think of around your house and garden! You can never have too many American flags for Memorial Day.

2. Homemade garlands

Garlands are a cheap and easy Memorial Day decoration. While they can be made out of almost anything, we recommend using tiny red apples on a piece of wire and hanging them along the bottom of your buffet table to cheerfully frame it. Consider throwing in star and stripe patterns for a uniquely patriotic vibe. 

3. Festive Memorial Day food

Get creative with the way you set up your Memorial Day foods! Use strawberries, tomatoes, jams, jellies or candy for the red; cream, bread or cheese for the white; and get blue from blueberries or candies.

Fill a decorative white bowl with red and white chocolates or candies. Or dip red apples in candy white chocolate coating and then dip in blue sprinkles. The options are as deliciously endless as your imagination!

4. Patriotic grapevine wreath

If you have a large grapevine wreath, turn it into a patriotic marvel by using burlap ribbon, mini flags and a bow. Wrap red striped burlap ribbon all the way around the wreath and tie on one side, then secure two mini flags just underneath the bow to complete the look. 

5. Driveway tealights

Make sure you have something to keep the flame protected for the candle’s safety as well as your neighborhood’s. Use glass storage jars, like Mason jars and cover the outside with colored tissue paper, stars and stripes or small American flags that you can pick up from the dollar store. A water-based sealer finish will be your best friend for this project! Once they’re ready to go, pop in your tealight votives and wait for dusk.

6. Painted lawn

Use lawn-safe spray paint and a cardboard star stencil to create some stars in your yard. You can paint your yard as an American flag or spray on a few scattered patriotic symbols. Just be sure to double-check that your paint is environmentally safe.

7. Memorial Day rag wreath

Create a country-style rag wreath by recycling an old pair of jeans. Cut white ribbon, red check fabric and the jeans into strips and tie them in knots around the wreath before tying it off with a red and white ribbon.

8. Paper chains

Paper chains are the perfect craft for kids. Using colored construction paper, make a red and blue paper chain that has a vibrant impact against a white fence, wall or table. Plus, when the holiday is over, you can recycle your decorations without worrying about clutter.

9. Star-spangled tissue fans

Red and blue tissue paper fans are no-fuss, eye-catching crafts. Hang them on walls or above a featured common area to keep your guests in a festive headspace. You can even reuse red, white and blue tissue fans on the Fourth of July!

10. Ribbons and streamers

Buy solid color or patterned ribbon to tie artistically around your tables, chairs and outdoor entertainment space. You can tie ribbons into bows for wine glass decor or hang them down from the trees like streamers.

11. Red, white and blue tablecloths

For indoor, outdoor and buffet table settings, cover your table with a vibrant red, white and blue tablecloth. Or mix it up with a red gingham tablecloth and blue placemats. Add an extra patriotic element by creating labels for food items following an American theme.

12. Bandana table runner

Just form a straight line of slightly overlapping red, white and blue bandanas down the middle of your dining room table to make it look straight out of a Pinterest board.

13. A red, white and blue centerpiece

Welcome your guests to the table with this subtle Memorial Day table decoration idea. Take a blue glass or ceramic vase and fill it with red and white flowers, marbles or anything you can think of. You can mix up your color scheme, too! Try blue and white flowers in red vases and place them all over the house.

14. Memorial Day napkins

Take red and blue napkins, tie them with a white ribbon and lay them at each place setting. You can even match your napkins to your tablecloth and plates for an aesthetic your guests are sure to love.

15. DIY clothespin wreath

This innovative Memorial Day wreath is easy to make and the perfect way to show your patriotism! Attach clothespins to the outside of a metal wreath ring, alternating between colors. Add some white star foam stickers for added pizzaz. For a more quality look, spray paint the wooden clothespins red, white and blue beforehand.

16. Stars and stripes wrapped vases

Take any vase and generously wrap it with stars and stripes ribbon. Then, simply fill the vase with your favorite fresh red, white and/or blue flowers. These patriotic vases make an excellent centerpiece for your table.

17. Patriotic pinwheels

Place patriotic party pinwheels in a vase, decorative bucket or garden to add vibrancy to any indoor or outdoor table. To greet your guests when they arrive, consider pinwheels running up your driveway to the event space.

18. Mini American flag wreath

Use a wire wreath frame to create an adorable flurry of red, white and blue mini flags. Beyond a wreath frame, you’ll need a collection of small American flags; consider checking your local dollar store around Memorial Day for special deals and sales.

19. Patriotic windsock

Windsocks are great for outdoor events like Memorial Day barbecues and can be a spectacle to watch as they blow in the breeze. Pick up a red, white and blue American-themed option to add to your party. You may even find deals on windsock packs containing variations for all holidays.

20. Memorial Day planters

Consider using a Memorial Day-themed planter if your home is adorned with plants or your table needs a centerpiece. You can find themed planters at your local nursery, or pick up a plain pot and design your own with weather-resistant paints.

21. Red, white and blue balloons

It's not a party until you break out the balloons. Pick up red, white and blue balloons from your favorite party store to add color to your festivities. Some party stores may sell special-edition balloons for Memorial Day.

22. Memorial Day photo display

Tap into the meaning of Memorial Day and honor fallen soldiers with a photo display. Purchase picture frames to display family members and friends who sacrificed for their country.

23. Paper lanterns

Use paper lanterns for a fun effect if your Memorial Day event occurs in the evening or at night. The lanterns don’t necessarily need to be red, white and blue, but if you can find such an option, they’ll add a bit of flair to your display. Use battery-operated candles for added safety.

24. Star-shaped string lights

String lights are easy to hang and a great idea for any party. Some retailers may sell patriotic-themed string lights, or you can use common shapes such as stars. Consider whether you want string lights that plug into an outlet or are battery-operated based on available electrical sources.

25. Patriotic coasters

Patriotic drink coasters are another way to inject an extra bit of red, white and blue into your barbecue. Purchase American-themed coasters or consider designing your own — use wood blocks and paint or weave coasters from durable patriotic-colored fabric. After all, you’ll need somewhere to set down your ice-cold soda!

26. Chair decorations

Add decorations to your table chairs and seating. Use paper decorations and double-sided tape for easy application. If inside, consider adding red, white or blue throw blankets to seats and couches.

27. Patriotic serving trays

Use serving trays with patriotic designs or American flag themes to serve your food and drinks. Visit your local party store or shop online for options to serve your grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in style. Add matching cups and plates for bonus style points.

28. Colored sand art displays

Head to your local craft store and pick up star-shaped glass containers. Fill them with colored sand, alternating the sand colors between red, white and blue for an exciting patriotic pattern. You can also use a regular clear candle holder or jar if you can't find a star-shaped glass container.

29. Painted decorative rocks

Painting rocks in patriotic colors and placing them along your driveway is a great way to grab attention when your guests arrive. Find rocks from your background or a local park and paint them with red, white and blue pigment. You can also place them on your outdoor table to help hold down your tablecloth in windy weather.

30. Cutout paper stars

Paper crafts are an affordable and creative way to decorate for a party or event. Use red, white and blue construction paper and scissors to create cutout paper stars. Sprinkle the stars on your table for a fun effect.

32. Colored table candles

Upgrade the candles on your table for Memorial Day by selecting appropriately colored options. Use three holders, each with either a red, white or blue candle, to assemble a cohesive all-American presentation.

33. Pet accessories

Don't leave your pets out of the Memorial Day celebration! Purchase a patriotic, red, white and blue dog or cat collar to make your pets a part of the fun. Tie an American-themed bandana around your dog's neck for an added bit of fun.

34. Patriotic chalk art displays

If you want to make a big impact with your driveway, pick up some chalk. You can use the chalk to create elaborate designs, such as the American flag; you can even leave the chalk out for your guests to add their own designs. Once finished, a garden hose or rainfall will clear everything away, leaving you with a new blank canvas.

35. Memorial Day placemats

Don't forget patriotic Memorial Day placemats to complement your big barbecue bash. You can purchase American-themed placemats from a local party store or make them at home using various DIY methods, such as weaving or quilting. Not only do they look great, but they'll also help keep your table clean.

36. Colored lights

Head to your local hardware store and pick up a set of red, white and blue lights. Floodlights work best outdoors and can help shine a patriotic atmosphere on your event. Some retailers sell animated LED lights that showcase a fun pattern while providing added light after the sun goes down.

37. Decorative wind chimes

Consider hanging a set of decorative wind chimes to complement your outdoor barbecue ambiance. Beyond being a welcomed visual addition, wind chimes produce a relaxing sound with light wind that are a welcome addition to any outdoor event. You can focus on wind chimes with an American theme, such as the flag, a bald eagle or stars.

38. Memorial Day flag garden

Set up a Memorial Day flag garden to show your patriotic spirit. Locate a patch of open area on your property — it can be within a flower bed or in the middle of the lawn — then set out your American flags in a grid pattern. The more flags, the more impactful the pattern; consider using at least a dozen small flags.

39. Decorative drink dispensers

Purchase white, red and blue dispensers or clear dispensers with appropriately colored liquids or added fruit for color. Three drink options could be horchata, a red fruit punch and a blue lagoon mocktail. Of course, you also need party ideas for adults, too, so feel free to turn that mocktail into the real deal.

40. Color-coordinated cutlery

If you're picking up plastic cutlery for your event, choose American colors. This is a great Memorial Day decoration idea: Purchase white spoons, red forks and blue knives. Add matching plates and cups for the full effect.

41. Napkin rings

Use decorative Memorial Day-themed napkin rings to keep napkins neatly on plates. Purchase themed napkin rings at a party store or make your own. Start with wooden napkin rings and paint them red, white and blue with paint from the craft store. Use glitter for a bit of added style.

Prepare for your Memorial Day gathering with Instacart

Once you select your favorite Memorial Day decoration ideas, you can get everything you need, including groceries and decor supplies, through Instacart. Start creating your decorations with party supplies available for same-day delivery, and make your life easier this holiday by ordering your Memorial Day food essentials, like hot dog buns, through Instacart.