Anniversary, Patriotic Style

Many of us, look at this weekend as the start of summer. So, why not start it off with a BANG!! For those of you planning a Anniversary party, lets go all the way with this patriotic theme. We'll want to include flags, games and of course food. Memorial day is the celebration of fellow Americans who died protecting our nation. In 1968, General John Logan proclaimed May 5Th as Decoration Day. And since WWI, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May throughout the US. So, now that we know what this day means, lets get the party started. The first thing you do after deciding to have a party, be it, birthday, holiday or for this occasion an Anniversary, is select your guest list and get your invites out. You can do this by evite to save on money as well as save on time. Once you have done that, the fun begins... decorations!!!

Starting at the entrance, make it festive to go with the theme, place a Flag in front of the door or along the walkway, you could also use red, white and blue balloons for outside and inside. Next you want to have the entire party area decorated in those same patriotic colors. You can use decorations like streamers, more balloons, confetti, banners and garland all using the Memorial Day theme. Because it is also an anniversary, you may want to get some personalized anniversary items for the happy couple as well.

For table decor: You want to have more than one table or do a half and half, depending on the number of guests. Each table should be draped in a solid color, preferable white, that way you can decorate the eating table with red and blue plates, utensils, cups, etc. And to top it off, each table should include a centerpiece for added decor, this can be shooting stars or red, white and blue flowers. For sweet lovers, you can have a dessert table. Try to incorporate the happy couples favorite desserts, but give it a little color by adding sweets that are color coordinated with the theme. On this table, you can also set the patriotic themed anniversary cake in front of a centerpiece. And last, the food table. Normally, many of us bar-b-que on this day, so the menu can included foods such as: ribs, hot dogs/ links, burgers, ca bobs, potato salad, cold slaw, fruit salad and corn on the cob. And as a thirst quencher, sweet tea or bottled water. If you decide to do favors for this anniversary, print or purchase personalized labels and place them on the bottled water and if kids are attending, just throw together a mini gift bag. These items can be found at your local Walmart, Party City and Dollar Store to stay within an minimal budget.

The husband and wife can wear a sequenced patriotic top hat and maybe you can requests all guest dress in a patriotic colored ensemble. Some games that can be played are softball, being that baseball is the number one pass time, especially back in those times or "who Knows The Couple Best?".

Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday...

-K.Zaid