Memorial Day weekend is always one of my favorite times of the year… it seems to be the transitional weekend between spring + summer, and is always filled with good eats and drinks, along with even better company. This year we will be doing what we do every year… a little bbq, pool time, beach time, and cooking up a feast. So for today’s post I put together some outfit inspo, some of our favorite recipes and cocktails, and some essentials for entertaining, whether you’re at the beach (or any body of water) or at home hanging in the backyard I hope it gives a little inspo no matter what you’re looking for!
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WHAT TO WEAR

I feel as if we usually go between spending time at home, heading to the beach, and then an easy bbq with family on Memorial Day weekend so I broke down an outfit for each category, and then provided a few casual and easy outfits as well!

A COOL EVENING AT HOME: This cozy ribbed cashmere shorts + pullover set is amazing (I purchased it and love it)… it’s cozy, and each piece can be worn separately…. and this signature soft shorts + pullover set I’ve had for several years is an excellent option as well. Toss this cozy throw blanket over you and you’re good to go!

A DAY AT THE BEACH: If you plan on spending the day at the beach I always think a good pair of cut-offs and an oversized button down are the perfect cover-up. I always love my go-to linen cover-up, but this honey + white stripe one is a great option (not as oversized as the linen one, I tried it on).

BACKYARD BBQ: And if you’re hanging in the backyard with family and friends this year, a casual tiered dress (this is a really great option) or a pair of white jeans + a flowy top with some natural slides is an excellent option. Bring along an oversized ribbed cardigan in case it gets chilly.

(Shorts, Tank, Pullover)

(Jeans, Tank, Pullover, Slides)

(Dress (same as dress in collage, just different color and wearing it backwards), Slides, Hat)

(Jeans, Tank, Sandals)

(Top, Shorts, Sandals)

(Cover-up, Similar cardigan (actual cardigan), hat)

ENTERTAINING

DAY AT THE BEACH: If you’re heading to the beach (or any body of water…) for the day these are the essentials that we bring along with us:

A beach umbrella… we have these in our backyard as well as one for the beach (comes in a great carrier bag)….
Picnic table… because who wants sandy food (I learned the hard way… the table is a game changer)…. (this is another cute option)
Rattan Beach Chairs… super comfortable and can be adjusted depending on how far back you want to sit (has two levels)… they’re also easy to carry on your shoulder….
IGLOO Cooler (ours isn’t that cute, it’s literally vintage from way back when…. but this pink one is adorable) for all the beverages and snacks for the day….
And an insulated pitcher + tumbler to keep said beverages chilled while you enjoy!

BACKYARD BBQ: If you’re the one hosting a backyard BBQ with family and friends this weekend, I’m sharing some pieces that we’ve found to be great for entertaining:

These seagrass tumblers are great for any beverage… cocktail, water, tea… the cup is removable from the seagrass so easy to wash. The pitcher is a great serving option as well….
This wine/champagne chiller makes keeping your vino cool a cinch… and no need for ice or making several trips back inside the house to grab the bottle from the refrigerator….
Citronella candle to keep away the pesky flies….
And I have these melamine dinner bowls in my cart… I think they’re so great for outdoor entertaining…. and this large bamboo serving bowl is great for salads…
The jute chargers are such a simple way to decorate your table…
We also love using this trio dip platter… great for queso, salsa, and guac….

EATS + DRINKS

Ending the post by rounding up a couple of favorite cocktails, a delicious salad (compliments of Ina Garten), and and our go-to turkey burger recipe (we’ve had it with beef burgers and it’s just as tasty….)… Cheers!

This rosé spritzer is my go-to spring and summer cocktail… it’s incredibly light, super refreshing, and perfect for a warm day spent at a backyard BBQ!

Last summer we worked really hard on perfecting a Mai Tai recipe that wasn’t super sugary, but left you feeling as if you were on the Hawaiian Islands (since we couldn’t actually go there). This is our favorite recipe and perfect for a get together!

And if you’re looking for a main dish, these turkey burgers are juicy and incredibly moist… we’ve made them for several BBQs and everyone also loves them!

Ina Garten’s corn salad makes the best side salad… perfect for a BBQ or a day at the beach!