Categories: Eat & Drink; Shopping

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Throw A Fun Memorial Day Cookout At Your Boston Pad

By mswen
updated 5 months ago

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Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Set the tone for the new season by throwing a casual bash at your place. Here's how to keep it simple but fun.

First:

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A pretty yard comes in many colors.

Did you fix up your yard like I told you to?

If not, return to start. Read my other guide first and then come back here.

...And You'll Need A Grill

The very essence of a cookout is that you’re cooking outside.  A grill is pretty much a requirement for this type of activity.  So, if you don’t have one, you’ll need one. 

Don’t worry – you can buy a charcoal one on the cheap, and many gas grills are relatively inexpensive.  There’s no need to get a gigantic, professional-grade grill – a simple, basic one is all you need.

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This Weber charcoal grill, available at Lowe’s, is under $100.

Lowes

1500 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906

Lowe’s is a fantastic place for buying a grill. They have a great selection at good prices and you can grab all of your accessories while you’re here, like grilling tools, a grill cover, and charcoal (if you need it).

Lowe’s is a fantastic place for buying a grill. They have a great selection at good prices and you can grab all of your accessories while you’re here, like grilling tools, a grill cover, and charcoal (if you need it).

Lowes.com

Get Food. Lots Of It.

When entertaining, t’s definitely better to have too much food rather than not enough.  But don’t go shopping without a menu planned out; otherwise, you’ll be haphazardly running through the grocery store on one of the most crowded, insane grocery-shopping days of the year.

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Plan your menu, and make a list.

A Memorial Day menu from Martha Stewart

Tons of Memorial Day recipes from the Food Network

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Don’t forget the condiments!

Market Basket

400 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143

In my opinion, the more people you have over, the more budget-conscious you should be. Market Basket has a great selection of meat to choose from, including that giant package of burgers already formed into patties which may just keep you from having a nervous breakdown. MB is also a must-visit for condiments, napkins, paper plates, and other no-frills cookout goodies.

In my opinion, the more people you have over, the more budget-conscious you should be. Market Basket has a great selection of meat to choose from, including that giant package of burgers already formed into patties which may just keep you from having a nervous breakdown. MB is also a must-visit for condiments, napkins, paper plates, and other no-frills cookout goodies.

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Gorgeous – yes, I said gorgeous – meats at Butcher Boy.

Butcher Boy Meat Mrkt

1077 Osgood St, North Andover, MA 01845

If you want to splurge and spend a little more on meat, nothing beats a trip up to Butcher Boy. Put it this way: this place has real butchers who wear white jackets and fold the picture-perfect meat up in white butcher paper. They also have a great selection of pre-marinated meats to choose from, as well as tons of pre-made sides and gourmet goodies.

If you want to splurge and spend a little more on meat, nothing beats a trip up to Butcher Boy. Put it this way: this place has real butchers who wear white jackets and fold the picture-perfect meat up in white butcher paper. They also have a great selection of pre-marinated meats to choose from, as well as tons of pre-made sides and gourmet goodies.

Butcherboymarket.com

Your Memorial Day Shopping Map

A word of advice: do as much shopping ahead of time, especially your food and liquor. Stores will be crowded with last-minute shoppers, so plan ahead.

 

...And Plenty Of Booze

The good thing is, having a party outdoors means you can keep it casual in the alcohol department.  A good selection of beers and red and white wines should be enough to satisfy the masses.

Don’t forget to have plenty of bottled water and sodas on hand, too.

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Cold beers = happy guests.

Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirits

10 Revere Beach Parkway, Medford, MA 02155

Cookouts mean lots of liquor! Hike it up to New Hampshire if you think it’s worth a trip to shop tax-free; otherwise, a liquor superstore like Kappy’s will have everything you need. Don’t forget tons of ice!

Cookouts mean lots of liquor! Hike it up to New Hampshire if you think it’s worth a trip to shop tax-free; otherwise, a liquor superstore like Kappy’s will have everything you need. Don’t forget tons of ice!

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Buy a plastic tub like this one on the cheap at Target. It’s something you’ll use even after the party’s over.

Target Stores

180 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

Go here to buy a huge plastic tub for your beers, and another for sodas and water. Fill with ice and you’re ready to go. Psst: Target also has a great, great seasonal section with tons of outdoor entertaining goodies.

Go here to buy a huge plastic tub for your beers, and another for sodas and water. Fill with ice and you’re ready to go. Psst: Target also has a great, great seasonal section with tons of outdoor entertaining goodies.

Target.com

Set The Mood

Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style.  Good music, flags, and other fun decor will give you a festive atmosphere and make your guests happy.  Here are some ideas.

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Put your iPod in a docking station like this iHome and play your songlist all day long without your intervention.

iTunes

Fill your iPod with a ton of happy songs. Don’t get too fast or too slow – mid-tempo is perfect to keep things lively and fun.

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Stick flags everywhere and anywhere to create a Memorial Day atmosphere.

Decorate with flags

It’s Memorial Day, remember? Honor our veterans with tons of little stick flags stuck in flower pots, the grass, or in vases or pitchers. Send each guest home with one as a favor.

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A nice-sized patio umbrella keeps the weather at bay and gives your guests a spot to escape to. Check out Target for a good selection at reasonable prices.

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Since your party may go into the evening, fun string lights like these from Oriental Trading Company will help keep things lit.

Orientaltrading.com

Buy the flag lights (and other fun party supplies) here.

Don't Forget Dessert

Amaze your friends by showing them you actually put forth the effort to make a dessert.  And it’s not just any dessert: it’s a cake that looks like a flag.  Festive?  Tasty?  Pretty?  Yes, yes, and YES. 

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This will be a total crowd-pleaser. You know it, and I know it.

A delicious, easy Flag Cake

This recipe by the Barefoot Contessa is easier than it looks, and the addition of fruit is a great nod to the start of the summer season.

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