What is a better way to kick off the summer than celebrating the birth of America? That must be the national consensus because everyone knows that some of the biggest parties of the year happen on our Independence Day. So how do you make your 4th of July party the hot spot of the summer? Check out a few of the creative ways I’ve come up with to do that!
Make it Festive
A little tired of seeing those tacky red, white and blue streamers and banners every year that make you feel like you walked down a Party City aisle? Yeah, us too. Make your July 4th celebration stand out with some unique decorations to draw the eye of your guests.
Come up with different ways to splash some patriotic color throughout your event. Start with a red and white gingham or some unique, geometric pattern tablecloth to keep thinks fresh. Try a centerpiece comprised of a potted plant in a colored basket with red and white flowers. Embellish with some flags throughout the flowers.
Spray paint either ball mason jars or small pails red, white and blue for your knives, forks and spoons.
Or possibly wrap your cutlery or plasticware in red and blue bandanas tied with twine, and then place them in mason jars, later to be used as beverage glasses.
You can spread out some balloons and star-shaped candles to keep a patriotic feel.
Keep it fun
Every 4th of July party is going to have fireworks, sparklers, etc., so those are a given once the sun goes down. But what about the rest of the day?!
Challenge the kids with a cool treasure hunt, and maybe even a little prize at the end! It’s a great way to keep the kids busy and the adults relaxed.
Did you luck out with a gorgeous summer day? Fill up water balloons and take cover. There are always reliable options like tossing a football or playing cornhole.
Serve a Mouth-Watering Meal
I think we can all agree that the most exciting aspect of any summer party is the food. Providing a killer meal for your guests is essential, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Almost everything can be prepared the day before, so you will be able to enjoy your guests. Put out some hors d’oeuvres such as fruit kabobs, antipasto skewers and popcorn.
For the buffet dinner, the menu possibilities are endless. My favorite menu would be potato salad, watermelon wedges on a stick, slow cooker cowboy beans, deviled eggs, burgers and dogs with all the fixings, and a light dessert like a berry trifle. Again, everything can be made the day before, even the tray of burger toppings.
Last, but not least, who could forget about the drinks? Help your guests chill out with a festive red, white and blue sangria or piña coladas – and of course you can never go wrong with Jell-o shots. Make punch for the kiddos to keep them hydrated; you could even freeze some star-shaped ice cubes for the bowl.
If you use some of my ideas, you’re sure to have the party of the summer. If this sounds like it’s too much to do, don’t worry– Dine by Design Catering would be more than happy to cater your party.
Here are a couple of my favorite recipes:
The Best Slow Cooked Cowboy Beans
Happy 4th of July!