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4th of July is here, and every year I’m reminded that there’s truly no holiday like it. This year it falls on a Saturday, so you’ll have a weekend full of stress-free, patriotic fun. Whether you’ve started planning your party or not, no need to worry. I’ve created a simple guide to create the perfect party for Independence Day.
Everything from red, white and blue recipes for your menu, cute American flag decor inspo, fun backyard games and everything in between, this list has it all. Below, we’re detailing everything you need to host the ultimate Fourth of July party that friends, family and kids will enjoy.
11 Fourth of July Party Ideas for an Unforgettable Summer Celebration
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. Plus, there’s some adorable designs with American flags, stars and stripes and patriotic colors.
Reed, White & BBQ Invite
Grandmillennial 4th of July Invite
Red White & Blue Cake Invitation
4th of July Pool Party Invite
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 with good food. Whether that’s with a festive charcuterie board, fun drinks or party snacks, there’s endless possibilities.
To narrow down menu options, think about what all the classic American favorites. Grill some burgers and hot dogs, macaroni & cheese, fruit pizza with blueberries and strawberries and other patriotic treats. Also make sure you have coolers for drinks ready for people to grab from — this is necessary in the hot July heat.
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.
Fourth of July Charcuterie Board
4th of July Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese Frosting
Patriotic Watermelon Lime Margarita
Four Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese
4. Set the Scene
Decorating for a party is one of our favorite things to do. Don’t be afraid to go all out on red, white and blue decorations.
For table settings, opt for a classic solid color or pinstripe table cloth, white paper napkins, decorate with patriotic dishes, and plenty of utensils. Add some flower vases with white hydrangeas to create a simply, beautiful centerpiece.
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, 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.
Lastly, a backyard party setup wouldn’t be complete without a patriotic music playlist. Use a Bluetooth speaker to amplify the music around your outdoor space.
Striped Linen Table Cloth
American Flag Ceramic Plates
Woven Place Mats
Mini American Flags
American Flag Banners
Outdoor String Lights
Fourth of July Balloons
6. 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. Not only is it a refreshing way to spend a hot summer day, but it’s also an easy way to keep your friends and family entertained.
7. Make S’mores by the Campfire
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.
Metal Fire Pit
Adirondack Chairs
Campfire Roasting Skewers
8. Have a Corn Hole Game Set Up
I love a good corn hole game and it’s always a hit when hosting an outdoor party. It’s such a fun, active way to entertain your guests.
Red White & Blue Corn Hole Game Set
9. Light Sparklers or Glow Sticks
When the sun goes down, gather everyone to light sparklers, glow sticks or set off some fireworks (if you’re allowed lol).
10. Patriotic Scavenger Hunt
This is a fun activity for kids (and adults). Give everyone a scavenger hunt list that includes items around the party. They can check them off when they find them. The first one (or team) to complete the list wins.
11. Hand Out 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:
4th of July Cakesicles, Set of 8
Where is the hanging rag looking flag from?
I love the flags in the floral centerpieces! We’re hosting our neighborhood Independence Day party tomorrow and I’ve been scrambling for ways to decorate the backyard. In years past I’ve hosted it inside, but that always leads to me scheduling a carpet cleaning afterwards because of the mess. Thanks for the inspo!