Memorial Day Decorating Tips

Memorial Day gatherings, aside from honoring the military and so forth, traditionally kick off the summer season here in the U.S. (in Europe summer runs from June to September), and summery gatherings are popular--barbecues, al fresco gatherings, beach house meals, or indoor gatherings (there are those with no interest in the outdoors, even a backyard).

Today we offer ideas for decorating for your Memorial Day gathering in ways that aren't too cloying or party pack-ish. 

If you use disposable serveware, offset your carbon footprint in other ways such as recycling wine and beer bottles and using real glasses.

Traditional colors associated with Memorial Day are the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue.  So let's say that you want to use these colors but want an elegant look.  Here are some ideas.

• A red OR blue solid tablecloth with white plates, clear or red glasses, and flowers or a centerpiece in either red or blue (blue flowers with a red tablecloth or red flowers with a blue tablecloth).
• Red OR blue plates on a white tablecloth, with, again, red or blue flowers or a centerpiece to match the plates.
• Same ideas as above but with placemats
• Real glasses look better with any of these ideas than disposable glasses UNLESS you buy Caspari or another upscale paper serveware glasses.  We still prefer real glasses as it takes your gathering to the next level.
• Decorate your beverage station by tying a red or blue ribbon around your beverage tub or by putting red, white, or blue flowers there (stick to one color)
• Speaking of which, IF and only if you're good at arranging flowers (or you pay someone to do it), mixtures of red, white, and blue flowers can look good; display them in a white or clear square glass vase.  If you're not adept at flower arranging and you don't want to pay someone to do it, stick to one color of flowers and your florals will always look more elegant than if you attempt mixtures
• Avoid colored cutlery as this looks too party pack-ish
• Red or blue napkins can look nice but in general remember to let either red or blue or white predominate in your Memorial Day decor--in other words, let one of the three colors predominate. 

By using a predominant color and not mixing too much red, white, and blue on each table, beverage table, etc., your decorating looks chic and not overdone.

Enjoy!

Kristina

Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
http://www.fandango-catering.com/