Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer—and for many, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with loved ones, and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day at the park or a cozy backyard gathering, a well-prepared Memorial Day picnic is a wonderful way to honor the holiday and create lasting memories.
In this guide, we’ll cover a brief history of Memorial Day, how it’s celebrated today, must-haves for your picnic, ideal picnic foods, and a few classic recipes that are perfect for sharing.
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War as a way to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags. Over the years, it evolved into a national day of remembrance for all American military personnel who died in service.
Today, Memorial Day is often marked by ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence, as well as personal gatherings like barbecues and picnics. It’s a time to reflect, connect with others, and enjoy the freedom those we honor fought to protect.
Must-Haves for a Memorial Day Picnic
Planning a picnic doesn’t need to be complicated, especially with a few key items to ensure comfort, convenience, and enjoyment:
1. Comfortable Seating
Bring along foldable chairs with cushions, picnic blankets, or even a lightweight bench. For seniors, chairs with back support are essential for comfort during extended meals or conversations.
2. Shade & Sun Protection
Memorial Day can be sunny! Bring a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a pop-up canopy or large umbrella for shade. Staying cool and protected is key to enjoying the day.
3. Coolers & Ice Packs
A good cooler keeps food fresh and drinks cold. Invest in one with wheels for easy transport. Pack ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep everything safe to eat.
4. Patriotic Decor
Show your American spirit with red, white, and blue tablecloths, flags, paper plates, and napkins. Small details make your picnic feel festive.
5. Entertainment
Music, a deck of cards, or lawn games like bocce, cornhole, or horseshoes are fun and accessible for all ages and mobility levels. What about a game or two of Mah Jongg??!!
6. Bug Repellent
Citronella candles, natural sprays, or bug-repellent wipes can keep pests away, especially if you’re near grass or water. As the sun goes down, the mosquitos come out and having a table with a selection of bug spray is a welcome addition for guests who forgot to bring any.
How to Choose the Best Picnic Foods for Memorial Day
When planning a Memorial Day picnic, food is often the star of the show. The right dishes can elevate your gathering from a simple outdoor meal to a memorable celebration. But not all foods are picnic-friendly, especially when serving retirees and seniors who may prefer milder flavors and easy-to-eat options. Here’s how to pick the perfect menu:
✔️ Pick Foods That Travel Well
Choose dishes that don’t require constant refrigeration or elaborate reheating. Items that hold up well in a cooler and taste great cold or at room temperature are ideal.
✔️ Think About Ease of Eating
Finger foods and single-serve portions make it easier for guests to eat comfortably without a full set of utensils or balancing tricky plates on their laps.
✔️ Minimize Mess
Avoid foods that are too saucy, sticky, or crumbly. You want dishes that are easy to serve and eat, especially in an outdoor setting where cleanup is limited.
✔️ Plan for All Dietary Needs
Offer a mix of meat-based, vegan, and glutton-free options. Include light, fresh items alongside heartier classics to accommodate all appetites and health considerations.
✔️ Stick with the Classics
Traditional picnic foods are popular for a reason—they’re nostalgic, delicious, and universally loved. Think potato salads, fried chicken, sandwiches, baked beans, and fruit-forward desserts. You can always give the classics a new twist to make them more health friendly.
What to Serve: A Mix of Traditional and New
Here are some classic Memorial Day picnic foods that check all the boxes:
- Grilled meats: Hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken skewers
- Cold salads: Potato salad, pasta salad, fruit, and coleslaw
- Finger foods: Deviled eggs, fruit skewers, and cheese cubes
- Sweet treats: Cookies, brownies, or patriotic-themed cupcakes. Watermelon and home-churned ice cream are also great traditions.
3 Fun Picnic Recipes for Memorial Day
1. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a standard picnic meal side dish. The traditional recipe combines potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, mayonnaise, and a touch of mustard. Keeping the salad cool is very important to avoid any spoilage. This year, why not try a German-style potato salad that doesn’t include the mayo for a lighter, healthier touch. Here’s a classic recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped into small pieces
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 3 Tbsp bacon fat
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vineagar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp each dill and parsley, chopped finely
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Two green onions, chopped — for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix potatoes, bacon, herbs, and onion.
- In small bowl, mix bacon fat, vineagar and sugar. Stir into potato mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Can be served warm or cold. Sprinkle with green onion before serving.
2. Bierox
These fun meat buns are so easy to eat and are a Johnson favorite for any picnic or road trip. Over the years we have tried many, many variations. Here is our classic traditional recipe for 24 buns.
Ingredients:
- Bread dough. Bridgford or Rhodes frozen dinner rolls work great! You can also use pizza dough or make your own.
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cabbage, chopped finely
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup cheese. Feta, cheddar, gruyere, and monterey jack all work well. Choose your favorite.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Follow directions on package and defrost bread dough, if using frozen.
- Cook ground meat and onion in skillet. Add cabbage when meat is almost done. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool meat mixture and add cheese.
- Roll out each ball of dough. Place 4 Tablespoons of the meat/cheese mixture in the center of the dough. Bring sides together in the center, pinch to close and form a ball. Place seam side down on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Back at 350 for 20 minutes.
Tips and Variations
Bierox freeze very well. Make ahead of time and freeze the fully cooked balls. When ready to serve, place in a 300 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Red, White & Blue Berry Salad
There is nothing like fresh fruit and this berry salad is a real crowd pleaser. Serve with homemade ice cream for a delicious conclusion to your picnic!
Ingredients:
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint raspberries
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or cubed angel food cake
- Optional: mint leaves or a drizzle of honey
Instructions:
- Combine berries in a large bowl.
- Gently fold in marshmallows or cake cubes.
- Add mint or honey if desired.
- Chill and serve in clear cups for a patriotic touch.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Picnic
- Hydrate: Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re spending time in the sun.
- Pack smart: Use reusable containers, pre-cut food, and keep things organized.
- Honor the day: Consider taking a moment of silence or sharing a story about someone who served.
Celebrate with Purpose
Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a chance to remember and appreciate those who gave everything for our freedom. By planning a thoughtful and relaxed picnic, retirees and seniors can enjoy this special day in comfort and community.
Whether you’re enjoying your backyard, a local park, or beachside setting, a well-prepared Memorial Day picnic is the perfect way to start summer with gratitude and joy.
