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!

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.

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.

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

Click here for DIY instructions.

Remember the troops

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

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.

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

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!

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

Blast a beat

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.