Yard games, music and more: Tips to throw a memorable Memorial Day party

It's not too late to celebrate Memorial Day with a backyard bash!

Yard games, music and more: Tips to throw a memorable Memorial Day party
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May 24, 2019, 4:05 AM

The first sign of summer is nearly here: Memorial Day weekend!

The three-day weekend is the perfect time to break out the sunglasses, flip-flops and grill and head to the backyard for some relaxed, outdoor fun.

PHOTO: Three people jump into a swimming pool in an undated stock photo.
People play in swimming pool in an undated stock photo.
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Try these ideas for a last-minute party to kick off summer!

Keep it red, white and blue

The patriotic theme can extend from your decorations to your food.

Try Buddy Valastro's red, white and blue strawberries, patriotic confetti cake pops and Sandra Lee's red, white and blue velvet cake for sweet treats.

LIfestyle expert Sandra Lee shared recipes for July 4th celebrations on "Good Morning America," July 4, 2016.
Courtesy: Sandra Lee

Liven up your backyard too with red, white and blue by decorating your lawn with patriotic stars.

Click here for DIY instructions.

TheConcreteCottage.com Jeannine Dean demonstrates how to decorate your lawn with stars for Memorial Day.
TheConcreteCottage.com
TheConcreteCottage.com Jeannine Dean suggests decorating your lawn with stars for Memorial Day.
TheConcreteCottage.com

Remember the troops

The reason most U.S. workers get a day off Monday is very important: To honor fallen U.S. troops.

Children greet members of the military in an undated stock photo.
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Set up a space at your gathering for guests to write note cards to U.S. service members. Collect the note cards after the party and send them to one of the dozens of organizations that send care packages to troops serving abroad.

When you invite your guests, ask them to bring used clothes and household goods to donate to troops. Vietnam Veterans of America operates a service in most states called ClothingDonations.org that will pick up the donations for veterans.

Break out the grill

Nothing says summer more than grilling in the backyard.

Try these recipes from the "GMA" team.

Robin Roberts' BBQ bacon garlic-infused burgers

George Stephanopoulos' grilled Greek shrimp sensation

A group pf people having a barbecue in an undated stock photo.
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Michael Strahan's mighty ribs with grilled sweet potatoes

Ginger Zee's buffalo chicken wings

Lara Spencer's spicy steak supreme

Play games

From cornhole to oversized Connect Four and checkers boards to the more traditional Frisbee and croquet, no backyard party is complete with yard games!

Giant 4 Connect in a Row
Amazon
Giant Tumbling Timbers
Amazon.com
Hey! Play! Lawn Bowling Game/Skittle Ball
Amazon.com

Bonus: Click HERE for this summer's must-have pool floats.

Blast a beat

People dance at a summer party in an undated stock photo.
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Keep your guests entertained with a playlist made of the songs Spotify predicts will be the songs of the summer.

This story was originally published on May 24, 2018.