With Memorial Day coming up, you’re probably thinking about hosting friends and family for BBQs or garden parties. And while company, food and drinks matter, there are a few Memorial Day party must-haves that will make hosting so much easier. That’s why we spoke to event planner Amy Hochberg, owner of AH Solutions, about what you need to throw the perfect party.
“You want the appearance of the classic cookout, with the skills of a professional event planner,” she explains. “The three simple steps [to hosting the perfect party]: Prepare, organize and enjoy.”
Check out Hochberg’s recommendations for Memorial Day party must-haves. From reusable-yet-easily replaceable flatware to beverage markers, she has you — and the perfect party — in mind. If you need to upgrade your outdoor furniture we have you covered, too; and scroll to the bottom for a summary of her tips.
Serving Essentials For a Seamless Party
“The serving ware is dishwasher safe,” Hochberg explains. “Always start a party with an empty dishwasher!”
1. Zero-Waste Eats: Hochberg loves the feel of a classic cookout. However, you can make it classy (and sustainable) with reusable “paper” plates. They’re dishwasher-safe and easy to stack and store.
2. Restaurant-Chic: Transform your backyard into a literal hot dog stand with fast food baskets. They’re kitschy but super cute, especially for a holiday that’s centered around the quintessential “dog.”
3. Not Plastic, Not Silver: With large parties, plastic cutlery is unsustainable while silverware is too nice. But reusable bamboo and sugarcane flatware is the perfect middle ground. You won’t worry about losing anything to the trash, but it can be washed again and again.
4. Refill Please: Make things easy for yourself and let your guests help themselves to more drinks, with a three-gallon beverage dispenser. Whether it contains iced tea or party punch is up to you.
Bar Cart Must-Haves to Get the Party Started
“Everything stacks and stores easily,” Hochberg says. “Special twists can be added to various events to encompass the theme.”
1. No Stem, No Problem: It isn’t a party unless your traditional wine glass breaks. Unless, of course, you save yourself the drama and get a pack of unbreakable stemless wine glasses. We promise you’ll thank us later.
2. Name Tag: It’s impossible to keep track of your drink cup at a large get-together. Make it easy for everyone by providing beverage markers. They’re erasable and smear-proof.
3. Non Solo: Upgrade from your classic college Solo cups with reusable stainless steel Solo-style red cups. Hochberg says they still have the cookout look, minus the plastic waste (and, let’s be honest: a little more class).
4. Chill Out: Avoid a line to the freezer with an ice bucket. You’ll have ice ready for anyone who wants it, and it won’t involve pushing past frozen peas and last week’s leftovers.
5. Slice It: Every bar cart needs a small plastic cutting board. Whether you’re doling out lime wedges for tequila shots or slicing oranges for Aperol Spritzes, having one on-hand is key.
One Clean-Up Essential to Make Memorial Day Amazing
1. Clean Queen: Make cleanup easier for yourself with recycled cardboard disposable trash cans. Right after the party you can toss them in your dumpster or leave them out for trash pickup… no stench required. “[That way], cleanup is easy,” she says.
Must-Have Party Games for Memorial Day 2025
“Guests love using these,” she says. “They will be a topic of conversation!”
1. Showdown: Get ready to incite a little friendly competition with spike ball. Almost like a combination of volleyball and four square, it’s the ultimate group game. Pop a classic pool float under it and it’s a pool game!
2. Easy to Learn: Test the hand-eye coordination of your friends and family with Juegoal Kubb, a classic tossing lawn sport that was supposedly invented by the Vikings. It’s been dubbed “easy to learn, difficult to master,” so prepare to get hooked. Solid wood means it’ll hold up to both kids and rowdy guests.
Best Hosting Tips to Keep in Mind for Memorial Day and Beyond
- Upgrade from disposable dishware and flatware. While it doesn’t have to be your best China and silverware, reusable wood and aluminum versions are classier and eco-friendly.
- Make sure you aren’t burning through cups with drink markers
- Set yourself up for success with easy disposable trash solutions
- Games make for added fun and conversation flow
