We know, we know, Memorial Day is comin' up fast, but that doesn’t mean there’s no time left to throw together a crazy backyard bash! Just whip together an invite list, decide on some tasty snacks, and get this party started. 

Just ‘cause you’re throwing a party doesn’t mean it has to be an out-of-control blow-out. Know how many people you want to invite before you share your plans with your ‘rents, and have the specifics nailed down, too. That means a menu, activities and decorations, babe! You might score bonus points for a compromise. Suggest that “we”—as in you and the family—throw a party. Everyone could have some good friends there and you could all have a blast.

Traditional mail invitations are so two weeks ago. Try using a web service like evite.com, setting up a Facebook event or simply phoning or texting your friends to see if they can make it.

 

When in doubt, head to the dollar store. You should be able to pick up piles of red, white and blue crepe paper and streamers for just a couple of bucks, and probably some American flags, too. Enlist your siblings or your bestie to help you decorate the backyard. For a few laughs, pick up some party hats, too, or make ‘em out of newspaper. We’re loving the traditional cone shaped jazzed up with marabou or tinsel, or stovepipe hats

 

Rather than expecting your parents to chip in for all of the food expenses, ask your friends to help out. Assign each of your friends to a different item on the menu. One girl can be in charge of drinks, another in charge of snacks, and another in charge of plates, napkins, and silverware. Dessert? Now that’s your job. Get creative while coming up with dessert ideas. Baking up some slice-‘n’-bake cookies with American flags in the middle, or some red, white and blue iced cupcakes make for quick people pleasers. For your main course, ask Mom or Dad to fire up the grill.

 

It’s time to go all-American! Set up a table with old magazines, paper, glue and scissors and have your friends put together themed colleges on what they think it means to be American. Feeling sporty? Pick up a Wiffle ball and bat or a Frisbee, or set up a game of volleyball or badminton.

Nothing can get a party rockin’ like a fantastic playlist. Pick a few our top tunes, or your own faves. Another awesome idea? When guests RSVP, ask them to suggest a song.

“Country Road” by John Denver

“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus

“American Pie” by Don McLean

“Black Water” by the Doobie Brothers

“Proud To Be an American” by Lee Greenwood

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen

“Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys

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