It’s almost the 4th of July! This is one of our favorite holidays because it’s a great opportunity to share your patio space with family and friends. Whether young or old, everyone can have a good time on Independence Day. Start planning now and you’ll have the best 4th of July party on the block!
Tip #1: Make a Signature Sangria
A refreshing, fruity sangria is an excellent summer drink for any occasion. Sangria is made by crushing fresh fruit into alcohol (usually red wine) along with sugar. It’s then chilled and served over ice. There are tons great sangria recipes online, but the best part about making sangria is that it’s really easy to customize.
So get creative and make a signature drink for your 4th of July party! Once you’ve decided which fruits, berries and alcohols you’ll use, you can then make a nonalcoholic version for kids. Just swap the alcohol for grape juice, fruit punch or soda.
Tip #2: Go Beyond Hot Dogs and Burgers
Who doesn’t love a hot dog or burger at a 4th of July party? We’re not saying you should skip these Independence Day staples. But you can elevate your party menu by serving hot dogs and burgers with a twist. For example, prepare special toppings like Mexican eloté or Thai cabbage slaw. Food Network has some great ideas here.
You can also grill way more than meat and the “usual” veggies. Grilled avocado is one of our personal favorites. You can also grill sweeter desert options like watermelon, peaches, strawberries or even donuts! (Say, I wonder how grilled peaches would taste in a sangria…? Hmm!)
Tip #3: Plan Games and Activities
Games and activities are an excellent addition to any 4th of July party. If kids are coming to your gathering, stock up on sidewalk chalk and water balloons. (And don’t forget the sunscreen!) You can also fill a piñata with red, white and blue candy.
We also love playing trivia at parties. You can go “Jeopardy” style for adults and multiple choice for kids, and offer silly prizes to the winners. Test your guests’ knowledge of American history, baseball, Hamilton! The Musical or other fun 4th of July topics.
Tip #4: Make a DIY Photo Booth
If you’ve been to a wedding in the last ten years, then you’ll know how much fun people have in photo booths. Although there are many companies that rent photo booths, you can also create your own.
First, find a spot with good natural light or setup a few lamps in a corner of your garage or guest room. Then decorate the background (a great task for kids), buy some silly props and costume accessories, and invite your guests to snap pictures with their phones. You can even create a special hashtag for your 4th of July party for friends to share on social media!
Make It a 4th of July Party to Remember
Of course, these tips are just the start. Sites like Pinterest are full of inspiration for parties. With a little planning and creativity, you can throw a party your guests will be talking about for months. There’s no better time to share your outdoor patio space with your loved ones than the 4th of July.