Recipes, Decor & Hostess Tips to Make Your 4th of July Celebration a Success {Guest Post}

If you celebrate Independence Day by setting off fireworks and pigging out on s'mores, you’re not alone! The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 316 million Americans will celebrate the country’s birthday this year. Join in on the fun by hosting a successful July 4th bash this year.

Decor

Whether you plan an elegant dinner party or casual backyard barbecue, the decor should be festive, bold and patriotic. Decor ideas are endless, but here are a few suggestions that use popular seasonal items.

1. Stars

Use a star punch and make paper confetti to sprinkle on the serving table.
Set the table with star-shaped dinner or dessert plates and napkins.
Hang paper stars on the dining room walls.

2. Stripes

Set nautical blue and white striped seat cushions on the chairs.
Place a striped tablecloth on the table and use solid red, white or blue plates.
BHG.com suggests wrapping beverage glasses with striped oilcloth.

3. Flags

Hang flag garland along the backyard fence.
Apply fabric flags to the buckets that hold silverware, napkins and ice.
Arrange flag toothpicks in the deviled eggs and fruit tarts.

4. Sparklers

Place a pack on each table setting as a party favor.
Tie ribbons around individual sparklers and arrange them into sand-filled Mason jar centerpieces.
Insert a sparkler into dessert servings.

Dress Up

You can’t show up to a patriotic birthday party in purple or orange. Instead, dress to the theme and set the stage for a celebratory evening.

Pair a striped shirt with red, white or blue shorts.
Sport a flag bandanna with jeans.
See dresses at macys.com, where you can find the perfect patriotic outfit.

Recipes

Food is a focus of any birthday party, so prepare a few dishes that are sure to wow your guests, taste delicious and support the party’s theme. Start with appetizers like:

Fruit kabobs made with strawberries, watermelon, blueberries and raspberries
Ham and cheese wraps
A veggie tray
Colorful buckets filled with patriotic snacks like pretzels, boxed caramel popcorn and fruit salad.

For the main dish, grill burgers and hot dogs, serve pulled pork sandwiches or arrange a fish taco station. Serve potato salad, macaroni and cheese and tossed salad on the side. Pull out the mini s'mores, cherry, raspberry and blueberry pies with vanilla ice cream and red velvet cake with blueberry garnish for dessert, suggests Better Homes & Gardens editors.
To drink, set cans of soda and water bottles in a galvanized tub filled with ice. You can wrap each bottle in flag ribbon or raffia or decorate plastic cups with white nametags. Guests label their glasses with a red marker as they stay hydrated all night.

Hostess Tips

Before you start stressing out, take a few deep breaths. You’re hosting a party to have fun, and the party planning pros at HomeMadeSimple.com have a few hostess tips to help you relax.

Don’t cook from scratch. Reheat pre-cooked pulled pork in a crock pot, buy pre-cut veggies and use prepared dip.
Prep ahead of time. The day before, decorate and set the tables, hang the flag garland and clean the bathrooms. You can also label the beverage glasses, prepare salads and bake pies to limit party day stress.
Host a potluck. Instead of doing all the food prep, ask guests to bring a salad, side or dessert to share. That way, you can freely enjoy the party without slaving away in the kitchen.

Are you ready to host a successful July 4th birthday party? Then dress up, grab a sparkler and prepare to welcome guests as you celebrate your country’s birthday.

Askan Robah