Hosting a Memorial Day Barbecue is a wonderful way to kick off the summer.  It won’t take you long to pull this barbecue together with these simple patriotic touches to your table and easy recipes that are perfect accompaniments to burgers on the grill.  By keeping it simple and prepping everything in advance, you can enjoy your guests without slaving over a hot stove.

Let’s get this party started with a few simple yet festive decorations.

Patriotic Mason Jars

Charlene from My Frugal Adventures created these adorable Mason Jar vases.  The burlap and ribbon add the pop of color needed to make these patriotic arrangements for your Memorial Day Barbecue.  Hydrangeas won’t be in bloom yet but you can use any white flower.

Colorful Bandana Napkins

For napkins, use colorful bandanas in red, white and blue to add a patriotic flair to your Memorial Day Barbecue.  Bandanas can be purchased for less than a dollar so they make an inexpensive napkin.  Great idea Kim with Too Much Time.

Following are some menu suggestions to serve along with your burgers on the grill.

Spicy Mini Dogs

A barbecue wouldn’t be complete without burgers and dogs.  Skip the full-sized hot dogs and serve these Spicy Mini Dogs from Betty Crocker as an appetizer.

Tomato, Corn and Avocado Salad

Every buffet needs a colorful dish and this Tomato Corn and Avocado Salad from Jeanette’s Healthy Living  fits the bill.  I find that Birds Eye Steamfresh Frozen Corn is great for salads when you don’t have time to shuck and cook fresh corn.

Potato Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese

I have made this potato salad from Bon Appetit several times and love the flavors.  It’s not your typical salad with lots of Mayo which makes it ideal for warm weather parties outside.    The crumbled bacon, apple cider and blue cheese add so much flavor to this salad, it is sure to be a hit!

Spiked Watermelon Balls

Jazz up your barbecue with these Spiked Watermelon Balls from The Refined Chef.  If you love watermelon as much as I do, you will love my post Trendy Ways to Serve Watermelon with nine great recipes.

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

No one wants to bake when the weather turns warm and this Ice Cream Sandwich Cake from Real Simple couldn’t be an easier.

If you need more patriotic inspiration to pull your party together, visit my previous post, Celebrate the Fourth of July in Style.

Enjoy the holiday and be safe!