Memorial Day Back Yard Barbecue
Who doesn’t like a tented down home barbecue? I hosting a party last May for an event I was celebrating with the colors of red, white and blue.
It was my daughter’s college graduation from American University and I was asked to create an event that was both sophisticated and just plain fun. We had lots of grads coming to the party from all parts of the United States and my daughter wanted it to be laid back and casual….a time to kick back, get reacquainted and have fun.
Memorial Day is a perfect time to celebrate the coming of summer and bringing people together.
“Happiness is fresh air and good friends”
I designed these little centerpieces using mason jars and included hydrangea’s, sunflowers, red carnations, baby’s breath and of course, a flag. I wrapped a lovely white ribbon around the vase and it was complete. It really was very simple. The live edge disks were made by my husband. He collected some beautiful cherry logs and made me enough disks to go on all the tables and the other serving centers. It was a great addition to my barbecue theme.
Did you know that the mason jar helped extend the shelf life of people’s food? With the mason jar, the art of preserving food was perfected.
This long table held all of the drinks. I had red and white sangrias along with non-alcoholic beverages such as lemonade and ice tea. This large platform was held by two wine barrels on each end of the table. It was really festive for the occasion.
Appetizers
Lovely bottle of Rose’ with fresh cherries, cheese and crackers.
I strategically placed little vignettes around my yard where I had gardens. I put a pair of adirondack chairs with comfy cushions so that our guests could sit a while and enjoy a beverage. I placed little trays filled with appetizers and wine for those who wanted to have a snack before our barbecue.
My number one rule is to always make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable.
Main Meal
Pulled Pork and Beans
I love grilling vegetables. These are delicious cooked with chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper.
This is my own recipe. You can find it by clicking on this link.
This recipe is from Simplerecipes.com
When I am entertaining, the food has to be both delicious but also visually appealing. I love to use red and green because it represents fresh, clean and wholesome food.
Arugula, Parmagesan and Strawberry salad
4 C Arugula
3/4 C Shaved Parmaesan
3/4 C Strawberries cut in slices
1/4 C Almond Slices
1/8 C Finely Graded Parmaesan
Mix all together. Add dressing
I created this lovely arugula, parmagesan and strawberry salad. It is very simple. I used Brianna’s Home Blush Wine Vinaigrette Dressing to finish it. It was light and very delicious….and so easy.
The other items served for a main dish
Marinated Steak Tips
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
Cut up watermelon - In small wedges
Individual bags of chips
Dessert
I love serving half-naked cakes. This is a very simple one with gluten-free chocolate cake, raspberry buttercream filling and a vanilla frosting. I decorated it with macarons, roses and hydrageas.
What child or adult doesn’t like cupcakes? I had these made by my favorite baker, Taste By Spellbound. I love the little flags on the top.
“a party without cake is just a gathering”
“The thing is…a back yard barbecue can be both elegant and fun. What matters the most is that you put your personality into the decor. Use a color theme and design around it. Try to have a story in mind that you want to design toward. My theme was Memorial Day, American University Graduation Celebration and everything barbecue!”
As with everything I post on my blogs, please feel free to comment or if you have any questions, please email me through my contact page. I welcome it anytime!
Design with your heart™️
Happy entertaining my friends!
Mary
“May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows. ”
This gorgeous layered cake is made with angel food, whipped cream, stawberry jam and decorated with lovely berries and flowers.
