Memorial Day is one of those holidays that goes under the radar most of the year, yet when it comes around, Americans seem to plan big barbecues, family get togethers, and even trips to the lake. If anything, it’s the holiday that says “Let’s kick off the summer!”
And there’s good reason that we all get so excited for Memorial Day Weekend to come around. We’ve been waiting more than half a year to enjoy some amazing weather, so once the end of May hits, we’re all itching to get out in the sun, grill some good food, have some drinks, enjoy the company of family and friends, and just relax.
Memorial Day Weekend isn’t possible without planning ahead, however. If you don’t have the right supplies, foods, drinks, arrangements, or place to do it, it can be more stressful than it needs to be.
Without further adieu, here are some essentials you’ll need to be fully prepared and stocked for the first major holiday of the summer.
Foods.
Whether you’re doing a crawfish boil or a barbecue grill out, you’ll need to have the right meats, the right vegetables, and all the seasonings and charcoal that are needed to bring it all together. And just as well, it’s best to designate a “master chef” for the event so that everyone knows who is doing most of the work (because then that person won’t have to do any clean up or bartending or babysitting!).
Supplies.
Whether it’s paper towels and plastic utensils or packaging supplies like packing tape to hold table tarps down, you want to make sure there’s enough “things” to make the weekend possible. Other useful packaging supplies include cardboard boxes and even sharpies to mark down certain ingredients, foods, or even names for styrofoam/solo cups. Just as well, you need to make sure there are cleaning supplies handy in case someone makes a mess and something needs cleaned up in a hurry to keep the festivities ongoing.
Activities.
Planning activities can either be a major headache or very simple. It’s when you overextend that activities and games can become a chore. Don’t try to plan some huge boating trip if everyone doesn’t have the money or isn’t free for an entire day on whatever day of the weekend you choose. Sometimes it’s just easier to plan things like cornhole and darts if whoever is hosting has available space for such games. And if you’re planning a day at the lake, it’s easier if someone you know or are related to actually owns a lake house so that everyone can chill inside if the heat gets to them or if they have just been outside all day.
