Each November 11th, Americans celebrate Veterans’ Day with parades and special ceremonies. It’s that one holiday that recognizes the sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces. While the holiday is recognized for this seriousness, it is also an occasion to celebrate. For your next Veterans’ Day consider having a party recognizing and honoring those veterans that you know and love.
First step in planning a Veterans Day Party is creating your guest list. Think of all the veterans in your family, old and young. You may have close friends, who served in the military. Invite these honored folks to your party. Nicely fashioned red, white and blue invitations will add a nice touch.
Next you want to decorate your home. If you have kids, there are several craft ideas that you can use. Create a patriotic tablescape and mantle. Have your kids make a star spangled wreath for your door. Some of the same items you use for the Fourth of July may work nicely. Add the official flower of remembrance, poppies, throughout your home. Bringing out old military photos and portraits of your friends and family that have passed away adds a nice touch as well.
Your party menu can be simple and in the buffet style. Have lots of finger foods and sweets. Chicken and meatballs will be complimented by vegetables, chips, and dips. If you are fortunate to have great weather, take the party outside. You can grill or have a nice bonfire.
Plan a special dessert that is in line with your patriotic vignette. You can have red, white and blue cupcakes, a specialty cake or family favorite treats with cute little flags on top. If you have the bonfire, try s’mores and marshmallows.
Once the party is underway, make sure you have pinned poppies on all of the veterans. This will help them standout and feel like guests of honor.
Prior to eating, be sure that you and your guests give thanks. Your grace can include a small tribute to those special friends and veterans, who are no longer with you or who are fighting on foreign soil.
Think responsibly and offer your guests non-alcoholic punches and ciders. These will warm them up and remind them of simpler and more innocent times. If you are able, offer a toast to your guests and your wonderful meal.
The ambiance is important for your party. Play nice music. Mix patriotic numbers with your favorite tunes.
Also, give your guests time to swap stories about their time in the military. Plan fun Veteran’s Day games so that your civilian guests feel invited and entertained. If you are able and have a willing crowd, show a classic military film, such as a John Wayne classic or Tom Hanks tearjerker.
If you are able to record your party or take pictures, you will be able to share these memories with your family and friends for years to come. After your party is over, offer your guests a goody bag full of party favors such as hats, whistles, flags and streamers.
Sometimes, we forget the life and freedom are worth celebrating. Veterans’ Day is a real reminder of this fact. In honor of the brave sacrifice of our men and women in the Armed Forces, plan to have a Veteran’s Day Party each year. You’ll find that these will be celebrations you never forget.
