Essentially {Memorial Day}

If you stopped by yesterday, you know I gave you some great inspiration to throw your best Memorial Day bash yet. And, today I'm going to give you my essentials for helping make it fantastic. While a grill, delicious food, and laughs are a must, here are some great outdoor dining and party essentials that just happen to be patriotic!

1. Star Napkins (Pottery Barn): These linens are reminiscent of the American flag and almost too pretty to use. I love using linen napkins for a party for a couple reasons. One, they are always more festive and fit your theme. While you do have to do a load of laundry after using them, they are much more absorbent and people don't waste dozens of napkins when they could have used only one. 

2. Claudia Pearson Summer Plates (West Elm): I've always been anti disposables for a party. Especially a small festive gathering in the back yard. By using melamine, you get the same impact as real glassware but without the worry. Melamine can be dropped and tossed around and you don't have to worry about it breaking. Plus, it's 100% dishwasher safe. And, how can you beat the design that can also carry you through the Fourth of July and Labor Day?

3. Red, White, and Blue Bunting (Etsy): While I do always encourage the hanging of the American Flag, especially on patriotic holidays, it can be a little overkill to have it be the main decor item. Try keeping color scheme constant and hanging red, white, and blue bunting across the backyard in All American patterns like gingham and polka dots. 

4. Woven Pitcher (West Elm): Serve up guests delicious cocktails out of the this pitcher that will not only get you through the holiday, but all your summer soirees. The woven outer shell keeps it from sweating all over the table and is nice change from that boring old plastic pitcher everyone is used to. 

5. Crab Party Tub (World Market): Perfect for keeping beers and other drinks iced down in the hot summer heat. The blue stripes and bright red crab, both symbolic of summer, are a cute way to incorporate the colors of the day. It's also a much more eye pleasing alternative to the traditional plain cooler! 

What are you summer party essentials? I'd love to know so I can add them to my list!