7 Ideas for the Best Food for Memorial Day With a Nautical Twist
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Red, white, and buoyed up—we took our Memorial Day seaside and turned the tide on tradition. From standout food for Memorial Day to yacht-worthy glam and breezy coastal charm, we threw a soirée that made waves in all the right ways. Whether you’re partying on a rooftop, in the backyard, or right by the beach, this bash brings bold flavor and nautical flair to every port of call. With dockside décor and a fresh spin on classic bites, we proved one thing: summer doesn’t officially start until the nautical nonsense sets sail.
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Select a Theme: Go Nauti on Memorial Day
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and we picked a theme that felt fresh, festive, and sun-soaked. Every great party or holiday starts with a theme—and we love one that does the heavy lifting. A strong theme makes planning easier, helps you choose decor and outfits that feel cohesive, and, let’s be honest, makes everything more fun. Of course, Memorial Day always calls for red, white, and blue, but we wanted to take things a step further with a nautical twist.
Nautical style brought all that and more: classic red, white, and navy tones, breezy stripes, and a splash of seaside whimsy. It strikes the perfect balance between patriotic and chic, with charming details like starfish, crabs, and shells anchoring the look. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a full-on soirée, a nauti theme guarantees smooth sailing into summer.
Top 7 Nauti Food Ideas for Memorial Day
Memorial Day means one thing: time to kick off summer with style, flavor, and a little bit of sparkle. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ, a chic rooftop gathering, or a breezy beach bash, the right eats and drinks set the tone—and we’ve got you covered. From star-spangled bites to seaside sips, these glam goodies are the shining stars of our Memorial Day spread. Ready to dive into some deliciousness that’s as festive as it is fresh?
1. Drinks for Memorial Day: Mermaid Mocktails
Memorial Day should always start with a red, white and/or blue drink that makes waves. Our Mermaid Mocktails made a splashy entrance in our lineup of the best ideas for food for Memorial Day. We poured Sparkling Ice Cherry Limeade into wine glasses and let those bold red hues shimmer like a summer sunset. Feeling extra festive? Toss in frozen cherries that double as edible ice cubes and add a few fresh lime slices for a citrusy twist.
Whether guests mingle on the patio or lounge near the snack table, these mocktails bring instant patriotic vibes to the party. They were glamorous, guilt-free, and so photogenic they practically begged for a cheers Boomerang. Memorial Day never tasted or looked this fabulous.
2. Food for Memorial Day: Captain’s Crunch
The list for the best food for Memorial Day wouldn’t be complete without the ultimate crunch. Our Captain’s Crunch featured crispy Tostitos served in nauti-bowls that practically begged for dipping. These were the kind of chips that disappear faster than a tide going out. Pair them with guacamole, salsa or our favorite spicy queso.
3. Food for Memorial Day: Treasure Dip Cove
No Memorial Day spread is complete without a crunch that commands attention—and our Captain’s Crunch brought the perfect crispy punch. Tostitos served in nautical-themed bowls practically begged for dipping, making them an irresistible addition to any food for Memorial Day lineup. These chips disappeared faster than the tide on a sunny afternoon, especially when paired with creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, or our favorite spicy queso. Crunchy, flavorful, and totally party-ready—this is the kind of snack that keeps your Memorial Day spread sailing smooth.
4. Food for Memorial Day: Dockside Pizza
Dockside Pizza is a must-have on any food for Memorial Day list—and for good reason. We took a frozen pizza straight to the grill, letting the heat work its coastal magic. The result? Crispy, golden edges, cheese that stretched with every cheesy pull, and a crust so light and airy it seemed to float on a sea breeze. This is effortless entertaining that delivers big, bold flavor. Cut into generous wedges and top with crushed red pepper for a fiery finish, it’s the kind of dish that turns any backyard or beach party into a dockside dining experience—drink in hand, toes in the sand (or close enough).
5. Food for Memorial Day: First Mate Chips
First Mate Sun Chips sailed onto our list of food for Memorial Day with crunch, charm, and just the right amount of seaside sass. We chose the French Onion flavor for its bold, savory kick and poured them into nauti bowls that fit our coastal theme. Guests grabbed, crunched, and circled back for seconds as these chips kept the snack tide rolling strong. Craving variety? Swap in Harvest Cheddar or Garden Salsa Sun Chips to keep your spread sailing smooth.
6. Food for Memorial Day: Starboard Burgers
Starboard Burgers sailed straight into the spotlight as one of our top food for Memorial Day picks—juicy, crowd-pleasing, and dressed to impress. We grilled turkey patties to perfection, then crowned them with sharp cheddar sliced into star shapes, because Memorial Day deserves a little extra sparkle. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices added fresh crunch, all stacked high on toasted buns built for flavor. Every bite delivered bold, savory satisfaction with a cheesy finish, making these burgers the undeniable centerpiece of our nautical feast.
7. Food for Memorial Day: Gelato Overboard
Gelato Overboard closed out our list of the best food for Memorial Day with a splash of sweetness no party can do without. We scooped rich, velvety Talenti Salted Caramel Truffle gelato into nauti-inspired bowls, perfectly matching our maritime mood. Ribbons of caramel and decadent chunks of chocolate truffle swirled through every bite, stealing the show effortlessly.
This creamy, cool finale left guests swooning and perfectly capped off our seaside spread. For a fresh twist, try Talenti’s Roman Raspberry, Mediterranean Mint, or Black Raspberry Vanilla—desserts that keep the coastal vibes sailing strong.
Style Your Memorial Day BBQ the Nauti Way
Memorial Day calls for more than just mouthwatering food, it demands a party that looks as good as it tastes. This year, we took the theme full throttle with a coastal twist that delivered high style and festive flair from head to table. We rolled out a bold red-and-white gingham table throw to anchor the look.
To ground the nautical theme, we styled the table with Mikasa’s seaside dinnerware. The elegant whites, soft ocean blues, and subtle wave-inspired patterns that added a charming touch. Starfish napkin rings and sculptural crab place card holders from Pottery Barn delivered just the right dose of coastal whimsy.
We made waves with our centerpiece—literally. This red, white, and blue beauty featured blue hydrangeas, bold red carnations, and crisp white blooms, all sourced from Trader Joe’s. By picking up single-color bunches and arranging them ourselves, we created a stunning floral moment without blowing the budget. The blooms brought serious seaside sophistication, especially when styled in a sleek, low vase that let the colors and conversation flow. This was coastal glam on a dime, complete with enough dockside drama to anchor the entire table.
What to Wear for the Perfect Coastal Vibe
We didn’t stop at the table—we dressed to impress. Bold red dresses from Draper James and breezy rompers from Farm Rio kept the vibe fresh and fierce, while seaside sparkle made every look a showstopper. Coastal earrings from Sézane added charm, and shell necklaces from J.Crew Factory brought that perfect anchor-worthy shine. Stackable shell bracelets and red, white, and blue pieces from Kendra Scott added a splash of patriotic polish. The glam bangles from CVS were absolute treasures that stole the spotlight. Whether you’re hosting a starboard soirée or making waves at a beachside bash, your outfit should sail smoothly alongside your decor.
A Memorial Day party should be as unforgettable as the food for Memorial Day that you serve. With the perfect blend of bite, beauty, and breezy nautical charm, our celebration captured the spirit of summer from the first sip to the last sparkle. From bold fashion to star-spangled flavors, this was more than just a gathering—it was a statement. Ready to host your own unforgettable kickoff? Let this be your ultimate guide. Need more Memorial Day Twinspiration? Click here.
I believe it is important that this country sail and not lie still in the harbor. -John F. Kennedy
I like that even if you went with a nautical theme, you chose red as the main colour of the event, and not blue. I love the little crab name holders. They are so cute!
vidya
May 26, 2025 / 1:55 pm
your pics are always so stunning – they capture all the details that make up the whole. love the colors and the theme
What I love so much about this is that you managed to make a party featuring food like pizza and Sun Chips feel so fancy!
LisaLisa
May 29, 2025 / 7:25 am
WOW! This is such a beautiful Memorial Day setup! I love how you included Sun Chips, pizza, and the Talenti Salted Caramel Truffle gelato, foods that are simple and easy to serve. The colors are vibrant, and the whole theme is perfect for any summer gathering.
You picked so many great dishes for the perfect nautical Memorial Day weekend party. Everything comes together so nicely with this theme; your guests will absolutely love it.
The “Gelato Overboard” name cracked me up, and now I kinda need a Mermaid Mocktail in my life. Everything looks delicious and fun without being over the top. Saving these ideas for sure!
I like that even if you went with a nautical theme, you chose red as the main colour of the event, and not blue. I love the little crab name holders. They are so cute!
your pics are always so stunning – they capture all the details that make up the whole. love the colors and the theme
This is such a fun theme! I love how you managed to pair a nautical theme with the classic colors of a summer picnic.
What I love so much about this is that you managed to make a party featuring food like pizza and Sun Chips feel so fancy!
WOW! This is such a beautiful Memorial Day setup! I love how you included Sun Chips, pizza, and the Talenti Salted Caramel Truffle gelato, foods that are simple and easy to serve. The colors are vibrant, and the whole theme is perfect for any summer gathering.
I love a good nautical theme for a party! This is perfect for Memorial Day Weekend; I love the aesthetic and food choices you decided on.e
You picked so many great dishes for the perfect nautical Memorial Day weekend party. Everything comes together so nicely with this theme; your guests will absolutely love it.
This is really nice! Love the food ideas as well the table setting. May I know where you got those themed-plates?
The “Gelato Overboard” name cracked me up, and now I kinda need a Mermaid Mocktail in my life. Everything looks delicious and fun without being over the top. Saving these ideas for sure!