As spring fades and summer begins to stir, Memorial Day arrives—a moment to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service. But how can we look back with deep respect while still embracing the hope and joy of the season ahead? We believe you can do both: pay tribute to the past and celebrate life with warmth and togetherness. Here’s how to create a Memorial Day gathering that’s heartfelt, dignified, and uplifting—all at once.

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What is Memorial Day really about?

"All gave some, some gave all."

This year, on May 26, we honor the memory of the American service members who gave their lives in times of war. Memorial Day originally began as a tribute to fallen soldiers of the Civil War in the late 19th century. During World War I, its meaning broadened—now we remember all U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country.

The first large-scale commemoration was held on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery. People placed flowers and small flags on the graves of soldiers—a powerful tradition that continues to this day. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday and set to be observed each year on the last Monday of May, giving Americans a dedicated moment to reflect, remember, and honor.

How should we celebrate?

Can solemn remembrance and a joyful backyard BBQ really go hand in hand? Absolutely. You don’t have to choose between attending a formal ceremony—like a wreath-laying or parade—and spending quality time with family and friends. This Memorial Day, do both. Head to a morning remembrance event, then gather your loved ones in the afternoon to celebrate and reflect together.

One especially meaningful gesture: invite guests to join in the National Moment of Remembrance—a nationwide pause at 3 p.m., where we all honor fallen heroes with a shared minute of silence. Starting your celebration with this small act of unity sets a respectful and heartfelt tone for the day. If someone in your group has a personal connection, consider creating space for a short tribute or story. Veterans and military families may also want to share their memories. It’s a beautiful way to bring the meaning of the day closer to home. After that, let the lighter moments unfold: fire up the grill, enjoy the conversation, and make new memories together.

Setting the tone for your gathering

A thoughtful and elegant Memorial Day celebration begins with the right atmosphere. The decor you choose can elevate the event, adding warmth, reverence, and style. But how do you strike that perfect balance between festive and respectful? Let’s explore how colors, flowers, and meaningful decorative details can create a setting that truly honors the spirit of the day—and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Patriotic colors and what they represent

Traditionally, Memorial Day decor is rooted in the colors of the American flag. Sticking with red, white, and blue creates an instantly recognizable and meaningful look. But patriotic doesn’t have to mean predictable. With the right styling, these classic shades can feel elevated and modern. The Million Roses’ preserved flowers add a luxurious, timeless touch to any space. Let’s take a closer look at how to incorporate forever roses into your Memorial Day decor—with elegance and heart.

Red: a symbol of valor and bravery

The Million Roses offers an exquisite selection of red forever rose boxes perfect for the occasion. Choose a striking arrangement—like the dome shape, which gives off a formal, ceremonial feel and adds instant sophistication to any setting. When using all three patriotic colors in your display, consider grounding the look with a white or black box. These neutrals help the red, white, and blue stand out beautifully while keeping the overall aesthetic refined and cohesive.

White: the color of purity and innocence

To complement your red rose arrangement, select a stunning, elegantly styled box of white forever roses from The Million Roses. Choose a design that echoes the shape and tone of your red rose piece, creating visual harmony while highlighting each color’s unique meaning. A matching box color will tie the display together beautifully and keep the overall look polished and cohesive.

Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice

To complete the patriotic trio, it’s time to introduce blue. Explore the selection of breathtaking royal blue forever roses from The Million Roses , and choose an arrangement that brings depth and richness to your Memorial Day decor. With so many gorgeous box options available, you can even reflect the rose color in the container itself—creating a layered, sophisticated effect that feels purposeful and powerful.

Display the flags

The American flag plays a central role in Memorial Day traditions. On this day, flag etiquette is unique: unlike other national days of mourning or remembrance, flags are not flown at half-staff all day. At sunrise, flags are first raised all the way up, then lowered to half-staff—a powerful symbol honoring the sacrifice of fallen soldiers. At noon, however, the flags are raised back to full staff, shifting the focus to the living and their commitment to carrying on the legacy of heroism.

Given the special significance of the flag on Memorial Day, be sure to incorporate it into your own decor. Place small flags among your flowers, on the dinner table, in windows, or even in the front yard. The Million Roses presents a stunning U.S. Flag Edition box from its Flags Collection, featuring preserved royal blue, red, and white roses — a truly meaningful centerpiece for this special holiday. Let this be the star of your Memorial Day decor.

If you prefer a more understated way to bring Memorial Day colors into your home, consider choosing from The Million Roses’ long-stemmed preserved roses. Create a striking, custom bouquet featuring red, white, and royal blue roses for a fresh and elegant tribute.

5 extra tips to deepen your Memorial Day experience

• Light a candle in memory of the fallen.

• Create a memorial display where guests can pin photos or ribbons honoring loved ones who served.

• Add red poppies to your floral decor—a powerful symbol of remembrance. A simple bouquet of red poppies in a vase, especially near your memorial wall, offers a beautiful and moving touch.

• Include a single white rose  or a black rose to symbolize mourning and heartfelt sympathy.

• Offer a QR code at your memorial display that guests can scan to donate to organizations supporting families of fallen soldiers. Look for local charities to support, and present this option gently, ensuring guests don’t feel pressured—just invited to contribute if they wish.

Source: Pixabay.com

Reflections on the holiday

Memorial Day is a time to honor fallen soldiers, but it’s also about faith in the future and hope. Use this occasion to host a gathering that’s both uplifting and meaningful—where good company and delicious food go hand in hand with heartfelt remembrance of our heroes. When it comes to setting the perfect atmosphere, you can always count on The Million Roses. Their preserved rose arrangements bring undeniable style, elegance, and the perfect touch of solemnity to any Memorial Day celebration.