Memorial Day Picnic Ideas: Old-Fashioned Food, Faith, and Family Fun

Easy Memorial Day picnic ideas for simple, old-fashioned gatherings. From food to setup, here’s how to celebrate with joy and gratitude.

There’s something timeless about a Memorial Day picnic. It’s the unofficial start to summer—an opportunity to slow down, gather with family, and enjoy good food in the fresh air. But more than that, it’s a day of remembrance. A day to pause and honor those who gave everything so we could live in freedom.

Whether you’re hosting a big backyard gathering or keeping it small and simple, I hope these Memorial Day picnic ideas help you create a celebration filled with gratitude, joy, and old-fashioned charm.

This post may contain affiliate links. Which means I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. For my full disclosure click here.

Keep It Simple (But Special)

Picnics don’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best ones usually aren’t. Think sandwiches wrapped in parchment, lemonade in mason jars, and a soft blanket spread out under a tree. Your people don’t need fancy—they just need you.

Set up a folding table or even a few crates stacked for a rustic serving area. String up some bunting or lay out a red-and-white checkered tablecloth for that nostalgic Americana feel.

🛒 This red and white checkered picnic blanket is waterproof, easy to fold, and adds the perfect vintage charm to any outdoor gathering.

Vintage-Inspired Picnic Food Ideas

Here are a few simple, crowd-pleasing dishes to include—no fancy ingredients, just real food made with love:

🥪 Make-Ahead Main Dishes:

• Cold fried chicken or oven-baked drumsticks
• Chicken salad or ham salad sandwiches
• Sliced roast beef with horseradish spread on sourdough rolls 
• Deviled eggs (because no picnic is complete without them)

🥗 Easy Sides:

• Pasta salad with garden veggies and vinaigrette
• Baked beans in a vintage enamel pot
• Classic potato salad
• Pickles, olives, and sliced cucumbers for snacking

🍓 Simple Desserts:

• Apple hand pies or strawberry shortcake
• Cookies in a tin (old-fashioned oatmeal or snickerdoodles)
• Watermelon slices
• My sourdough gingerbread cake is a great vintage-style treat! 🍰

Drinks for a Hot Day

Keep it cool with easy-to-prep drinks:

• Lemonade with mint sprigs
• Iced tea with honey
• Fruit-infused water (lemon + cucumber or strawberry + basil)

Pour them into mason jars with lids or a large drink dispenser for easy serving. (I love these lids to make pouring from wide mouth mason jars easy!!) You could even bring along a small enamel kettle and offer hot coffee if the day runs long into the evening.

Add a Few Old-Fashioned Touches

If you want to bring that vintage charm to your Memorial Day picnic, here are a few ideas:

• Pack your food in a wicker basket or vintage-style crate
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper
• Bring along a battery-powered radio for patriotic music
• Encourage everyone to share a memory of a loved one who served
• Say a prayer of thanks before the meal—thankful for freedom, for family, for the blessing of gathering

Don’t Forget the Reason for the Day

It’s easy to get swept up in the food and fun, but Memorial Day is a sacred pause—a chance to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. If you have young kids, take a moment to talk about what the holiday means. You could even write out a short Scripture to read aloud before the meal:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

Make the Most of What You Have

A meaningful Memorial Day picnic doesn’t require perfection. Whether you’re using paper plates or your great-grandma’s pie recipe, the real beauty is in gathering with intention. Let the kids run barefoot, serve up the same simple dishes you’ve made for years, and soak up every golden bit of sunshine.

Because when we focus on faith, family, and the gift of freedom—we’re right where we’re meant to be.

P.S. Want more seasonal inspiration and old-fashioned homemaking ideas? Come follow along on Pinterest for recipes, holiday tips, and frugal family fun.