The Memorial Day holiday is celebrated the last Monday in May and traditionally marks the beginning of summer and the summer vacation season in the United States. The holiday was originally called Decoration Day because people decorated the graves of soldiers who had died in the Civil War. It’s not clear as to where the holiday was first celebrated—many towns in the North and South have laid claim to being the originators of the holiday; however, officially, Waterloo, NY is considered to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. In 1882, the holiday’s name was changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day.” Today, people celebrate Memorial Day by visiting the gravesites of loved ones, whether they were soldiers or civilians, going to parades, and getting together with relatives and friends.

Supplies 

1 unglazed terracotta clay pot (paint won’t adhere to glazed or plastic pots)

Red, white, and blue acrylic paint

Brushes

Water

Flag, eagle, and/or other patriotic stickers

Soil

Seeds or flowers

Directions

Using the brushes and acrylic paints, paint alternating red and white vertical stripes on the upper rim of the pot. Paint the lower part of the pot blue. Rinse brushes, as needed, in water. Let the paint dry. A second or third coat of paint might be needed, especially for the white sections. After the paint has dried, decorate the lower part of the pot with stickers. Then add soil and plant seeds or flowers in the pot.

Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday to honor members of the military who have died in any war. This annual holiday is celebrated the last Monday in May.  Memorial Day observances began after the Civil War, and the holiday was originally called Decoration Day, because loved ones would visit the graves of deceased soldiers and decorate their gravesites. In the 1900′s, in addition to honoring slain veterans, people began to honor all loved ones, whether or not they were veterans, on this day.

Today, Memorial Day marks the traditional start to summer, and many people observe the holiday by going to parades, fireworks shows, and picnics with loved ones and friends. Oftentimes, local veterans groups will hold special ceremonies to commemorate their fallen comrades. People often visit cemeteries and decorate their loved ones’ gravesites with flowers and flags.

Materials and Methods (supplies: less than $15; prep time: 15 minutes)

4 small photos of loved ones, military and civilian

Container – a small box, a detergent bottle cap (a 4” plastic plant pot was used in the picture)

White tissue paper

Red and blue ribbons

Flag, eagle, or other type of patriotic stickers

Scissors

Tape

Glue

Wrap the container with tissue paper. Glue or tape the tissue paper to secure it to the container. Use scissors to trim the excess tissue paper, as necessary. Glue photos of loved ones to each side of the container. Cut strips of ribbon and glue tops of strips to the tissue paper. Place a sticker at the top of the strips of ribbon.

In addition to the burgers and hot dogs, there are bound to be an assortment of typical sides:  chips, potato salad, pasta salad.  Why not add a little variety to the mix with this salad?  It’s not your typical fruit salad; this salad has savory and sweet ingredients.  With a hint of smokiness from grilling the pineapple, it is sure to be a one of a kind dish at your cookout.

Grilled Pineapple Salad (courtesy of Think Tasty)

1 pineapple, cored & skin removed
1/2 red onion, cut into thick slices & peel removed
1 orange pepper
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 – 1 tsp. hot sauce
1/2 tsp. sugar
salt & pepper

Preheat grill to a medium-high heat. Cut pineapple, lengthwise, into 8 slices. Place pineapple slices, onion slices, and whole pepper on grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until onions and pineapple have brown grill marks and pepper has charred skin. (Pineapple may cook more quickly.) Remove from grill. Place pepper in a small brown paper bag, and close. Allow all items to cool for 15 minutes. Remove pepper from bag, and rub off skin. Remove stem and seeds, and dice pepper into bite-sized chunks. Cut pineapple and onion into similarly sized pieces. Place all in a large bowl.

In a small bowl combine juice, hot sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine, and pour over pineapple mixture. Toss well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Supplies 

• Teapot – or a ceramic coffeepot or other pretty container and a small, matching plate to set the teapot on.
• Trivet – to elevate the centerpiece (a square, ceramic trivet is pictured).
• Tissue paper – use a contrasting or complementary shade (pictured: a complementary shade of blue).
• Flowers – fresh or dried (pictured: fresh buttercups, forget-me-nots, and lilacs from the garden).
• Cornucopia planter (available at an arts and crafts store or a garden supply shop; the one pictured cost just 25 cents at a local flea market), teacups or other small containers will work.
• Picture of mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother.

Directions

1. Assemble supplies. Remember the rule of 3’s: 3 colors, 3 objects, and 3 flower species will ensure a well-coordinated overall design that’s easy on the eyes. The centerpiece pictured uses blues and purples, with yellow for a dash of contrast.
2. Wrap the trivet with tissue paper, and trim the tissue paper as needed.
3. Rest the teapot on the small plate, and gently place on the tissue paper covered-trivet. Arrange the cornucopia and picture around the teapot.
4. Fill the teapot and cornucopia planter with flowers.
5. If real flowers are used, be sure to add water to the teapot and planter.
6. Scatter some flowers on the small plate and tissue paper to add a decorative touch.

1) Picture frame mosaic – This craft can be adjusted for a wide variety of ages, but this version is aimed at a younger group. For older kids, consider using glass mosaic tiles and tongs. For little ones we will be using the following:

Colored tissue paper or construction paper cut into small ½ inch size pieces

Glue stick

One photo of mother and child

One larger piece of posterboard or construction paper.

A) Cut out the photo, and glue to the center of the posterboard or construction paper.

B) Glue small pieces of construction paper or tissue paper around the photo to create a colorful frame. You can bunch up the tissue paper so it looks like pompoms.

2) Fingerpaint artwork – These can be colorful decorations for an office or playspace.

Needed:

Small canvases

Fingerpaints

Markers

Have children decorate the canvases to match the style of the room or a color his or her mom likes. We have done all red or yellow canvases to hang in an office. The canvases are small and fit in well with the décor. Encourage your children to leave patterns in the paint – swirls, stars and shapes to add texture.

Sign the painting with a marker, and leave a commemorative message.

3) Painted flower pot

This is a nice gift you can fill with a plant, or you can plant seeds with your children and watch them grow.

Needed:

One ceramic flower pot

Paints

Glitter

Have kids paint the flower pot then decorate it with whatever they choose. They can add glitter or write their names on the pot in paint. Encourage them to be creative. Let pot dry, and then fill with a plant.

One very popular idea is a tea party for mom. Tea party essentials include fancy dishes, dressed up clothing, and of course tea. If you aren’t sure what tea to serve, the most popular is Earl Grey, and it is an easy acquisition at any supermarket. Don’t forget to throw a few pastries into the cart along with a bouquet of fresh flowers to dress up the table. If you don’t have fancy dishes, then go with the fancier paper and plastic products available on the paper goods aisle. Finally, remind everyone to be on their best behavior for this more formal party setting.

If your mom is big on flowers, move the party outdoors to a botanical garden. The botanical gardens already have the flower backdrop so no decorating is really needed. Bring out the picnic equipment, and pack a lunch. There is plenty of entertainment and very little cleanup. Don’t forget the camera for this trip.

A garden party is also a very popular idea for Mother’s day. If the garden is lacking a little on the decorations, dress up the table with paper flowers and nature. Paper flowers are an easy project for kids to tackle, and colorful construction paper can add to the garden theme. Cook mom’s favorite things on the grill, and provide fresh produce for snacks.

Plan a party around what your mom likes to do. If she is into bowling, create a bowling party. If she likes to dance, a dance party is easy to set up with some of her favorite music and a large space. If your mom likes the spa, a spa party is also doable with a little creativity.

These are just a few ideas you can use to jump start your party planning. Take what your mom likes into consideration. It doesn’t have to be fancy. The most important thing is to make your mom feel special on her special day.

Mother’s Day is the day people let their moms and grand-moms know how important they are by giving them hugs, kisses, cards, and gifts. This special holiday is so old that it was celebrated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Now it is held on the second Sunday in May in the United States and many other countries thanks to a woman named Anna Jarvis.  Anna lived in West Virginia, and she and her mother were very close. After her mother died, Anna decided that mothers everywhere should be celebrated with their own special day, so she started a letter-writing campaign to ministers, congressmen, and even the president!  As a result of her persistence, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official.

Supplies

Wooden picture frame

Pretty fabric

Photograph

Chalk

Glue

Scissors

X-Acto knife (optional)

Marker

Things to decorate the frame with—here are some ideas:

• Alphabet macaroni to spell out “Happy Mother’s Day”
• Pasta – smaller shapes like shells and elbows
• Ribbons and bows
• Puzzle pieces
• Buttons
• Shells
• Small souvenirs or toys

What to do

• Remove the backing from the frame.
• Put the  fabric design side down (blank side up) on a table.  Lightly glue the front of the frame. Press the frame, sticky side down, onto the fabric.
• Wrap the fabric around the back of the frame and smooth any bumps or creases and glue into place, again smoothing out any bumps.  Let the frame dry.
• Use the chalk to draw a rectangle that’s about 2 inches from the inside edges.  Use the sharp, pointed end of a pair of scissors or an X-Acto knife, pierce the fabric, and cut an X  inside the rectangle. (Grown-ups should help, as needed.)  Then use scissors to cut out the fabric up to and along the chalk line.
•  Glue the inside edge of the frame, and fold the fabric over the frame. Press into place and smooth out bumps. Let dry. Trim any excess fabric.
• Turn the frame so that the front side is facing up.
• Glue on the decorations. Let dry.
• Use a marker to put the date and your name on the back of the frame.
• Reassemble the frame by adding the photo and backing.

So, if you are looking for ways to decorate in honor of Mother’s Day, make sure to incorporate flowers into your plan.  Check out these fabulous floral ideas:

1.  Dramatic Bud Vases

Decorate your fireplace mantel or even a shelf with single roses, each placed in a bud vase.  Make sure to choose mom’s favorite color of rose for this project. First, clear the mantel or shelf.  Next, collect six or so bud vases; most mom’s have at least that many in storage.  Place a single rose in each vase, and line up along the mantel. Finish by weaving a white ribbon around and between the vases.  You’ll be surprised at the elegant effect.

2.  Pansy Pot

A Mother’s Day decoration that is sure to please is a pansy pot.  Purchase a 15″ pot in a red hue.  Fill the pot with potting soil, then plant a variety of yellow pansies in it. Make sure the pot appears full, with no gaps.  You can then place the pot in the middle of your dining table.  Finish with yellow place mats, and you have a wonderful place to host your mom for lunch.

3.  Luscious Lilacs

Each spring, lilacs herald the arrival of warm weather…and Mother’s Day.  Fill your great room with their delicious scent by placing vases brimming with these flowers in strategic locations.  Pick large glass vases, and make sure to include a few leaves in the arrangement.  Although they don’t last long, their color and fragrance will impact your room in a powerful way.

Remember, decorating your home is easy with flowers.  Even if I didn’t mention your mom’s favorite flower in this post, you can still incorporate it in your decorating scheme in some way.  Maybe your mom loves Bird of Paradise?  If she does, figure out a way to honor her with this gorgeous flower.

The Night Before Mother’s Day is a book that has been featured on Reading Rainbow. The kids, with some help from Dad, are planning to show Mom their appreciation. A homemade cake is topped off by a special spa day for Mom. What could be better? This book is ideal for preschoolers and toddlers.

The Little Critters also take time to celebrate with Little Critter: Happy Mother’s Day. Little Critter is planning a few fun surprises for Mother’s Day. This is a lift-the-flap book meant more for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Younger ones will get a kick out of the interaction, but they might have a hard time following the story.

For older kids, The Berenstain Bears are having their own party with The Berenstain Bears and the Mama’s Day Surprise. Mother’s Day surprises are great but very messy. Usually Mom winds up cleaning up afterward, but there is a big surprise in store for this year. How big of a mess will Mother have to clean up this time? This book is a good one for fans of this series.

All moms can relate to this next Mother’s Day Book. I Like Noisy, Mom Likes Quiet is a book that any Mom can appreciate. It is about Little Raccoon who likes to make a mess and lots of noise. On Mother’s Day, Little Raccoon tries to make it very special for her by being quiet. It is a cute picture book that school-age readers can enjoy.

Mother’s Day has a lot of books showing how different people and animals show their moms how much they love them. They are cute little stories that moms and kids can appreciate.

Invitations

• You’ll find pre-made Cinco de Mayo invitations at your local party supply store and online.
• If you want to make some using your computer, Microsoft has a free Cinco de Mayo invitation template.

Decorations

• Use green, red, and white (the colors in Mexico’s flag) crepe party streamers and balloons.
• Put small cactus plants at entrances, or use as centerpieces on tables.
• Use a sombrero as a table centerpiece.
• Red and green chili peppers can be arranged to create attractive table displays.
• Farolitos (made with paper bags, votive candles, and sand) can be used to decorate outdoor walkways and patios at night.
• Make paper flowers out of accordion-folded tissue paper in big, bold colors and hang them on the walls or use a string to suspend them from the ceiling.
• Buy a papier-mâché piñata at your local party supply store or online.  If you make your own, you can fill them with candy and small toys for children or gag gifts for adults.
• Drape your sofa with a colorful Mexican serape blanket.

Music

• Play the upbeat sounds of mariachi or banda music.
• Try popular hits like Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba.

Food

Mexican food is popular, and there are several tempting choices for a buffet or sit-down meal:

• Burritos—flour tortillas filled with refried beans, shredded cheese, rice, lettuce, sour cream, and/or meat.
• Carnitas—little tacos filled with pork that’s been braised or roasted.
• Churros—pastry strips that are deep fried and then rolled in cinnamon and sugar.
• Corn on the cob—roasted.
• Enchiladas—corn tortillas filled with meat, beans, and/or shredded cheese and covered with sauce.
• Gazpacho soup (a cold vegetable soup) can be served in bowls or cocktail glasses.
• Nachos—made with corn or blue corn tortillas and salsa are a crowd pleaser and you can add extra toppings like guacamole, ground beef, onions, olives, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
• Tacos—folded corn tortillas filled with meat, vegetables, and cheese.
• Tamales—steamed or boiled corn dough stuffed with meats, cheese, or chiles.

Beverages

• Beer—from Dos Equis to Tecate, Corona to Pacifica, Mexican beer is delicious, and it is available at larger supermarkets and consumer beverage stores.
• Margaritas—tequila, lime or lemon juice, triple sec, ice, and salt to rim the glass; they look and taste great!

Here’s to your party’s being a huge success: “¡Viva México and Cinco de Mayo!”