Fourth of July Parties
Some people get sweaty palms just thinking about hosting a party. But the 4th of July heat notwithstanding, parties are easy!
By definition, every holiday party already has a theme. And most holidays even have associated colors. So this July, just play up what you love about the the 4th of July, using lots of red, white, and blue! Modify tried and true games and foods to fit the Independence Day theme. It doesn't have to be extravagant and complicated to be fun and memorable.
Fourth of July Party Invitations
Quick & Dirty Fourth of July Invitations
One of the easiest invitations is to simply select a folded card that is red, white, or blue. Scatter a few gold or silver star stickers on the card and/or envelope. It's a budget invitation that doesn't look cheap.
Another fun thing to do is toss a little star-shaped confetti inside the card. When the recipient opens it, they will have a little party right inside their envelope.
Designed Fourth of July Invitations
If you want to step it up a notch, go for some invitations that are specifically designed for the 4th of July. Many patriotic invitations are available from cute to sophisticated.
You can make invitations from flat cards, folded cards, or printer paper with matching envelopes specifically designed for 4th of July invitations.
Or how about using nice white paper invitations, covered by this gorgeous 4th of July vellum! Very elegant!
Fabulous, Printed Fourth of July Invitations
If you're going all out, get personalized, printed invitations. These cost a bit more, but you may be surprised at how affordable they are in the age of computerized everything. And nothing says "great party coming up" better than a well-planned, personalized invitation. Oo la la!
I found three personalized, printed invitations that will fit perfectly for a 4th of July party:
Free Fourth of July Invitations
I'm no graphic artist, but I've put together a few, simple 4th of July invitations for you. You can download then and print them out or just use them as an idea for what you could do yourself.
Also, check out the 4th of July graphics we've collected. You can use any of them on your own invitations to add some flare.
4th of July Party Food
Cut a ripe, juicy watermelon into chunks and cube some American cheese. Serve with USA flag toothpicks. Instant patriotism
Use your favorite cake mix or recipe, but bake up the batter in a star-shaped cupcake pan. Frost with your favorite white frosting and sprinkle with red and blue sugar.
Don't forget to check out our extensive 4th of July recipe collection to add to your party food.
Fourth of July Party Decorations
When I'm decorating my home for a holiday or season, I want to have nice, quality items that fit with my other home decor. Nothing tacky or cheap. But when it comes to parties, the decorations can be much more casual and fun—and inexpensive.
You don't need to spend a lot to make a big impression. Go for a handful of great themed items and you'll set the stage for a great party.
All-in-One Fourth of July Party Kit
If you want to go for easy 4th of July decorating and party prep, look no further than the
patriotic party kit. With balloons, streamers, tableware—even 4th of July serving dishes—you'll be ready for a party of eight in no time at all. Have more than eight guests? No problem. You can easily add
additional guests one at a time! No fuss and no waste.
If you are really hankering to cover every last inch of your 4th of July party space with stars and stripes, then you'll love this patriotic décor kit. You'll definitely be the most patriotic house in town.
Make Your Own Fourth of July Party Kit
If you like to take the time to select each item, then take a look at these Independence Day party decorating ideas.
We start every party with balloons. Maximum bang (no pun intended) for the buck. I always purchase a small helium tank and fill my own balloons. It saves money, drive time, and stress, since balloons always need to be picked up at the very last minute when you purchase them elsewhere—and that's the same minute you have about 100 other things to do.
For the 4th of July party, blow up red, white, and blue balloons, tie them with curly ribbon (I like to cross color the ribbons), and tie them all around the room.
Next, set the table to fit your theme. A 4th of July table is a cinch.
Get an inexpensive table cover in red, white, or blue. Then just add plates, cups, napkins, and plasticware in a contrasting color.
Now for the fun! Sprinkle
confetti—in this case
patriotic confetti—up and down the length of the table. It's quick, cheap, and adds tons of sparkle. I prefer to use a dark, solid color table cover. It really makes the confetti pop.
Then hang a few patriotic swirls over the table and in the serving area.
We also like the Americana look for our paperware. It's bright and classically American.
Nighttime Backyard Fourth of July Party
If you're going to party into the wee hours of the night, line your patio or walkway with gorgeous star-cut luminaries. They come in red, gold, or silver and make an elegant statement.
As they arrive, give each of the party-goers a patriotic light up flower lei. You'll never lose site of them!
You can also keep the bugs away in patriotic style with great red, white, and blue citronella torch candles. They are stick mounted and you can just poke them around in your lawn. They add a beautiful glow to your party area, while making it more pleasant for your guests.
At night you can also play up the bling. Try this super shiny table cover and top it with a shine star centerpiece. Wear your sunglasses to reduce the glare.
More Fourth of July Decoration Tips
If your celebration is partisan, grab some Republican partyware or Democrat décor!
You can even create a huge, personalized, 4th of July banner to send your message of patriotism loud and clear!
If you're looking for more ideas, browse through dozens of festive 4th of July products to find what best fits your party plans.
Fourth of July Costumes
While you're getting it all together, don't forget to decorate the party guests! You can purchase costumes to help celebrate any holiday. Here are some fun 4th of July costumes.
Don't forget Fido.
Fourth of July Games
Pin the Tail on the Donkey—or Not!
At almost every party, my kids—even the teenagers—ask for a thematic version of the standard Pin the Tail on the Donkey. For a 4th of July party it might be Pin the Hat On Uncle Sam. Just get a piece of poster board and sketch out a likeness of Uncle Sam sans the top hat. Then draw up a bunch of top hats, one for each guest. Add a blindfold and a bit of tape, and you're ready.
Patriotic Piñata
No party is complete—even in America—without a piñata. This patriotic star piñata perfectly fits the bill for a 4th of July party. Hang it up in a prominent place. It will serve as a decoration and an enticement to stay until the very end.
Picture This
Take pictures of each of your guests in a Lady Liberty/Uncle Sam stand-in
. This will be a party to remember.
Olympic Theme Party
Three of my six kids (so far) have requested Olympic parties at least once. This kind of a sports party fits very well with a patriotic party theme. Relay races such as three-legged races, potato sack races, wheel barrow races are always a hit. Throw in an obstacle course and a water fight and you're done.
