The invitations are sent, the burgers are ready to be flipped on the grill but how are you going to make your 4th of July party extra special? Here are the Top 10 essentials to make your party a night to remember.
1. The Dessert Table
In my mind, the dessert table (or dessertscape) is the most exciting part of any party! One of my friends asked me if our decorations would be straight from Pinterest. I prefer to keep things simple and easy with extra touches that pack a punch. Stick some Twizzlers in box-made cupcakes and call them “firecracker cupcakes.” Little flags, patriotic sprinkles, and fun signage are always a nice touch too.
A large plastic (or glass) container with red, white, and blue gumballs balance out the two smaller containers of jelly beans. Edible table embellishments are the ultimate two-fer. Open, pour, and in 3.5 seconds you have a fun dessertscape!
2. Seasonal Fruit
If you don’t want to spend the time making one of those berry and marshmallow flag skewers that seem to be the 4th of July standard all over Pinterest, pour some berries in a patriotic dish. Done and done!
3. Napkins That Are Not a Flag Print
I’m all about the flag everywhere. But a flag print on a napkin… where it will be wiping your face and food and crumbled up… not so much. Step away from the tacky and inappropriate flag napkins and find some napkins instead in fun patriotic colors and patterns that are unexpected.
4. Props and/or a DIY Photo Booth.
We hung a heavy piece of navy blue star fabric for a “photo booth” and added some silly props in a basket. Mamma is modeling her favorite.
5. Theme-ish Beverages
One of my favorite things to do for each party we throw is to find some fun seasonal wine and beer. For the 4th of July party, you can serve JarHead wine and wine from The Great American Wine Company with colors in red, white, and blue. Who has time to make your own party labels for the wine when there are so many great choices out there?!?!?
PS – if you are sensitive to wine, I also recommend Dry Farm Wines.
6. Straws
I don’t know what it is, but there is something so much fun about seasonal straws in a Mason Jar. I place an order with my Straw Girl and voila – instant happiness! Wait… what is that you are saying? You don’t have a Straw Girl? You are welcome to find mine HERE.
Whether they are in stand-alone Mason Jars, or organized in a vintage crate, straws add so much flair to your beverage table.
7. A Little Patriotism
Freedom isn’t free. A fallen soldier tribute is easy to create.
The Missing Man Table is a tradition with my Army family. It takes a few minutes to put together but shows a level of honor for our fallen that will help your guests remember what our great country is all about.
8. Sparklers
You can’t celebrate the 4th of July without sparklers! Just be careful… PLEASE!
9. All-American Playlist
You need the perfect playlist for the perfect party! Be sure to include upbeat songs that everyone can enjoy, and include a mix of patriotic songs, modern songs the kids will enjoy, and the “oldies but goodies” that everyone loves and can sing along to.
PS – You can follow my Patriot’s Palooza playlist on Spotify with over 4 hours of patriotic and party-worthy songs.
10. S’Mores and Toasting Marshmallows
Last but not least… need I say more?
Love the Red, White & Blue?
We’re a military family so I’ve got a bunch of patriotic gems here at Pink Fortitude. Recipes, DIYs, military support and more…
CLICK HERE for more patriotic articles.
Be sure to pin to your 4th of July or patriotic Pinterest board… cuz I know you got one!
Are you Inspired?
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Love, hugs, and waiting for the fireworks.
Holly – sometimes your Mom is a little silly !!
Hi Mom – Sometimes?!?!?!? You are certainly my role model for not taking myself too seriously! LYB, H.
Your party looks like so much fun. Let know when it going to be there and I will be there with my red, white, and blue on. LOL. Thanks for sharing. I see several ideas I can use this year.
Hi Maria – Thanks so much for stopping by! So glad you enjoyed the post and some inspiration as well! Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
Wow, thanks for sharing my straws, and for the awesome, idea giving, post!! Do you mind if I share the pictures on social media and link back here??
Love, ‘your straw girl’
xoxo
Hello My Dearest Straw Girl!!! Thank you so much for stopping by to say hello and so glad you enjoyed the shout out. Share away and thanks so much! Hugs, Holly
How fun! I can’t wait for the 4th so I can try some of these ideas.
Hi Christie – Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello! Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
Great suggestions and looks like you are ready! Happy 4th of July!
Hi Sarah – Thanks so much and hope you had a wonderful 4th of July! Hugs, Holly
Great list. I like the firecracker cup cake idea. I’m not hosting this Fourth but I am tucking it away.
Hi Krista – Thank you for stopping by to share! Pin for later of course! Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly