Memorial Day (observed this year on May 26) is one of the biggest picnic/cookout holidays of the year. Many families use the occasion as an official "start of summer" celebration.
But Memorial Day has the word "memorial" in it for a reason.
It's a day for us to honor the men and women who have served our country and to remember those who have lost their lives while on active duty. Memorial Day was first called “Decoration Day” because of the practice of decorating soldier’s graves with flowers.
At this year's cookout, why not craft up some table decorations that let the red, white and blue colors fly and remind us of the origins of the holiday?
With just some red, white and blue paper and a few embellishments, you can create patriotic placemats for your guests.
Each placemat requires one piece of 8.5x11 inch paper in each color.
First, cut the red and blue paper into 1-inch strips.
Next, mark a one inch border around all sides of the white paper. Then cut vertical strips at 1-inch intervals within the border.
Weave the red and blue strips through the white paper, alternating colors or creating a pattern of your choice. Tape or glue strips on the back of the white paper.
Use embellishments (ribbon, stickers, star cutouts) to decorate the edges of each placement. We used red, white and blue ribbon on ours.
For added durability, cover in clear contact paper.
Tie your silverware with coordinating ribbon and set the table for a beautiful Memorial Day!
