Quick, easy, and inexpensive is my motto for a stunning Memorial Day table setting.
I wanted to create a red, white and blue patriotic tablescape that I didn’t need to invest much time and energy.
Or much money.
After all, it isn’t a holiday that one tends to accumulate lots of decorations for.
Ya know what I mean?

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” and didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1971?
I didn’t!
So I “shopped” my house and came up with a SUPER CUTE and SUPER SIMPLE tablescape for Memorial Day.
And the best part ~ it’s SO easy for you to recreate for the 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, or any occasion with a patriotic theme!
How to Create a Stunning Memorial Day Table Setting
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When it comes to patriotic themes, red, white, and blue are essential.
For this Memorial Day tablescape, I’ll be using these colors in a variety of creative ways.
Let’s dive in!
1. Setting the Stage with Red, White, and Blue
First things first, let’s talk table coverings.
I decided to use something a bit unconventional—a flag scarf I got from Old Navy years ago.
It’s vibrant and adds the perfect patriotic touch to my small kitchen table.
If you don’t have a flag scarf, no worries! A red and white, or blue and white, striped tablecloth will work just as well.
2. Layering the Place Settings
Next up are the place settings.

White Chargers and Red Plates
I started with white chargers that I found at a secondhand store. They have a lovely little detail that adds a touch of elegance.
On top of the chargers, I placed red plates with cute dot details.
They’re from the Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart, and they’re perfect for this patriotic theme tablescape.
Memorial Day Flatware
To complement the plates, I used casual red-handled flatware that I picked up on Facebook Marketplace.

They add a nice pop of color and keep the look cohesive.
Glasses or Mason Jars?
For the drinkware on this stunning Memorial Day table setting, I opted for blue hobnail glasses, which are great for soda, water, or lemonade.
If you don’t have blue glasses, mason jars are a fantastic alternative. They’re easy to find and give a patriotic feel to the table.
Simple Napkin Treatment
For the napkins, I chose dark blue denim ones for a casual and soft feel.
I folded them into thirds, then in half, and tied them with strips of bandana-print fabric.

Ribbon works just as well if you have it on hand.
This simple treatment adds a fun, patriotic touch to each place setting.
3. Creating a Simple Patriotic Centerpiece
The centerpiece is where I got creative.
(It’s SUPER EASY and CHEAP!)
My kitchen table is small, and with the place settings, there wasn’t much space left for a centerpiece. Which meant I needed to keep it small and confined.
I didn’t wanna use flowers or candles,
So often we depend on flowers as the centerpiece. But they can be a little pricy ~ and I was “shopping” my house for everything.
I didn’t have a flower bouquet lying around ~ haha!
I also wanted to do something a little different.
So I decided to use a ceramic blue truck I’d found at an estate sale.

(If you have kids or grandkids ~ “shop” their toy trucks. See if they have a red, blue, metal, or white one that would work. I know they’d be thrilled to see their toy as part of the Memorial Day table setting.)

I placed the truck in the middle of the table and added a small white milk glass vase inside the truck bed.

Into the vase, I placed small American flags.
I think everyone has a few of them in their holiday decor stash.
If you don’t, you can easily find them at dollar stores or thrift stores.
That’s it!

Isn’t that the EASIEST patriotic centerpiece ~ ever!
Not only is it cute but also very Americana.
4. Adding the Finishing Touch
I wasn’t quite done with my red, white and blue tablescape.
I felt it needed a few extra touches to bring it all together.
(It’s the small things that have the most impact.)

To top it all off, I found red and white striped straws that look adorable in the blue glasses.
They add a bit of fun and whimsy to the table.
Bringing it All Together
And there you have it!
A simple yet charming Memorial Day tablescape perfect for any patriotic holiday.

By using items you already have or can easily find, you can create a beautiful Memorial Day table setting without breaking the bank.
I hope you enjoyed these ideas and feel inspired to create your own patriotic tablescape. Happy decorating!
More Memorial Day Posts
- Memorial Day Buffet Table
- Simple Ripped Fabric Flag
- Memorial Day Table Setting.
- Easy Patriotic Pin DIY
