{Guest Blogger - Jordan S.} Memorial Day is such a wonderful opportunity to get together with your friends and family to enjoy the weather in a nice, cool pool. A pool party really hits the spot; it’s a chance for frozen drinks, cocktails for the grown-ups and lots of fun games for the kids.
As this is also a very important day of remembrance, you can show your patriotism amid all the mayhem with lots of great touches of red, white and blue. Here are some fun ways to put a flag motif throughout your next summer party.
A Proper Welcome
Photo Credit: www.designimprovised.com
A great way to get everyone in a party mood is to make a special entrance way at your door. Do the troops proud with this firework-inspired piece, bursting with our country’s colors. If you like, you can put some extra flags by the door for guests to carry home as a thank you gift.
A Flag Centerpiece
Photo Credit: Pinterest.com
Rather than just stick flags around at random, try making a beautiful centerpiece. You can pick up American flags for fairly cheap and then give them the place of honor in a great arrangement like this one. Who knew a colander could look so patriotic?
More Décor
Photo Credit: www.stylemepretty.com
You can keep the fun, fiery theme going with the space above your porch or patio. Just use some red, white and blue streamers intertwined with soft lights to get a great glow as the sun sets. If your party is over before dark, you can omit the electric lights and just enjoy the colors.
You can incorporate the stripe theme into these gorgeous little pinwheels that also work as take-home gifts for your guests. Enjoy!
Fireworks That Make a (silent) Statement
Have you already tried out some pool noodles? If not, I insist you get a bunch of them before you do any party planning.
These amazing, versatile pieces are cheap and, well, essential for any neighborhood get-together. Just look at how well they brighten up a picnic table.
Popsicle Invitations
Photo Credit: http://www.projectdenneler.com/
Okay, now that you have some pool noodles on hand, you have to use the leftover pieces to make these outstanding invitations. They look just like popsicles, and you can easily use the colors of the flag to keep with your theme and help get everyone excited for the big day.
Still have some pool noodles left? Try making a great little popsicle garland to hang around or place above the snack table.
And Speaking of Treats…
If you want to have a great party, you’ll have to have treats for the kids. When you have tiny guests on your hands, it is essential you have some Jello for them to snack on during breaks from the pool. A layered Jello cup will make any young guest screech with delight when they see its loud colors and taste its awesome flavor.
Beat the Heat with Homemade Popsicles
These delicious popsicles get their inspiration straight from Old Glory. The blue is created with a blueberry puree, the red comes from raspberries and the white stripes are creamy Greek yogurt. Make plenty - they will fly out of your freezer.
Grill Up Some Special Hot Dogs
Photo credit: popsugar.com
You can always cook up some basic hot dogs on the grill, but why not keep with your patriotic theme and make some sparkler dogs? These amazing snacks take a basic hot dog in a bun and make them something special by wrapping the bun in a spiral around the center and then topping them off with a cheesy star. Again, make extra!
Sweet and Salty Popcorn that Salutes Our Troops
This delicious snack mixes crunchy, salty popcorn with melty marshmallows and red and blue M&M’s to create a textured, complex taste that any home chef can handle. You can serve it in a big bowl or just put out little flag-themed cups so guests can keep from overdosing on this highly addictive treat.
Fun with Fruit
Photo credit: wishesndishes.com
Let’s not forget to have some fruit while we’re out in the sun. You can make some special mini-cheesecakes right inside a strawberry with this delicious twist on a traditional cheesecake bite.
You can also just stick with watermelon, but be sure to cut it out into little stars for easy eating and to help the dessert fit in with your party. You can make some lovely little wands with added blueberries for any dreamers in your crowd.
Photo Credit: Gimmesomeoven.com
Of course, you must keep hydrated. This flag-inspired fruit water (scroll down a bit) is delicious, and the fruit adds a twist of flavor, as well as a deeper level of hydration. Note - make this the night before and keep it in the fridge until party time. The flavor will come out bigger and brighter, and your guests will adore it.
Play Some Pool Games
Help the kids celebrate their second amendment rights with this awesome water gun station. They can use the toys in or out of the water. Just be sure you’re out of the splash zone once they find this super fun spot.
In the water, there are some great things you can do. Try just tossing some pennies to the bottom of the pool to have a treasure hunt.
Or, you can make hoops to swim through by cutting out a section in your hula hoops, filling them with water and then sealing them back up. Keep them off the bottom by adding a section of pool noodle to one side (they’ll hang in the water).
Want more pool fun? Try this great little number game. Kids can compete for the most points, search for odd or evens, you name it. Who knew math could be so entertaining?
You can also just add water balloons to the pool. They last much longer in the water and are just as much fun.
Want to do something beyond a water balloon fight? Try hanging filled water balloons and letting the kids pop them like piñatas. This is a winner with older kids!
Take a Swing at a Piñata After You’re Dry
Photo credit: www.agirlandagluegun.com/
Don’t want to do a wet piñata? Come onto dry land and try this delivery-box-turned-flag instead. It’s an easy one to make because of its basic shape and small size. Try making several and placing them around the backyard so there’s a little less fighting for the goodies inside.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as inspired by these ideas as you are by the brave Americans who fought for our freedom. Say “thank you” to an active or former soldier and celebrate our beautiful country this Memorial Day.
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