The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Set right in the middle of summer, it presents the perfect opportunity for me to gather my family and friends for some good, wholesome, patriotic fun. If you’re like me, though, your party planning skills are a little rusty after a long year of social distancing. In the spirit of getting back into the partying spirit, here are my tips for throwing an amazing Fourth of July party this year.
Hit the beach
Now, I know that not everyone lives on the coast, but for the Fourth, there’s no better place to be than the beach. Grab your beach gear and cooler and head down to the water! I love the beach for Independence Day because there is plenty of space for all of my guests. Plus, with a few handy beach hacks, we never have trouble keeping everyone happy and comfortable.
At the end of the day, when the little ones are all tired out, let them flop down onto the sand and watch the firework display. When you’re outside and near the water, the view is sure to be spectacular!
Barbecue is best
If you’d rather have a small home party or stay in the backyard for your function, the Fourth of July is the perfect time to put your grill to work. You don’t have to whip up a gourmet meal either. This cookout will be just perfect with barbecued burgers and hot dogs, both of which you can get for a good price at your local store. While you’re there, grab some vegetarian options for your meatless friends.
Feeding a crowd? Share some of the hosting duties by enlisting your friends and neighbors to bring drinks, sides, and desserts. We guarantee that everyone will be happy (and full) by the end of the party.
Prepare activities ahead of time
To save yourself some stress on the day of your party, plan out some games and activities a few days before the event. Especially if you’re inviting families with young kids, the Fourth of July can feel like a long day. To keep everyone entertained until the firework finale, invest in some simple lawn games or age-appropriate crafts. This will make sure that the kids and their parents get to enjoy the day.
Red, white, and blue everything
What other day of the year can you really go all out with American Pride? To maximize your party energy, encourage all of your loved ones to show a little holiday spirit with red, white, and blue apparel and accessories.
Want to make it even more exciting? Make it a contest! The guests with the best men’s & women’s 4th of July shirts win a patriotic prize. Your neighbors will be jealous when they catch a glimpse of your flag-colored decor, but Uncle Sam will be smiling!
Fireworks are fun, but safety first
Fireworks are easily the most exciting part of the Fourth of July. However, the legality and availability of firecrackers can vary from state to state, or sometimes even county to county. Before you buy fireworks, double check your local ordinances to ensure you’re following the law.
If you do happen to live where fireworks are legal, this can be an unforgettable way to round out a holiday evening. I love seeing the look in my kids’ eyes when the first firework pierces the sky. But, as their mom, my first priority is my family’s safety. Always have your own first aid kits on hand and make sure all children are supervised around fireworks at all times. Put safety first, and your party will be remembered for all the right reasons.
This past year was a particularly hard year for our country, which makes this Independence Day all the more special. Now that we can finally celebrate together again, follow these tips to throw your loved ones a party they won’t ever forget.
It will be fun to celebrate this year. Thanks for the suggestions.