Your Memorial Day Weekend barbecue bash just isn’t complete without these summer party essentials!
Memorial Day weekend is a great time for outdoor activities, events, and good food! If you’re this year’s host for the backyard bash, stock up on all the summer party essentials to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Plus, they’ll be handy for all the other weekend barbecues and activities planned this summer. This fun-filled weekend brings out friends and family of all ages. To keep them all well fed and entertained—and to ensure your backyard venue is looking on-point—snag these Memorial Day weekend essentials from Wallace’s Garden Center.
Red, White, and Bloom: Brighten Up the Yard with Colorful Annuals
Why get plastic streamers and balloons when you can have beautiful blooming red, white, and blue annual flowers in pretty planters throughout the yard? The best part is, they keep looking gorgeous for the rest of the summer—no need to pack them away in the garage once the weekend is over! Try a combination of plants like red Geraniums, white Petunias, and blue Lobelia. Plant them in separate containers or all together in one!
Sprinklers: The Perfect Weekend Activity for Kids
Let’s face it: on a scorching hot May weekend, there’s nothing better than walking through a cold sprinkler. It’s a great activity for entertaining the kids, but don’t be surprised if the adults join in on the action! Hook one to the hose and let it run for a while, but don’t leave it on so long that moisture pools on the lawn. If you can, move the sprinkler around a bit to avoid saturating one area.
Fresh Herbs for Grilling and Marinades
If you’ve experienced cooking with herbs from your garden, you know that flavor and aroma are next-level amazing. There are so many delicious savory herbs you can grow at home, perfect for all the barbecued meats and grilled vegetables you plan on serving for Memorial Day weekend. To create spice rubs and marinades with homegrown herbs, grab an assortment of these herb plants for container gardens:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Dill
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Basil
Grow them in planters outdoors or along a sunny windowsill—herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow!
Stock Up On All the Necessary Grilling Supplies
Quality grilling tools are essential! Make sure you’ve got a complete good set of supplies with all of the following items:
- Tongs
- Metal grill skewers
- A spatula
- A carving board
- A nice set of serving trays
- A really, really cool apron
- Salad Dressings and dips from Terrapin Ridge for appetizers and charcuterie.
Having everything you need on hand will make grilling for a big crowd easy as pie, so you can spend more time enjoying weekend activities in the sunshine!
How’s That Patio Furniture Holding Up?
Plenty of seating is a must-have for outdoor entertaining. Folks need somewhere to relax and cool down during a long day of activities in the sun! Check out your patio furniture and make sure everything is in good shape for the weekend. If anything needs replacing, swap it out! If you’re hosting a big group, consider adding some extra foldable chairs or a nice garden bench for guests to enjoy. A sunshade or patio umbrella is helpful, especially if you’ve got elderly visitors who can’t stay out for too long in the heat.
If You’re Joining a Party, Bring a Gift for the Host or Hostess!
Plants always make the best party gifts. If you’re hitting up another Memorial Day party this weekend, grab something to give to the host for all the work they put into throwing an awesome party. From trendy houseplants to flowering hanging baskets, there’s always something for everyone at the garden center. We hope you have a fun-filled weekend of activities in Iowa this Memorial Day! Visit Wallace’s Garden Center and browse our diverse assortment of products for summer entertaining—you may find even more inspiration for things to do this weekend!
