31 Red White & Blue DIY Memorial Day Party Ideas

The first day of summer might not be until June 21, but nothing kicks off the season like Memorial Day. I will admit that I haven’t celebrated a lot of holidays with their cultural significance in mind—Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, Christmas is for games and family, even Cinco de Mayo is my excuse to get a piñata—but as my kids get older I enjoy sharing the history and meaning behind these awesome holidays, and Memorial Day is a big one.

So take some time to explain to your kids that Memorial Day is a special day honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the US military, going all the way back to the American Civil War. There are a lot of ways you can teach your kids to celebrate Memorial Day and help them honor and respect our fallen military heroes.

And remember, Memorial Day doesn’t have to be a sad occasion. Put your patriotic spirit on display with plenty of red, white, and blue decor. Memorial Day weekend is a great opportunity to throw a barbecue (with one of these awesome burgers, perhaps) or a family picnic, or even try a fun craft project. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up some of the best red, white, and blue DIY Memorial Day party ideas to make your Memorial Day party a memorable one.

More Summer Party Ideas:

31 Red, White, and Blue DIY Ideas for Memorial Day Parties

Red, White, & Blue Ice Cubes

Keep your Memorial Day beverages patriotic with this burst of color (and flavor!), that is both easy to do and pretty to look at.

Get the tutorial at Momtastic.
American Flag Mason Jars

Ever a huge fan of mason jars, I'm obsessed with this creative take, featuring painted stripes and stars. Cluster them together to hold flowers as shown, or use them to hold forks, knives, and spoons at your weekend picnic.

Get the tutorial at Maison de Pax.
Stars and Strikes

If you're looking for a fun game (and craft project) for your Memorial Day party, why not decorate some foam cones, grab a soccer ball, and get an informal bowling league going in the backyard?

Get the tutorial at Be Different Act Normal.
Paper Plate Fruit Bowls

Would you believe me if I told you that these awesome striped berry baskets were made from inexpensive paper plates and washi tape? How super cool. They'd be perfect for serving up chips or veggies, too.

Get the tutorial at Momtastic.
Patriotic Ice Cream Cones

The only thing better than ice cream? Why, ice cream served up in patriotic cones studded with sprinkles, of course! Prep these the night before your party, and top them with big scoops of vanilla ice cream after lunch.

Get the tutorial at Noble Pig.
Patriotic Button Bucket

Spruce up your ice bucket with this fun and easy patriotic button craft project. And, hey, if you don't need an ice bucket, go ahead and fill it up with candy, flags, utensils, and more.

Get the tutorial at Buttons Galore & More.
Watercolor Cups

For big parties I'm always an advocate of busting out paper cups to keep clean-up easy. But why not dress them up with pretty watercolor stripes in patriotic hues? It's so easy to do.

Get the tutorial at Love & Lace.
Patriotic Party Lights

Solo cups are a must have for any summer gathering, but you can do more than just drink out of them. With some red cups, a little paint, and twinkly lights, you can create a patriotic lighting scheme that your guests will adore.

Get the tutorial at Anything & Everything.
Star Stamped Cups

Here's another cute idea for dressing up your paper cups and kicking up the patriotism at your summer party. Grown-ups can create the stamps using an X-Acto knife and pencil eraser, and then kids can help decorate the cups.

Get the tutorial at Momtastic.
DIY Star Streamers

You know you love these awesome star streamers made from inexpensive crepe paper. The best part? This is another project you can make now and use all summer long through Labor Day.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Festive Star Jars

Another craft idea with mason jars? Yes, please! I love how magical these decorated jars look, either on a tablescape or for the little ones to play with in lieu of fireworks.

Get the tutorial at Momtastic.
Patriotic Ribbon Wand

These patriotic ribbon wands are so fun and colorful. Grab all the red, white, and blue ribbon you can get your hands on, and give the kids something to twirl, wave, and dance with this summer.

Get the tutorial at Mad in Crafts
Red White and Blue Cocktail

A party's not a party without a signature cocktail. Not only delicious, these thematic slushies will also keep your guests ice cold all afternoon.

Get the tutorial at Klink.
Confetti Popper Rockets

These patriotic confetti popper rockets are dynamite (haha)! Using a few toilet paper rolls and ribbon, these super-fun poppers are a blast for the kids (and only require a bit of vacuuming, post-explosion).

Get the tutorial at Alpha Mom.
Upcycled Can Flower Pots

I love upcycling cans (who doesn't?), and this craft project is so simple, yet totally rustic and patriotic for your tablescape.

Get the tutorial at Mom 4 Real.
Red White and Blue Table Settings

When in doubt, layers of pretty linens decked out in red, white, and blue stripes are always the way to go. This place setting is just lovely for dressing up a backyard party.

Get the tutorial at Better Homes & Gardens.
Celebration Pretzel Sticks

If you're a fan of sweet and salty (I am!), you will absolutely love these tasty decorated pretzel treats. They're a cinch to make and look great bundled up in one of our upcycled can flower pots or a colorfully painted mason jar.

Get the tutorial at Lady Behind the Curtain.
Burlap American Flags

Another super sweet Memorial Day craft idea that the kids will surely love, these mini burlap flags are just too cute. Make your own with burlap, wooden dowels, and craft paint.

Get the tutorial at Kiwi Crate.
Patriotic Mason Jar Lids

Give basic mason jars a really patriotic makeover by turning them into sippy cups decked out with colorful assorted red, white, and blue patterned fabric. Kids and the grown-up kids will love them.

Get the tutorial at Two Shades of Pink.
Indigo Linens

How pretty are these stars and stripes napkins? They'll dress up your Memorial Day celebrations in fine style and prove to be equally perfect through July Fourth and Labor Day, too. Make them with pre-made cotton napkins and a bleach pen.

Get the tutorial at House of Earnest.
Goodie Bags

Fill 'em full of potato chips or popcorn, and these crazy-cute little goodie bags will boast a little extra patriotic flair at your Memorial Day shindig. Making them is as easy and inexpensive as using brown paper bags and washi tape.

Get the tutorial at The Sweetest Occasion.
Mason Jar Utensil Holders

For a really fun idea that's also incredibly practical, create a mason jar utensil holder for each guest at your Memorial Day picnic. Alternate red and blue kerchiefs that can double as napkins and include each guest's utensils in the jar. The jar serves as their glass, and boom! You're done.

Get the tutorial at A Soft Place to Land.
Watercolor Straw Flags

These watercolor straw flags are as pretty and patriotic as can be. Bonus: Thanks to a super handy printable, they're incredibly easy to make, too. Your lemonade can thank me later.

Get the tutorial at Oh Happy Day.
Watercolor Bunting Flags

Planning to hang out to watch the Memorial Day parade? Why not whip up some of these pretty watercolor flags made from basic white card stock to wave as the bands march by? They're inexpensive but so fun.

Get the tutorial at The Sweetest Occasion.
Rolled Favors

If you want to send your guests home with a tasty little treat, these rolled favors are my pick. The pattern of the paper comes from taking a photocopy of a piece of denim and then wrapping it around little caramels or candies.

Get the tutorial at Martha Stewart.
American Flag Picnic Blanket

This gorgeous American flag inspired picnic blanket is my pick for the ultimate patriotic craft. It's made from an inexpensive canvas drop cloth and basic paints. Love it.

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Paper Cones with Fruit

If color coordinating your party food is your game, allow me to present these adorable cones featuring perfectly themed berries. Make your cones from butcher paper or parchment paper—it's so much easier than you think.

Get the tutorial at Better Homes & Gardens.
Sandwich Flag Picks

Make your party feel fuss free by making deli sandwiches the evening or morning before, rolling them in butcher paper, and securing them with mini American flag picks. I love this little extra detail.

Get the tutorial at Better Homes & Gardens.
Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers

In my opinion, it never ever hurts when your party decor is edible. Enter these cheeky pinwheel cupcake toppers made from candy. They're fun and summery, and yummy, too.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Printable Cupcake Toppers

Another easy way to dress up basic cupcakes, these printable cupcake toppers are appropriately festooned in red, white, and blue. Make the cupcakes the night before or pick them up at a local bakery right before guests arrive—either option is totally legit.

Get the tutorial at Nest of Posies.
Ribbon Flag Toppers

Super sweet for topping dessert or jazzing up your holiday weekend cocktails, these charming little toppers are made with lollipop sticks and little bits of ribbon. This is another super simple and quick craft idea for your Memorial Day party.

Get the tutorial at Everything Fabulous.