25 Memorial Day Decorations to Set the Scene for Your Patriotic Barbecue

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If you like to go all out for major holidays like Halloween and Christmas, why not keep the enthusiasm up for summer? After Easter, we can drift into a decorating lull until fall begins and we pull out all the stops with ghosts and gourds galore. But there is just as much reason to celebrate—and decorate—in the summer, starting with the unofficial (but kind of official) kick-off to the season, Memorial Day.

Memorial Day, which takes place this year on May 29, is when we recognize, honor, and remember all of the brave military personnel who died serving our country. What better way to pay tribute than by proudly displaying Memorial Day decorations in our nation’s colors? We love classic red, white, and blue bunting hung across the front porch. Striped napkins and table runners also fit the theme and can add a coastal look to your table all season long. Or take an even more straightforward approach when setting your table by pairing blue glassware with elegant white flowers and a fresh raspberry dessert.

Whether you’re planning a picnic at the park, a cookout at home, or a day on the water, these stylish Memorial Day decor ideas will bring all-American flair to your outdoor party. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite decorations that flaunt the stars and stripes and interpret the theme more subtly. Either way, you'll get plenty of use out of your decorations: You can always bring them out again for the Fourth of July and Labor Day.

Patriotic Hanging Paper Fans

This set of paper fans in a variety of patterns look great clustered together, but you can hang them up any way you'd like.

US Stars & Stripes Printed Poly-Cotton Pleated Fan

You just can't beat the timeless appeal of red, white, and blue bunting strung across the front porch. This oversize option, measuring 3-by-6-feet, is extra impactful.

Red, White, and Blue Block Print Tablecloth

This gorgeous handmade tablecloth is the perfect foundation for an alfresco summer meal. Keep place settings simple so that the unique (and subtly patriotic) block print can steal the show.

USA Felt Pennant Banner

We love the vintage look of this felt pennant. It would look so cute tucked into a vase of flowers, staked in an outdoor planter, or simply tacked up on the wall.

Libery Handcrafted Burlap Wreath, 24"

This durable indoor-outdoor would look equally cute hanging on your front door, over your fireplace mantle, or on the wall behind a dessert display.

Constellation Pierced Ceramic Candleholders

Mimic sparkling fireworks by filling these delicate perforated candleholders with flickering LED tea lights.

Yard Games Giant Ring Toss | Games & Outdoor Toys at L.L.Bean

Liberty Burlap Party Banner

Bring a bit of rustic flair to your outdoor porch or balcony with this burlap bunting. We love how the loose, pulled edges of the jute fabric make it look naturally aged.

Portable Rolling Patio Cooler

We can't choose between this bright cherry red or the more subdued cornflower blue. This retro-style cooler sits on casters for easy entertaining and holds up to 110 cans. It has a genius integrated towel holder and bottle opener, plus a container to catch tops.

Enamel Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Opt for supremely durable enamelware at your Memorial Day picnic as a nod to classic Americana. Bring in color with the striped napkins featured below or the gorgeous block print tablecloth featured above.

Hanging Stars

These hanging paper stars in red, blue, and silver work as wall decorations or hang on a door or even in a doorway.

Patriotic USA Stars & Stripes Red, White & Blue Straws (Pack of 50) - 4th of July Party Supplies, Military Homecoming/Farewell Party Decorations

Stars & Stripes Canvas Banner

Incorporate this festive canvas banner into your pinwheel display or hang it on the wall or a doorknob as a standalone accent.

Seersucker Cloth Dinner Napkins (Set of 4)

Whether you go for the red and white or navy and white stripes, these seersucker napkins will elevate your tablescape. They're available as a set of four dinner napkins or four cocktail napkins.

Midnight Sky Pitcher

Serve anything from homemade lemonade to your go-to alcoholic beverage in a classic Ralph Lauren black-and-white pitcher you'll use all summer.

Alma Blue Double Old-Fashioned Glass

No matter what you're serving, any drink will look prettier in a deep blue glass inspired by Paris flea market finds.

Gold Foil Star Plates (Set of 8)

Everything—chips and salsa, hot dogs, cupcakes—looks more festive when served on a shimmering gold plate.

Embroidered Stars and Stripes Table Runner

No patriotic tablescape or barbecue spread is complete without an on-theme table runner. This red and white striped option is so richly embroidered it looks handmade; fields of stars cover both ends.

Red White & Blue Bunting

Classic bunting looks patriotic on your porch but is subtle and stylish enough to stay up all summer.

Red, White & Blue Star String Lights

Shimmering tricolor star string lights add some ambiance as your barbecue goes from day to night.

Firework Plant Stakes (Set of 6)

Pop these two-prong fireworks-inspired stakes into your front porch planters for an easy, whimsical nod to the holiday. Each one is hand-painted and is sealed with a resin coating to ensure it'll last for many seasons to come.

Popsicle Doormat

Such a fun way to greet guests at any summer gathering! This cutie doormat comes in eight sizes and can be personalized for free.

Medium Pompidou Vase

Place a few of your favorite on-theme blooms—like white tulips or blue hydrangeas—in this dreamy Jonathan Adler vase for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Soft Rose Americana Wreath

A beautiful wreath made of red, white, and blue wood curls will instantly up your home's holiday curb appeal.

Pom Pom Garland

These red, white, and blue pom pom garlands can be hung just about anywhere but look especially cute on your fence.

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