Memorial Day Gathering & the First Summer Table

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It is the day the United States remembers the men and women who died while serving in its armed forces – and many families begin it with a visit to a cemetery, a parade or a flag set at half-staff until noon. At 3 p.m. local time, the National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for a minute of silence wherever they are.

Memorial Day weekend is also, by long tradition, the start of summer, and the first time the table moves outside. If you're gathering family that afternoon, here is how to set a first summer table: light, easy pieces for the patio, pitchers of something cold and glasses that can handle a breeze – with a quiet moment set aside to remember.

Trays for Carrying Everything Outside

Gien's acrylic serving trays (18¼ x 14 5/16 in) carry the faience patterns of the Loire manufactory onto a material that is light enough for the patio. See all trays.

Gien Acrylic Serving Tray, Large – Provence

Isabelle Barthel's Provence is the south of France of Marcel Pagnol: market stalls piled with produce, lavender fields and the scent of citrus, in warm, saturated colors. Matching Provence acrylic coasters come in a set of four.

Gien Acrylic Serving Tray, Large – Toscana

Toscana comes from Gien's own heritage designs, which looked back to the Italian Renaissance; its colors and classical vocabulary have kept it popular ever since.

Pitchers for Lemonade and Iced Tea

William Yeoward Vanessa Pitcher, Sicilian Blue

A pitcher in a refined, classic shape, "given a burst of colour to accentuate your table setting." Handmade crystal glass, holding 3 pints.

Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo Pitcher

A handcrafted metal pitcher from the Butterfly Ginkgo collection, beautifully boxed.

Gien Pitcher – Tulipes

The tulip was the official flower of Louis XIV, and Gien has used the Tulipes motif ever since; this black version sharpens the graphic effect. About 40 oz and 10 in tall.

Match Pewter Glass Pitcher

Handmade by Match Pewter in northern Italy, in a quarter-liter or half-liter size – just right for a carafe of wine or water at each end of the table.

Tall Glasses for Summer Drinks

L'Objet Prism Highball Glasses, Assorted (Set of 4)

Four highball glasses in assorted colors from L'Objet's Prism collection – color on the table without a single tablecloth.

Match Pewter Lando Highball, Mixed Colors (Set of 6)

Six highballs in mixed colors, with smooth, twist or pleat finishes.

William Yeoward Fanny Highball Tumbler

"A really good all purpose tall glass for the bar or table," in William Yeoward's words – perfect for mixed drinks or water. 6¼ in tall.

For the Evening

Bernardaud Sailboats LED Votivelight

Bisque Limoges porcelain with an engraved sailboats motif, lit by LED – no flame to blow out on a breezy evening.

A Respectful Memorial Day Gathering

Pause at 3 p.m. Join the National Moment of Remembrance – a minute of silence before the meal is served.
Say their names. If your family lost someone in service, set out a photograph and share a story at the table.
Keep the menu simple. Grilled fish or chicken, a big salad and lemonade let the host sit down too.
Fly the flag correctly. On Memorial Day the flag flies at half-staff until noon, then is raised to full staff.

Planning ahead for the rest of the summer? See our red, white and blue table for the Fourth of July and our Labor Day entertaining ideas. To honor veterans who are with us today, see our Veterans Day gifts.