Memorial Day Weekend is only a few days away! As we approach the unofficial kickoff to summer, you're likely in the process of figuring out your Memorial Day plans. But not to worry, we're here with a variety of activities for you and your family during this long weekend!

When is Memorial Day this year?

Memorial Day 2022 is on Monday, May 30th. The holiday is celebrated each year on the last Monday in May, just a few weeks before the official start of summer. In fact, certain historians believe that Memorial Day’s late-May celebration was originally chosen to guarantee that flowers would be in bloom throughout the United States. 

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get started on our favorite Memorial Day activities! 

1. Host a Memorial Day Get-Together 

There’s no better way to enjoy the holiday than with friends and family. By hosting an outdoor Memorial Day get-together, you’ll get to spend some quality time with your loved ones while experiencing the beautiful weather. 

When preparing for a Memorial Day celebration, you’ll need to make sure that your outdoor space is ready to entertain. In honor of Memorial Day, we’re holding a sale to help you get started: 

$50 off a $500 purchase – use code MEMORIAL50 at checkout 

$100 off a $1,000 purchase – use code MEMORIAL100 at checkout 

$250 off a $2,500 purchase – use code MEMORIAL250 at checkout 

When it comes to outdoor furniture, Hanover Home provides top-notch quality with unparalleled style, and a get-together is the perfect excuse to invest in new seating! Most Memorial Day celebrations tend to be on the casual side, so we recommend investing in a lounge set for this special holiday (and all of your summer parties for years to come).

View our Lounge Seating: https://hanoverhome.com/lounge-seating-sets/

A Drink Recipe for a Patriotic Party

An outdoor get-together is not complete without delicious drinks, so we're here to help with one of our favorites.

Blueberry Lemonade Margaritas 

Who doesn't love a refreshing drink to kick off the summer? The blueberry lemonade margarita is a perfect combination of delicious taste and patriotic colors, with a beautiful red color and delectable blueberry garnish. And Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect occasion to test out this recipe from Delish! 

For the syrup:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup blueberries (and some extras for garnish)
• Lime zest (approx. 1/2 a lime)

For the drink:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 lemon (sliced into wedges)
• 8 ounces tequila
• 4 ounces triple sec
• 1 cup lemonade
• Ice

Combine water and sugar on medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add blueberries and lime zest, and bring your mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until the blueberries have burst (this only takes a few minutes). Remove from the heat, and cool for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture into a separate jar and let cool completely.

On a plate, mix together the sugar and the salt. Rim your glasses with a lemon wedge, and dip in your sugar salt mixture. To each glass, add 2 oz. tequila, 1 oz. triple sec, and 1/4 cup lemonade. Add ice, and top with blueberry syrup. Garnish with a lemon wedge, and for a special addition, add a blueberry skewer.

Enjoy your festive cocktail!

2. Head to the Beach

While this Memorial Day Weekend activity is weather-dependent, heading to the beach for a day or weekend trip is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday (if you don’t mind crowds, of course). And if you have a house down the shore, most beach towns have a variety of holiday-themed celebrations throughout the weekend for you and your family, like fireworks, parades, and more. 

And if you're looking for the perfect accessory to bring to a beach day, consider making a pitcher of our favorite blueberry lemonade margaritas to-go!

3. Find a Local Firework Show 

Speaking of fireworks, finding a local firework show is an excellent way to spend your Memorial Day evening. Whether you’re at the beach or staying home, there are a variety of firework events for you to enjoy without driving too far. Just grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy the beautiful colors! 

4. Go for a Hike 

Hiking is an excellent way to kick off the summer! Whether you’re looking for an intense workout or a leisurely stroll through a nearby park, hiking with friends or family is a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and get some Vitamin D. Before getting started on your hiking adventure, here is a quick checklist of items to pack (or wear) before your day:

1. Water Bottles 

2. Lunch (or Snacks) 

3. Sunscreen 

4. Cell Phone 

5. Bug Spray

6. Hiking Shoes or Sneakers 

7. Portable Charger

8. Sweat Towel 

For a list of hiking spots local to your home, check out the many trails listed on https://www.alltrails.com. 

5. Get Crafty at Home 

If you’re in search of an at-home activity for kids, a patriotic craft is a great way to stay in the spirit of Memorial Day. For some inspiration, here is our favorite summer craft that is perfectly customizable for any holiday: 

Patriotic Tie-Dye 

What You’ll Need: 

- A tie-dye kit with dye and squeeze bottles (including red and blue dye)

- Gloves

- Rubber bands (you’ll probably want extras)

- White t-shirts, tank tops, or any other clothing item you'd like to dye!

- Plastic bags 

- Old clothes (to wear while you're crafting) 

To start, mix your dye in the squeeze tubes, and choose your tie-dye designs. For a patriotic design, we recommend something a bit more minimal, as it keeps the white shirt visible, while preventing the red and blue from combining too much. Before getting started on the actual tie-dying, make sure you're wearing your gloves to avoid staining your hands. Place your finished creation in a plastic bag, and let sit. Follow the instructions on your kit regarding when and how to rinse. Enjoy your new patriotic shirt!

As we approach Memorial Day 2022, we hope you enjoy planning your activities for the long weekend. We wish you a meaningful Memorial Day!