The 4th of July is an annual celebration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Hosting a celebration for the occasion offers you idyllic conditions – balmy weather, cheerful spirits, and a perfectly patriotic theme. There is very little that you need to do to string together the perfect Independence Day party- just some festive foods, good friends, and of course, plenty of firecrackers.
Red, White, and Blue-tiful
A 4th of July party simply isn’t complete without plenty of patriotic red, white, and blue!
Pay a visit to your local discount store, and you will find plenty of decor that suits the occasion as well as your budget. If you’re lucky, you may even score some sweet party favors or holiday decorations that can match your custom star-spangled sectional covers!
If you’re more of the DIY mindset, then one trip to Pinterest is all you need to get your craft on. You will find anything from tips for decorating your chair covers to DIY garland instructions.
You can make a family activity out of crafting a few simple decorations, such as flags, paper chains, and streamers a few days before the party.
The All-American Buffet
Burgers, hot dogs, chips, baked beans, and corn on the cob – these are the quintessential American foods that are absolute crowd-pleasers on this special occasion.
However, you can also branch out and add some diversity to the menu. Give your barbecue a break from the brats and patties, and grill some steaks, ribs, and vegetables.
Swap out the potato salad for some fresh summer corn or macaroni salad. Alternatively, if cooking and prepping are too much of a chore, you can pull off the dining set covers and order in some pizzas – the most universally beloved dinner.
Life, Liberty, and Libations
A summer holiday calls for refreshing drinks of all types. You can crack open a few cold ones with friends or purchase an entire keg if you’re hosting a particularly large group. Keep in mind that planning in advance and purchasing bulk alcohol can save you some money.
For the kids and guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, drinks like soda, ginger ale, sweet tea, and lemonade could be a great alternative. If you’re feeling a little extra, add a few drops of edible food color to the concoctions for a festive treat. And be sure to serve everything in red and blue cups to stay on theme.
Land of the Free, Home of the Sweets
Make a grand food finale with some patriotic desserts to close out the evening.
From the traditional apple pie to s’mores, anything can be the centerpiece of the dessert spread. Desserts like cupcakes are less messy, while popsicles are a hassle-free fix (as long as you prep in advance).
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries will be very much in season. Pair them with fresh whipped cream and serve them in jars or stem glasses to add a healthier twist to the dessert.
The Freedom of Fun
While the adults relax and enjoy their liberty libations, it’s important to keep kids entertained. After all, the last thing any parent wants is to chase after their kids and waste their relaxing day.
As such, you need to find ways to keep the little ones busy before they get into any crazy shenanigans. Having a properly prepped backyard pool can prove to be a blessing as they can change into their swimming trunks and enjoy a dip in the cool waters.
Alternatively, you can entertain them with fun activities such as a water gun fight, relay races, or a full-fledged backyard obstacle course!
Let the Sparks Fly!
Want to host a shindig that won’t ever be forgotten? Then end the party with a bang – literally.
Sparklers are an essential part of 4th of July celebrations. With that being said, you must follow safety precautions before setting them off. First, check if sparklers are legal in your state. If so, keep the following in mind:
- Keep your children and pets at a safe distance.
- Set off sparklers in a clear, open area.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Protect your vehicles from stray sparks with car or truck covers.
- Do not light fireworks if you have been drinking.
So Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie
When the party is over and the last of the guests begin to leave, set aside some time for light clean-up before you hit the hay. Collect all the trash in the party area, take off the decorations, wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth, throw on the chair covers and sectional covers, load up the dishwasher, and mop the hardwood floors. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
Recent Comments