The Fourth of July is a fun holiday for all, and many families choose to host cookouts and outdoor parties when celebrating our nation’s birthday. Planning a fun July 4th get-together can be fun, and relatively easy to do.
Decorations
Party supply stores and discount stores are perfect places to go shopping for summer party décor. Small red, white, and blue pails make great silverware holders. Purchase an inexpensive clear or white tub and use a star-shaped sponge and red or blue paint to decorate; this makes an excellent beverage holder. For centerpieces, fill terra cotta pots with decorative stones or sand, and insert small American flags. Be creative! Party hosts need not spend a fortune on decorations to achieve a festive look.
Food Ideas
Most Fourth of July parties have the usual cookout fare: hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and side dishes. When firing up the grill, try these ideas for a more Independence Day-themed party. Carambola, or star fruit, can be sliced and placed on dishes for a unique garnish. Try layering red and blue Jell-O and cutting out star shapes with cookie cutters. For festive beverages, layer vanilla ice cream, blueberries, and crushed strawberries in parfait glasses. Think red, white, and blue to create a spin on the traditional barbeque.
Kids’ Activities
When party planning, it’s always a good idea to have activities on hand for kids, so the adults can relax and enjoy one another’s company. Try these game ideas for Fourth of July fun.
Set up backyard games, such as croquet, ring toss, and horseshoes. Have some small prizes on hand (4th of July pencils, stickers, squirt guns) for the winners. Set up an Independence Day scavenger hunt, hiding various symbols of the holiday—such as sparklers, miniature flags—around the yard. Give each child a list, complete with boxes to check once they find the items, and give an award to the one who completes the list first. Fill red, white, and blue water balloons before guests arrive and let kids toss them in a designated area. Or, have a contest to see who can keep their balloon from popping.
The key to a successful family-friendly party is to plan something for everyone. If the kids are entertained, adults are more likely to be able to enjoy themselves.
Keep it Safe
Fireworks are an Independence Day tradition, and most cities have community fireworks displays. When planning to set off fireworks at a party, preparation is essential, especially if children are present. Kids love sparklers, but supervision is required. A cold cup of water should be kept close for used sparklers, and adults should always light them.
When planning a fireworks display, put one or two adults in charge. Make sure that guests are safely out of the way before lighting bottle rockets or other large fireworks. Party hosts should be aware of state regulations on home fireworks displays. Visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety web site for more information.
Fourth of July parties can be the highlight of the summer! A little creativity goes a long way when planning holiday get-togethers.
Kristi McCabe - Kristi is a former editor and teacher who now takes great pride in being a stay-at-home mother. She is the queen of her domain, and ...
