How to host Memorial Day Weekend (like a patriot)

Consider this your unofficial checklist for hosting this holiday weekend party. Why unofficial? Because as a FIREDISC® chef, we’re pretty sure you’ve got a handle on being a badass host.

  1. Have games for grown kids

Sure, bubbles and balls are cool for the little tykes, but grown folk wants to play, too. It’s only right to have a cornhole (or baggo, to you northern peeps) board or two available. Horseshoes, a Nerf football, great ideas. (Think twice about lawn darts or croquet. For different, obvious reasons.)

  1. Set up a burger/hot dog bar

This takes a little pressure off the chef to prepare individual plates all around. Fix these burgers or these hot dogs (with these dogs) and let the guests top them as they please. Put out all the usual suspects. Plus cool stuff like sauteed mushrooms, Thousand Island dressing, jalapeno, and avocado.

  1. Pay reverence

We’re all for living up a long weekend. Don’t forget why we’re off an extra day, though. Attend your community’s parade or observance. Make this part of your weekend. Before Memorial Day, make a donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for poppies. This program, in place since 1924, helps veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs.

  1. Consider a shakeup

No one is complaining about burgers and dogs. It’s tradition, and especially off a FIREDISC® cooker, it’s all yum. If you want to shake it up a little, consider these three alternatives:

  1. Don’t forget dessert

End this shindig on a sweet note. (Actually, we expect folks will stick around long after the food is gone.) Here are three we’d like to see you put out (in case we decide to accept that invite. Plan accordingly).


We know you’ve got the motivation to make this a memorable get-together. Remember the reason, be thankful for our freedoms, and fire it up. Let’s eat.