From backyard barbecues to beach bonfires, Independence Day is a festive, annual holiday that people all over the USA enjoy celebrating with friends and family. This patriotic-themed Entertaining Guide shares July 4th Party Ideas that will add flair and good old-fashioned fun to your summer season in a fabulous way.

July 4th Party Ideas

Decorations

Atmosphere

Classic red and white checkered print plates, napkins and cups, hanging (red, white, and blue) paper lanterns, and cardboard star cut-outs are affordable, easy-to-use decorations that will instantly add visual interest and a festive touch to your July 4th party.

And you can also add some patriotic throw pillows to your sofa and chairs (which can be brought out again during Labor Day).

To make your guests feel right at home, encourage them to lounge in a relaxing hammock – either mounted on a tree or perched on the lawn.

Stake hand-painted wooden signs in the ground directing guests to the party – this instantly adds a vintage Americana look to your July 4th party.

Balloons

Any fun-filled party has festive, colorful balloons. If you want fast, easy, and affordable balloon decorations, use the Yankee Doodle Dandy E-Z Balloon Kit. This miraculous portable (disposable) helium balloon kit is available in 2 convenient sizes, and includes a filled helium tank plus 20 or 50 assorted color, self-sealing, pre-strung latex balloons. With this unique, DIY party decor kit, you can inflate and seal a perfect balloon in just 6 seconds! No wonder it’s known as the ‘fastest, easiest, safest helium balloon kit‘ on the market.

Flowers

Add life to your July 4th party with fresh flowers. An abundant arrangement filled with vibrant red roses, bluebells, and fragrant white lilies make a lovely, floral centerpiece.

To create a country-inspired look, use a wicker or wooden basket instead of a traditional glass vase. This can easily be done the day of the party by using wet floral foam. Saturate the block of foam in water, and then insert each flower stem. The foam provides the flowers with water, while the brick keeps the shape of your arrangement in tact. In addition, the foam can be cut into virtually any shape, so that it easily fits within the container, basket, or vase you want to use.

And for a finishing touch, add a small American flag into the bouquet.

Food

Appetizers & Meals

Before the main meal is served, why not offer your guests a range of edible goodies, served on a colorful and convenient Stacko Serving Stand. The individual cups and cones can be used to serve single portions of any kind of food – including salads, dips, salsas, and appetizers.

A traditional July 4th party is known for it’s barbecue. The main meal should include hamburgers and hot dogs (and even vegetarian-options, such as the Gardenburger), complete with a variety of condiments (such as ketchup, mustard, sauteed onions, lettuce, and tomato). If you’re looking to add coastal cuisine to the mix, offer your guests a mouth-watering Summer Ale Clambake from Samuel Adams and Robinson’s Prime Reserve.

Complement your main dishes with a tossed salad, including grilled veggies.

Desserts

A July 4th party is a fabulous opportunity to showcase your baking skills. Pillsbury has put together easy-to-follow 4th of July dessert recipes (like Berry-Lemon Cheesecake Squares) that will have your guests salivating. If you’re not the Betty Crocker type, no problem! Crumbs Bake Shop will make life easier for you – simply order their limited edition 4th of July Cupcakes. Your guests will be delighted.

Beverages

Adult Beverages

If you have guests who want to get fit for summer, but still enjoy your Independence Day party, consider serving them a low-calorie, but highly-flavorful concoction. The Skinnygirl® Firecracker cocktail is the drink of choice for July 4th party goers who want great taste (without all the calories).

Kid-friendly Beverages

For the younger party guests (or the non-drinking crew), thirst-quenching refreshments such as Lemonade and Berry-infused Sparkling Water are health-conscious, yet flavorful options that your 4th of July party guests will surely enjoy.

May you and your family have a safe and happy 4th of July!