We know throwing a party at your home can be stressful. We’re here to help you be sure yours will go off without a hitch and, of course, go out with a bang.
While fireworks are all well and good, they are just the icing on the cake of a top-notch, fun, exclusively unique 4th of July soiree, which is why we are going to walk you through step by step how to throw the 4th of July party of a lifetime.
First things first...
Decor
We, of course, have to start with decor. American flags, red, white, blue…and more flags are a given.
But let’s break it down even further.
Table Decor
No table? No problem.
Make your own makeshift outdoor dinner table using crates, wooden slabs, or a low lounge table! Use throw pillows and blankets for a cozy, comfy, and intimate dining experience with friends and family.
Spice up your make-shift table (or real table) by layering colorful cloth textiles. Use various designs, patterns, and colors for a funky, unique look!
Check out these festive bandana-inspired placemats or, if you’re feeling a bit crafty, make your own out of red, white, and blue bandanas!
Outdoor Lighting
This goes without saying, we all know outdoor hanging lights are essential for a successful backyard party, especially when the sun goes down!
Who says tree lights are just for Christmas? Not us! Wrap some of these bad boys around a few trees and watch your backyard transform into a picture out of a home magazine.
The Beverage Bar
No party is ever complete without a beverage bar, especially in the heat of the summer…
Strawberry Lemonade Punch
image by butterwithasideofbread.com
… and no beverage bar is ever complete without a nice big ol’ bowl of punch! This recipe by Butter with a Side of Bread only uses 3 ingredients and will be a hit for both kids and adults!
Not a fan of strawberries? Check out this Cherry Party Punch or these Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Cream Sodas! (don’t forget the cherry on top!)
Fourth of July Cocktail
image by mixthatdrink.com
While everyone loves a punch, we all know we’ll need a good cocktail too.
This Fourth of July Cocktail recipe is not only beautifully layered, but a tasty mix of orange and pomegranate, topped with cream. Oh, absolutely!
Soda Bar
We can’t forget about America’s favorite drink now, can we? They say America runs on Dunkin, but we’re not entirely convinced.
Instead of throwing your haul of sodas into a cooler, create your very own soda bar instead! Load your bar up with all of your favorites, and don’t forget the festive straws!
Red, White & Cool Cubes
Ice: quite possibly the most critical piece of a summer party. Sure, regular ice is cool, but what’s even cooler?
These Red, White & Cool Cubes! Use any flavored drink to create this patriotic cubes and watch your beloved party go-ers create their own drinks using plain seltzer and their choice of cubes!
Yummy Appetizers
Get excited, it’s time to get your snack on.
Raspberry Ambrosia Salad
image by butterwithasideofbread.com
This Raspberry Ambrosia Salad checks all the boxes! It’s simple, it’s sweet, light and fluffy, and has bright red, juicy raspberries mixed in!
They say that ambrosia is an ancient Greek word that meant “the food of the gods,” so we know we can’t miss out on this one!
Tropical Grazing Spread
We definitely need a refreshing, yet satisfying component too! Throw together a Tropical Grazing Spread that will add beautiful color to your plate and bring the flavor with the perfect mix of salty and sweet.
Pretzel Sparklers
Speaking of salty and sweet: we’ve got Pretzel Sparklers!
All you need is:
- Pretzel Rods
- White Chocolate
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
So easy, so cute, so patriotic. A must-have for your snack spread!
Games & Crafts
Let the real fun begin, it’s time for games and crafts!
Flag Balloon Darts
image by Giggles Galore
Flag Balloon Darts! Bring the state fair to your backyard and keep the kids (and probably the adults too) partying all day long!
Fill up any extra balloons with water for surprise attack water bombs (you know, for that crazy uncle who always tries to steal your cake).
Lawn Stars
image by The Concrete Cottage
Break out the paint (if you dare) and your finest art skills to create some patriotic Lawn Stars!
Use some old cardboard to create a few star-stencils, and you’ll have the most patriotic house in the neighborhood!
The After Party
You’ve made it through the party, the food is all tucked away, the garbage has (for the most part) all made it into the garbage cans, and everyone’s eaten to their heart’s content.
But the party doesn’t have to end here!
DIY Backyard Movie
With a few chairs, a white sheet, a projector, and some popcorn, you can easily have yourselves a relaxing DIY backyard movie!
DIY Sparkler Packs
image by Alice and Lois
Put together these DIY Sparkler Packs for some end-of-evening sparks! Click here to download this sparkler printable by Alice and Lois!
DIY Personal S'mores Holders
image by balancinghome.com
Who doesn’t like s’ mores? Well, that may be true, but a s’mores feast can get a little complicated (and a lot messy) with a large group of people.
To avoid the endless passing of the marshmallow bag and dueling over chocolate bars, make these DIY personal s’mores holders by balancinghome.com!
Happy Fourth!
