Memorial day is a patriotic holiday often signifying the beginning of summer. This three day weekend is widely celebrated with red, white, and blue themed outdoor parties. From decorations to dessert here is a guide on how to throw the best Memorial Day blowout on a budget.

Phase One: What the Heck is Happening
The first step is visualizing what you want your party to look like. Generally, the theme for Memorial Day Weekend is 'America' but this doesn't mean you're limited to red, white, and blue. We often spend a lot more money than we need to by over thinking things. Here is what to ask yourself when starting to plan a budget.

• How many people will you be entertaining?

• How long do you want the party to last?

• What do you want to serve - full course meal or just appetizers and cocktails?

• Who are your guests - do they drink alcohol, will there be children, etc?

• What is your theme?

• How much are you really willing to spend?

Phase Two: The Prep Step
Phase two is probably the most important phase. The more you are able to prepare beforehand, the less you'll end up having to do at the actual party. You want to serve items that are easy to cook and don't require a lot of clean up. The most efficient method, especially if BBQ is involved, is to have a buffet table where your guests can graze as they please. It's less pressure for the host and allows for a more a natural flow of the party. Here are some suggestions for easy prep-and-serve party food taken from our 'Summer Ready' Pinterest Page.

Drinks
If you plan on entertaining upwards of seven guests we suggest making punch and putting bottles of beer/ cans of soda on ice. If you'd like to class it up a bit you can offer different teas or sparkling punch. If you are chilling bottles and cans outside try this hack. Instead of using ice cubes, fill large water balloons and freeze them. Not only are they festive, they'll keep your drinks colder for longer! This trick not only saves money and water but it also a great way to eliminate still water which will attract a lot of bugs. Here are some drinks recipes we think you'll love!

Phase Three: Decorate
The key to decorating is to only stick to the essentials. For example, you won't need a lot of wall decorations if your tables are already full of color. Let's start there.

Tables: Utilize Standing Cocktail Tables
The best thing about outdoor entertainment is that it's outdoors! However, this might be a little tricky if you don't have much patio furniture. The solution is to set up your area so that it looks like a lot is going on even though there's not. A great way to do this is to use standing cocktail tables instead of long tables. If you're renting tables it will also save you money not having to rent chairs. Standing tables are a great way for guests to get to know one another as they intimately talk around a smaller table rather than silently wait their turn to speak at a long table. Drape almost any sized table cloth over the top and it will look great. Here are some examples we love.

Seating: Scatter Cushions
A unique and cost saving idea for additional seating is throwing cushions on stacked pallets or simply on the floor. This may sound a little odd but look at how cute they are! If you like the raised features of pallets they are fairly inexpensive and warehouses usually give them away for free on Craigslist. A great way to utilize pallets is to spray paint them to fit your theme.

Plates / Napkins: It's All About Count & Color
Decide what color the table tops are going to be. Then choose a complimentary color for the plates and another for the napkins. For example, if the tablecloths are red, the plates can be blue and the napkins white or vice versa. Buy enough plates and napkins so that everyone you accounted for has at least three of each. If there will be kids attending make sure everyone has at least four of each.

Utensils: Go Simple or Swanky
The key to entertaining is creating the smallest mess possible. After your guests eat, you'll want them to be able to throw away their plates in the trash instead of your sink. Disposable products are perfect. You'll want to purchase utensils that match your tables, and remember, you can never go wrong with clear. If you'd like to take it a step further you can wrap the utensils in a napkin and tie it with a ribbon. It will add elegance to your buffet table and make it easier for guests to carry everything to the dining area.

Drinkware: Double Insulated Tumblers
Cups can be a little tricky when you entertain. Unlike a plate, fork, or napkin, people tend to hold on to their cup to reuse it. However, the reality is that people always forget where they leave their cups and grab another as soon as they feel thirsty. In order to combat a maze of red solo cups, you'll need a durable solution that encourages people to use the same cup throughout the party. We suggest getting our classic candy party pack for your guest. They have a sealed lid and straw which means no sticky spills and no more bugs in your drink. Each lid also has it's own unique color so everyone will remember which cups is theirs. If the colored lid isn't enough, the pack also comes with hello name tags which is a great way for new friends to mingle at your party. At the end of the party, they can take it home as a party favor filled with leftovers for the ride home.