Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us, and it is officially the start of cookout season.  For the next few months, we will be sharing as many meals as possible with friends, grills, and warm summer breezes.  If you are planning on hosting, or attending, a Memorial Day cookout this weekend, take a look at the list below.  It isn’t everything you will need for the party, but it is certainly a good start.

One-Touch Grill by Weber ($69 and up): When it comes to cookouts, a simple Weber One-Touch is always the first grill that comes to mind.  With a low price point, and high build quality, this grill is perfect for everything from tailgating to a backyard cookout.  While some prefer to use a fancier propane grill, we feel like charcoal is the way to go for any summer gatherings.

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand by Williams-Sonoma ($39.95):  We have talked about this one before, and our feelings remain the same. A monogram is never a bad look, what else is there to say?

Southern Tide Yeti Cooler ($179 – $299): Yeti has been making some of the highest quality coolers on the market for a number of years now.  Honestly, once you have a Yeti in the collection, the only reason you will ever need another cooler is if you are upgrading to a larger size.  While you can never go wrong with a basic white, we absolutely love the Skipjack that is prominently featured on this collaboration cooler.

Koozies:  If you are planning on attending a Memorial Day get together, make sure to throw your favorite koozie in your back pocket, you don’t want your hand to freeze if you are grabbing drinks straight from a cooler all day.  If you are hosting, make sure to have a few extras around just in case your guests didn’t get a chance to read this post.  (In case you are wondering, the koozie that is currently seeing the most use from us came courtesy of our friends at Jack Donnelly.)

Beverage of choice:  If you are hosting the cookout, make sure to have a variety.  While you might be happy to drink Natty Light all day, be a good host and have some options for your guests.  If you are a guest, bring something you like and plan on sharing.  It is never polite to show up empty handed, so you may as well bring something that you know will be a crowd pleaser.

Even if your Memorial Day plans don’t involve a cookout, or gathering with friends, please take a moment to remember why this is a three day weekend.  Without all of the brave men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom our lives would be quite different than they are today.