Everything You Need to Host a Modern Fourth of July Backyard Party

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Here’s how to host a modern Fourth of July backyard party.

If there’s one thing we love doing, it’s hosting a fun party! 

Fourth of July is one of our most favorite holidays. Our family comes in from out of town and all our neighbors gather to have a huge party. We set off fireworks from the streets, grill out and serve lots of fun treats and drinks. It’s one holiday where we truly all come together to celebrate our country and have a good time. 

While we love celebrating, we don’t like to be overly patriotic. We love creating a modern, cute twist on just about anything we do, from recipes to party decor, so this occasion isn’t any different.

Today, we’re sharing exactly how to host the perfect modern Fourth of July backyard party. Keep reading to recreate these fun Fourth of July decorating ideas, recipes and more.

How to Host a Modern Fourth of July Backyard Party

1. Invite Your Guests

First things first, you have to invite your guests. Whether that’s through a cute paper invitation in the mail, an e-vite or a casual text message, it’s totally up to you. We love sending paper invites to friends, it’s such a nostalgic, fun thing to do to make you guests anticipate the celebration to come.

2. Set the Guidelines

“Setting the guidelines” sounds super official and sophisticated, but it’s really just letting your guests know how to arrive to the party. Do you want them to dress in red, white and blue? Would you like them to volunteer and bring something? If so, make these requests known in your invitation and double-check when they RSVP, to make sure they are prepared for the party.

3. Select Your Menu

We love creating cute ways to celebrate holidays through food. Whether that’s through a festive charcuterie board, a fun drink or party finger foods, there’s endless possibilities.

To make it easier to decide, think about what all your guests would love. Maybe some finger foods, burgers and hotdogs, pizza and some Fourth of July cookies.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed making everything to serve, go potluck style. Have your guests sign up to bring a specific item, so you can focus on getting other things together.

4. Set the Scene

Decorating for a party is one of our favorite things to do. Like we mentioned above, we can’t stand overly patriotic and super cheesy holiday decor. We like to find ways to create a modern, cute twist on what would traditionally be used.

For table settings, opt for a classic solid color or pinstripe table cloth, decorate with modern dinnerware and some beautiful blue and white hydrangeas.

To add some modern Fourth of July decorations around your backyard, we recommend adding a few bunches of balloons, some string lights across the patio, some simple flag banners and fresh florals to your backyard patio. All of these things will bring your space to life and create a cute, festive space for people to gather.

5. Plan Games & Activities

• Pool Party: Do you have a pool in your backyard? Beat the hot, steamy summer sun by hosting a pool party with your friends, family and neighbors.
• Make S’mores: Making s’mores around our fire pit is one of our favorite summer traditions. There’s so many fun s’more flavors you can try now — classic Hershey Bar, Reeses, cookies instead of graham crackers.

• Corn Hole: We love a good corn hole game. It’s such a fun, active way to entertain your guests.

• Light Sparklers: When the sun goes down, gather everyone to light sparklers or set off some fireworks (if you’re allowed lol).

6. Choose Party Favors

We absolutely love sending our guests home with something little to tell them how much it meant for them to come celebrate the day with us. For fourth of July we recommend giving your guests a packaged sweet treat as they walk out the door. Here are some of our favorites: