Fourth of July Party Tips
The first thing you’ll need for your party is invitations, of course! These will set the theme for your party, plus they’ll be fun to do. If you’d rather not buy pre-made invitations from a store, maybe you’d like to have your kids draw some colorful fireworks, or you yourself could whip up something flag-related on the computer. My personal favorite invitation idea is one from Uncle Sam (you know, “I Want You!”) commanding their presence at your 4th of July bash.
Once the invitations have been sent, you can start planning your menu, decorations, activities, etc. Since your Fourth of July party will most likely be an outdoor affair under the stars and the fireworks, your decorations should also sparkle and shimmer. Red, white and blue twinkle lights dress up trees and bushes, and you’ll have no problem finding American flag-themed decorations like flags and balloons at a party store or your local drugstore or market. Star-shaped napkins, serving trays and bowls can hold all of your salty snacks and dips, or try the “Summer Stripes” Party Set. Buy flowers in the colors of the holiday to dress up your tables, and add sparkling pinwheels and glow sticks to the arrangements for a fun patriotic touch. Younger kids will love to play with the pinwheels, and older kids will think glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewelry are very cool once night falls. Or you might want to use something like a patriotic hat centerpiece.
Music is just as important as any aspect of your party, so make sure to keep it going throughout the day. If you’re looking for some 4th of July party music, why not try some of these freedom/independence/American related songs: “Freedom” by George Michael, “Pink Houses” by John Mellencamp, “American Girl” by Tom Petty, or “Rockin’ In the Free World” by Neil Young. These are merely suggestions, of course, as everyone has their own specific tastes in music.
Grilling is a must, of course. Great barbecued foods are most important, since sizzling food wonderfully flavored by the coals is a summer tradition. Burgers, hot dogs, ribs and chicken are the essentials, as well as corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad and cole slaw. For a fun twist on some of the traditional fare, try something new, like Texas Cole Slaw, or Patriotic Potato Salad.
Before the main course however, don’t skimp on the snacks and appetizers! Chips & dip are must-haves. If you prefer to make your own dip, try this recipe for “Really” Onion Dip. Of course, don’t forget the fruit salad, vegetable platter and cheese plate! In keeping with your theme, set out toothpicks with little American flags attached to them for just this purpose.
Don’t forget the drinks! For the adults, why not try 4th of July Margaritas, or a Meloncello, or maybe a Summertime Swirl. For the younger set, there is always the classic lemonade, but for something really different, try a Patriot’s Punch. Simply fill an ice cube tray with a red or blue fruit-flavored beverage and let the cubes freeze solid. Then drop three or four colored cubes into each glass, pour in flavored seltzer water or clear soda, and watch the special effects. As the cubes melt, colored bubbles will swirl through the seltzer. It’s sure to delight your younger guests! And, of course, make sure to have plenty of water, soda and other beverages on hand.
Fourth of July desserts can be lots of fun to make, and there are so many different things you can do. For example, 4th of July Lemon Bar Flags, or Red, White and Blue Shortcake Stars. Try a flag cake, like this no-bake option, or maybe this Jell-O Flag Cake, which I have made myself with much success. For the kiddies, why not some patriotic cupcakes?
Once your guests have had their fill, have some activities ready to burn off some of that great food! Some fun ideas include the limbo, water balloon tossing contests (because water feels SO much better than egg on a hot summer day), or tried and true standards like badminton, frisbee, volleyball or horseshoes.
If fireworks are legal in your area and you plan to have them at your Fourth of July party, it’s important to know how to handle them safely. Here are some fireworks guidelines:
�Follow the directions on your packaging.
�Only allow responsible adults to handle them.
�Do not aim at people, houses, dry leaves, grass or other flammable materials.
�Always have water handy in case your fireworks ignite.
�Do not attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks.
�Dispose of fireworks safely by soaking them in water before throwing them out.
If you’ll be watching someone else’s fireworks display instead, make sure to have on hand plenty of bug spray and blankets to sit on. If you’re in an area that allows campfires (or in your own backyard, for that matter), toast marshmallows or S’mores while you’re waiting for the fireworks to begin.
Most of all, don’t forget to have FUN!
