Tips for Throwing the Perfect 4th of July Shindig
4th of July may be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put together an awesome party for your family and friends. You want your party to be as effortless as it is entertaining, so we’ve gathered some of the best tips and ideas to make your event a hit.
Make A List
If you’re anything like we are, the best way to keep your planning stress-free is to live by your lists! Plan ahead, keep multiple lists if necessary, and don’t be afraid to delegate. Often times, asking guests to help with a specific party-related task makes them feel more involved and they are more than happy to help.
Get Festive with Decorations
Independence Day is the perfect time to go a little outside of the box with decorations. Because most parties are backyard/pool parties, you don’t have to worry about being super formal. You can utilize red, white, and blue in some creative ways and with balloons, table scapes, and even the food you serve. Check out our Pinterest page for some decoration ideas.
Theme Music
While it’s always good to make a playlist for your party, consider adding in some patriotic songs to celebrate the occasion. Songs like “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen and “This Land is My Land” by Woody Guthrie are crowd favorites and will bring your guests together for shared patriotic comradery.
The Food
Traditional Fourth of July foods are typical to barbeque and picnic foods, but it’s okay to stray outside of the norm too. Consider your guests' tastes and dietary restrictions, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. It’s your party and you can set the menu to be whatever you’d like.
Prep Ahead
Once you’ve decided on your menu, think about what can be done ahead of time. While some things cannot be done beforehand, try to get as much of your prep work done as early as possible. If you’re organized and have everything ready when the party starts, you’ll be better able to attend to your guests. You may also consider asking each of your guests to bring something so not everything falls on your shoulders.
Get Crafty
It’s always a good idea to keep the kids entertained and having a craft table is a great way to accomplish that! Offer a red, white and blue face paint contest or decorate mason jars for the occasion. Check out our Pinterest page for some craft ideas for children and the whole family.
Self-Serve Drinks
Utilize coolers and bins with ice to keep beer, soda, and water handy for your guests. If you’re serving cocktails, it’s always a good idea to set up an easy-to-make cocktail bar where guests can help themselves. You can also create pitchers of specialty summer drinks for a tasty treat without all the fuss. One important tip: because July is typically hot, be sure to get plenty of ice to restock your coolers. We recommend getting at least 3 times what you think you will need. (So, if you’re sure you only need 5 bags – get 15!) Ice is cheap, and you will be glad you had extra! on, be sure to give your guests a choice of beverages without overwhelming them.
Party Games
Since your party will likely be outside, it’s the perfect opportunity to have some fun with some backyard games for the family. Whether it be an Independence Day trivia or a horseshoe tournament, there are plenty of ways to incorporate some fun games into your day. Check out our Pinterest page for some fun game ideas.
Enjoy!
Last but not least, be sure that you enjoy yourself! If you are having a good time, your guests will have a good time as well. Enjoy the whimsy of this special summer holiday and take the time to sit back and enjoy it.