Everything You Need For An Amazing Memorial Day Weekend

The smell of hot dogs, the sight of fresh-cut grass and the cracking sound of a baseball bat all encompass one of America's favorite holidays: Memorial Day weekend.

Not only is Memorial Day the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and make Grandma's potato salad recipe, it's also a time to give thanks to those who fought for freedom. And whether you'll be gathering with a small, socially distanced group or you're planning to celebrate with a larger crowd, you'll need some things to make your celebration success.

From festive decor to barbecue essentials, here's a list of some items you'll need to ensure a great Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy!

Ring is a Patch Brand Partner. This post includes a selection of products we think you'll love. Patch may earn a commission on products purchased.

Grillaholics BBQ Grill Tools Set, $29.95 — You can't start your celebration without some simple-yet-effective grilling tools. This set cleans up easily and will help you flip burgers like a pro, individually turn those bratwursts and make some truly excellent grilled corn.

Barista Grilling Apron, $29.99 — If you're not used to cooking or grilling while wearing an apron, now is the time to start. After you put one on, you'll suddenly start noticing all the times you need to wipe your hands, all the little gadgets you need to put in your pocket and all the stains that are NOT on your new jeans. The straps on this grilling apron are adjustable and removable. Plus, it has pockets designed to hold barista tools and a metal loop to hang towels.

Six Player Croquet Set with Drawstring Bag, $43.99 — Croquet might remind you of tea parties and scones, but it's actually extremely fun to play, especially if you'll have kids running around the yard at your celebration. Six people can play this version, but you can always buy two sets if you're expecting a larger crowd.

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle, $22.00 for a 2-pack — If you live in any kind of forested area — or if you just want to be really sure that mosquitoes don't ruin your party — these candles are for you. They're DEET-free, so you can rest assured they'll be nontoxic but still effective. Each repellent candle provides up to 30 hours of bite-free bliss.

Pleated USA Flag Bunting, $24.99 for a 5-pack — If you're feeling patriotic, the sight of these pleated flags blowing in the breeze will give a festive touch to your front porch or back deck. The banners feature red, white and blue stripes and stars, plus double stitching around the edge, and the dye has been processed for UV fade resistance, making them great for outdoor use for years to come.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera, $59.00 — This camera may be cute and portable, but it's a powerhouse. Take album-worthy instant pictures to capture all the great memories from your gathering. It comes in five colors, and the photos make great souvenirs for your guests. Create your own photo booth, or leave the camera out on a picnic table so everyone can take candid shots throughout the day.

Alarm Security Kit, 8-Piece, $199.99 — Planning to take a trip this Memorial Day weekend? If so, the second-generation Ring Alarm can help you keep an eye on your home while you’re away. It’s simple to set up and easy to use. It includes a Base Station, Keypad, four Contact Sensors, a Motion Detector and a Range Extender. Just plug in the Ring Alarm Base Station, connect the components and control everything with the Keypad or from the Ring App. You’ll get real-time notifications if motion is detected, any windows or doors with Contact Sensors are opened or if the alarm is set off, which can help give you some peace of mind during your weekend getaway.

Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer, $29.88 for a 24-pack — Nothing says "summer" like a refreshing, gingery cocktail or mixed drink. This nonalcoholic staple can be combined with citrus, your favorite liquor or sipped on its own for a sparkling, not-too-sweet beverage that goes well with everything from salmon to shish kebabs.

Outdoor String Lights with Vintage Bulbs, $19.97 — These lights will make your outdoor space feel magical. Whether you have a small or large outdoor space, a string of these will instantly give your party a relaxed vibe. Each set is 25 feet long, so grab a couple if you want to criss-cross them overhead.

Waterproof Striped Outdoor Blanket, $27.99 — Planning to celebrate at the park, the beach or an outdoor concert? Grab one of these large outdoor blankets to claim your spot and spread out a picnic. The handle makes it extra easy to carry while keeping track of kids or dogs. Sand and leaves will shake right off, making it super easy to clean as well.

Portable Outdoor Mini Projector, $49.49 — Set up a bedsheet or use the side of your house, get this mini projector with a 200-foot range, and you're all set for an outdoor movie night. It's compatible with iOS and Android, making it a cinch to set up and operate. Put on a classic such as "Independence Day" or "Top Gun," or if you're into superhero movies, put on "Captain America." Add some big bowls of popcorn and boxes of candy, and you'll feel like you're at the movies.

Condiment Squeeze Bottles, $10.99 — Practicality is key with these multi-use squeeze bottles. Use them for ketchup, mayo, mustard and salad dressing for your party. And after your party is done, you can reuse them for everything from paint to pancake batter. No-leak lids can be easily removed and snapped on; and the caps are attached, so you don't have to worry about losing them.

Mix and Match Reusable Utensil Set, $27.99 — Rather than constantly buying plastic flatware, grab a set of these colorful reusable utensils, and you'll never have to worry about it again. In addition to being helpful for outdoor parties, they also make a great gift for graduations, which usually fall around the same time as Memorial Day.

Related: The Best Graduation Gifts 2021