Memorial Day kicks off Boating Season at the Lake!
A reprise of our Memorial Day Fun from last year’s celebration~
I hope you don’t mind weighing anchor with me again :-)
In anticipation of boating over the course of the long holiday weekend, I decorated the pontoon for fun. . .
. . .from Stem to Stern. . .
including a few stems in a mason jar!
A few pillows. . .
Some Red,White & Blue to dine with. . .
A beverage tub filled with drinks to keep us hydrated. . .
A breezy day as you can see, with the wind whipping the flags~
Of course Memorial Day has a much more important significance than boating & picnics. . . it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in military service.
First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.
A day to recognize, reflect, and remember
how fortunate we are to live in freedom.
We’re celebrating with a flag formation of Watermelon, Feta, and a side of Blueberries~
The creamy, salty cheese is the perfect partner to the sweet, juicy melon.
I found this idea in Southern Living Magazine where Foods Editor, Scott Jones, fondly remembers the BBQ Sundae served at the Rebel Barn BBQ in Oxford, Mississippi.
An entrée, not dessert, the sundae layers pork, slaw, and baked beans, all covered in thick, sweet red sauce, or Lexington-Style sauce in our case.
Perfect and portable for tailgating or picnicking~
My husband smokes a “Boston Butt”, “Picnic Roast”, “Pork Shoulder” or “Shoulder Blade Roast” ~ all names for shoulder cuts that make great pulled pork.
Our pork shoulder is brined for 24-48 hours, depending on the size & how organized we are :-) . . . in a mixture of ½ cup of pickling salt (which dissolves in cold water), 2 quarts of water and ¾ c of molasses.
Remove from the brine, blot with paper towels, brush on olive oil, and liberally add a dry rub/seasoning blend of brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder etc.
Smoke at 225 degrees over lump charcoal with some soaked hickory or apple wood chips for about 1 1/2 hours per pound. Remove from smoker, wrap in foil and let stand an hour. It should fall apart, with all the fat melted away :-)
Stem to Stern Boating Details:
Picnic Caddy, Salt & Pepper Napkin Holder/ Pottery Barn, last year
Napkins, Plates, Cups/Kohl’s, last year
Flatware & Placemats /HomeGoods, several years ago
RW&B straws/ Dollar Tree, last year
Beverage Tub/ Target, last year
However you celebrate, spend a few moments to remember and give thanks for those who serve & protect us . . .
So cool, love all of the red, white and blue! That is a neat napkin holder, love that it holds the S&P too! I’m looking forward to the nice long weekend:@)
Mary, Mary, Mary….this is without a doubt one of my favorite posts!….The coordination of the pillows, throws, the food and all the decorations are truly destined for a magazine feature…every vignette is so beautiful….I love seeing bits and pieces of the boat…It’s beautiful…My brother had a pontoon boat when he lived in Naples…then moved “inland”…and now is searching for one again for his home in Georgia where there is a gorgeous lake…We took a beautiful boat tour on Jordan Lake on a double decker pontoon…It was very nice…but yours is luxurious…I am definitely forward this post to my sister in law….Jaw Dropping!!!…thank you…and have a wonderful weekend!!…
Inspired to get my red white and blue out! Love this, great appeal to my creative side and patriotic one too! Grandkids and all adult kids will be gone but there is a pool opening for us and the love gals! That flag fruit tray is great! It will find a place on my table for sure.
Reblogged this on Bushel and a Pickle Blog and commented:
Love my BBQ and always on the look out for new recipes. BBQ in a Jar, well, I never! Some refreshing new tablescaping AND food to boot!
We will miss boating on Memorial Day as our boat is not yet in the water, however, we return to Maine next week and the hubby is picking it up as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get back on the water and exploring Maine’s islands. Enjoy your time under bright blue sky.
I agree with whoever said that this is the best post ever. I love all your red, white and blue, especially the tray of food. The dinner in the jar is ingenious! Your blog is definitely one of my favorites, mixing tablescapes with fabulous food. Thanks so much.
What a wonderful way to kick off the summer! I love the idea of the barbecue in the jars! My husband loves to smoke barbecue and that is such a unique way to serve it. Thanks so much for sharing and hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day!
the thing about you is that your pics are seared in my brain, they are always so fresh in my memory, like they never left. i can still taste that flag…
Happy Memorial Weekend, Mary! Hope you are able to get out on the boat this year. I remember this post from last year and I am just as impressed as I was then. You are the master of coordinating everything, including the food. That flag of watermelon, feta, and blueberries is awesome.
Where to start? The watermelon salad plate is too cute, the BBQ jar is off the chain and the boat is not the slimey wormy one of my childhood. Not by a long shot. It is gorgeous decked out in RED,WHITE, AND BLUE.
It’s absolutely charming on your pontoon! Love your tribute and the bbq parfait is stunning!! Love that idea. I would love to be in that hammock!!! have a blessed week and weekend.. xo marlis
I was so impressed with every detail of this post when you first shared it and am doubly impressed now.. Someone up there said it was magazine-worthy and it is!
Mary, I’m glad you shared this one again. It’s such fun to see how you entertain on your boat. It looks like a beautiful room. Love the idea of the cushions and pillows. I bet it’s fun to cruise the lake on this beauty. Definitely cruising in style.
Enjoy the holiday weekend! ~ Sarah
Thank you so much for the gentle reminder of why we celebrate Memorial Day. I have never seen such a cozy boat! I just love the colorful quilts and patchwork pillows, flowers, and food all in the colors of our flag! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
I am so very far behind in reading posts Mary! I apologize and I will do my best to catch up!!! I absolutely adore this post!!! Your boat is all decked out!! The Red, White, and Blue is just awesome!! Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, my husband will be at the lake celebrating and I’m holding down the fort at home with the girlz. They will probably be sporting a little bit of the Red, White and Blue too!! Have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend Mary!!
xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug
Love your post Mary, I just knew you would have something fabulous for Memorial Day, and you have outdone yourself. The fabulous red, white and blue colors, plus every detail in your decor for the boat. Then the food in the jar is such a great idea and is so showy. Thanks Mary.
Mary, sometimes when I look at your posts, I think we would have so much fun shopping together. I seem to love everything you have or have it too. The color scheme here is just wonderful, of course. I love your napkins and can’t believe I somehow missed the s&p set from PB last year. I can’t imagine a more delightful day than our your boat, enjoying that yummy food in such a beautiful setting.
Oh I love this! Beautiful setting. Love love love red and white and blue. Love the mason jar too! Great job. Have an awesome weekend.
Blessings,
Debbie
As soon as I saw this at Foodie Fri. I remebered it from last year and was SO excited to see it again!!! I ADORE your pontoon boat. My SIL has one in Fl. and I LOVE to go out on it whenever we visit them. You have decorated it to perfection, it looks like it should be in a magazine layout. Southern Living: are you listening???????:):) Have a FABULOUS weekend, Mary. I hope you have perfect boating weather! XO, Pinky
It’s impossible for me to say this is the best post ever because I always (and I do mean always) love your posts. You just have a style that I love. If I WERE choosing, this would be a contender. I love all the red, white, and blue and the food looks delicious. You just have the knack!
Man, this is the way to spend a One Day Vacay!!!!!! I remember this beautiful setting, and it still makes me wanna jump on board! Have a terrific holiday weekend, and be safe!!!!!!!!!
You are endlessly creative, and I’m so in envy of your boating life. What a glorious venue for your gorgeous decorating and tablescaping talents to flourish. Wow. The soda in the blue glasses, use of vintage quilts and pillows, and the fabulously creative flag made of fruit. Thanks for sharing. Happy Memorial Weekend. ~CJ
As a fairly new blogger this is new to me and I love it. But then I love everything you do. Wow that pulled pork and goodies in the jars….well it truly IS a portable feast. And so clever. Sometimes I wish I could crawl into your brain for awhile to see all the wonderful things that go on there. I know I’d learn alot. Wonderful post Mary whether its a reprise or not. It puts me in the spirit of it all. Have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Mary, I loved this last year, and it still takes my breath away. WOW! Everything is gorgeous, and your photography is magazine worthy. How do you do it all? These photos make us all want to join you, hubby, Gracie and Chloe on the boat for a wonderful day on the lake. But we’ll settle for looking at your pictures instead. :)
I’m glad you re-posted this; it’s fun to see it again. Have a great day!
I am so glad I stumbled across your blog looking for info on faeries!Now I see that you have so many interests to share with all of us. I am a landlubber from Missouri but I would definitely work up my courage to go on your boat! Thanks again for all your beautiful ideas and pictures.
What an fabulous post! You really know how to throw a party and I cannot get over all of the wonderful details – the tableware, the pillows, the food – stop me or I will go on all day. Just fantastic – I want to be invited next time – lol!!
This is all totally unreal and so gorgeous. I love all of your decor and the food looks amazing. Love dinner in the jar and arranging the platter like a flag is genius. Simply outstanding. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, marty
Mary–As always, just lovely! You have such a way with things… and you never fail to get me into a holiday spirit, no matter which holiday it is! Thank you for your beautiful posts and gorgeous photos.
I love the BBQ in a jar! My daughter is an Ole Miss alum and those Oxford people sure know how to have a good time! I love that you can make your boat such a cozy spot with throws and pillows, and boy did you rock the red, white and blue! I’ve got to tell the guys they need to start brining their pork butts!
Jenna
Such a beautifully decorated boat! I just love the red, white and blue … wonderfully patriotic and a reminder of the fun days of summer that lie ahead. I “want” your beverage tub!
So cool, love all of the red, white and blue! That is a neat napkin holder, love that it holds the S&P too! I’m looking forward to the nice long weekend:@)
Mary, Mary, Mary….this is without a doubt one of my favorite posts!….The coordination of the pillows, throws, the food and all the decorations are truly destined for a magazine feature…every vignette is so beautiful….I love seeing bits and pieces of the boat…It’s beautiful…My brother had a pontoon boat when he lived in Naples…then moved “inland”…and now is searching for one again for his home in Georgia where there is a gorgeous lake…We took a beautiful boat tour on Jordan Lake on a double decker pontoon…It was very nice…but yours is luxurious…I am definitely forward this post to my sister in law….Jaw Dropping!!!…thank you…and have a wonderful weekend!!…
Wonderful/beautiful inspiration, Mary! And lovely reminder of what Memorial Day is about. Sending you wishes for a happy summer on the lake. ~Zuni
Inspired to get my red white and blue out! Love this, great appeal to my creative side and patriotic one too! Grandkids and all adult kids will be gone but there is a pool opening for us and the love gals! That flag fruit tray is great! It will find a place on my table for sure.
Reblogged this on Bushel and a Pickle Blog and commented:
Love my BBQ and always on the look out for new recipes. BBQ in a Jar, well, I never! Some refreshing new tablescaping AND food to boot!
We will miss boating on Memorial Day as our boat is not yet in the water, however, we return to Maine next week and the hubby is picking it up as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get back on the water and exploring Maine’s islands. Enjoy your time under bright blue sky.
I love all the red, white and blue! It’s both festive and patriotric. After work today, I’m getting out all my flags.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
I agree with whoever said that this is the best post ever. I love all your red, white and blue, especially the tray of food. The dinner in the jar is ingenious! Your blog is definitely one of my favorites, mixing tablescapes with fabulous food. Thanks so much.
I’m going to your house(pontoon)!!!!! :D :D :D :D
What a wonderful way to kick off the summer! I love the idea of the barbecue in the jars! My husband loves to smoke barbecue and that is such a unique way to serve it. Thanks so much for sharing and hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day!
the thing about you is that your pics are seared in my brain, they are always so fresh in my memory, like they never left. i can still taste that flag…
Happy Memorial Weekend, Mary! Hope you are able to get out on the boat this year. I remember this post from last year and I am just as impressed as I was then. You are the master of coordinating everything, including the food. That flag of watermelon, feta, and blueberries is awesome.
Where to start? The watermelon salad plate is too cute, the BBQ jar is off the chain and the boat is not the slimey wormy one of my childhood. Not by a long shot. It is gorgeous decked out in RED,WHITE, AND BLUE.
Fantastic post! Now I’m hungry from looking at the bbq jar!!!!
Fabulous red white and blue, Mary. Delicious as well as beautiful!
Mary, your photos could seriously be in a magazine! Somebody should be paying you for all that beauty!!
I love it. The bright red, white and blue looks so great together. What festive decor for your boat!
It’s absolutely charming on your pontoon! Love your tribute and the bbq parfait is stunning!! Love that idea. I would love to be in that hammock!!! have a blessed week and weekend.. xo marlis
I was so impressed with every detail of this post when you first shared it and am doubly impressed now.. Someone up there said it was magazine-worthy and it is!
Mary, I’m glad you shared this one again. It’s such fun to see how you entertain on your boat. It looks like a beautiful room. Love the idea of the cushions and pillows. I bet it’s fun to cruise the lake on this beauty. Definitely cruising in style.
Enjoy the holiday weekend! ~ Sarah
Thank you so much for the gentle reminder of why we celebrate Memorial Day. I have never seen such a cozy boat! I just love the colorful quilts and patchwork pillows, flowers, and food all in the colors of our flag! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
I am so very far behind in reading posts Mary! I apologize and I will do my best to catch up!!! I absolutely adore this post!!! Your boat is all decked out!! The Red, White, and Blue is just awesome!! Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, my husband will be at the lake celebrating and I’m holding down the fort at home with the girlz. They will probably be sporting a little bit of the Red, White and Blue too!! Have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend Mary!!
xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug
Love your post Mary, I just knew you would have something fabulous for Memorial Day, and you have outdone yourself. The fabulous red, white and blue colors, plus every detail in your decor for the boat. Then the food in the jar is such a great idea and is so showy. Thanks Mary.
Mary, sometimes when I look at your posts, I think we would have so much fun shopping together. I seem to love everything you have or have it too. The color scheme here is just wonderful, of course. I love your napkins and can’t believe I somehow missed the s&p set from PB last year. I can’t imagine a more delightful day than our your boat, enjoying that yummy food in such a beautiful setting.
This is absolutely beautiful! You have a knack for bringing it all together!
Great setting for a red, white and blue…and the food looks yummy!
Oh I love this! Beautiful setting. Love love love red and white and blue. Love the mason jar too! Great job. Have an awesome weekend.
Blessings,
Debbie
Mary, this is one of my most favorite of your “scapes”!! It is so beautiful, and I just love anything patriotic. Have a wonderful weekend! :)
Mary this is so pretty, so patriotic and American in spirit. Your food presentation is stunning! YOU should write a book!
As soon as I saw this at Foodie Fri. I remebered it from last year and was SO excited to see it again!!! I ADORE your pontoon boat. My SIL has one in Fl. and I LOVE to go out on it whenever we visit them. You have decorated it to perfection, it looks like it should be in a magazine layout. Southern Living: are you listening???????:):) Have a FABULOUS weekend, Mary. I hope you have perfect boating weather! XO, Pinky
I LOVE everything about this fantastic table. Gorgeous colours. Your food presentation is to die for!
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Mary, this is so patriotic! I’d love to be a passenger on your boat :-) Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Let’s Dish! xxoo Debbie
Wow! Your table is exploding with color. I love all the details. Have a wonderful weekend!
It’s impossible for me to say this is the best post ever because I always (and I do mean always) love your posts. You just have a style that I love. If I WERE choosing, this would be a contender. I love all the red, white, and blue and the food looks delicious. You just have the knack!
Love your Patriotic Spirit!!
So nice to meet you. I’ll be back,
Deb@LakeGirlPaints
I remember it well and it deserves a re run!
Have a great weekend, and thanks for linking to Let’s Dish!
Man, this is the way to spend a One Day Vacay!!!!!! I remember this beautiful setting, and it still makes me wanna jump on board! Have a terrific holiday weekend, and be safe!!!!!!!!!
You are endlessly creative, and I’m so in envy of your boating life. What a glorious venue for your gorgeous decorating and tablescaping talents to flourish. Wow. The soda in the blue glasses, use of vintage quilts and pillows, and the fabulously creative flag made of fruit. Thanks for sharing. Happy Memorial Weekend. ~CJ
Amazing!! So inviting!
beautiful photos – loved the “watermelon flag” and the pork sounds so tasty – enjoy the holiday weekend!
I’d love to be sailing away on your boat. Everything looks so cozy and delicious on board. Your watermelon flag is so clever!
As a fairly new blogger this is new to me and I love it. But then I love everything you do. Wow that pulled pork and goodies in the jars….well it truly IS a portable feast. And so clever. Sometimes I wish I could crawl into your brain for awhile to see all the wonderful things that go on there. I know I’d learn alot. Wonderful post Mary whether its a reprise or not. It puts me in the spirit of it all. Have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Nann
Mary, I loved this last year, and it still takes my breath away. WOW! Everything is gorgeous, and your photography is magazine worthy. How do you do it all? These photos make us all want to join you, hubby, Gracie and Chloe on the boat for a wonderful day on the lake. But we’ll settle for looking at your pictures instead. :)
I’m glad you re-posted this; it’s fun to see it again. Have a great day!
Denise
Gorgeous boat decor for this great holiday! Found you from atthepicketfence girls! I’ll be following.
I am so glad I stumbled across your blog looking for info on faeries!Now I see that you have so many interests to share with all of us. I am a landlubber from Missouri but I would definitely work up my courage to go on your boat! Thanks again for all your beautiful ideas and pictures.
Gorgeous!! I am your newest follower too.
What an fabulous post! You really know how to throw a party and I cannot get over all of the wonderful details – the tableware, the pillows, the food – stop me or I will go on all day. Just fantastic – I want to be invited next time – lol!!
This is all totally unreal and so gorgeous. I love all of your decor and the food looks amazing. Love dinner in the jar and arranging the platter like a flag is genius. Simply outstanding. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, marty
Wow. Beautiful job.
One of my faves!
LOVED seeing this agaIN!!!! fABULOUS.
Beautiful post. Love the red and white quilt pillow
Made the watermelon, cheese and blueberry flag tray for our 4th celebration. Thank you for the inspiration!
Mary–As always, just lovely! You have such a way with things… and you never fail to get me into a holiday spirit, no matter which holiday it is! Thank you for your beautiful posts and gorgeous photos.
I enjoyed revisiting this one!
I love the BBQ in a jar! My daughter is an Ole Miss alum and those Oxford people sure know how to have a good time! I love that you can make your boat such a cozy spot with throws and pillows, and boy did you rock the red, white and blue! I’ve got to tell the guys they need to start brining their pork butts!
Jenna
Such a beautifully decorated boat! I just love the red, white and blue … wonderfully patriotic and a reminder of the fun days of summer that lie ahead. I “want” your beverage tub!
Wow…perfection! What a lovely area you live in. The meal in a jar is a great idea, too………enjoy the long weekend
You’ve got it all covered! The fresh colors are perfect for your boat. The fruit and cheese dish is amazing. First class all the way!