4th of July Party Ideas, Checklist, Invitations and More

Most 4th of July parties are outdoor affairs and whether your party starts in the afternoon or the evening, a few extra touches can make it fun for everyone.  It's easy to find red, white and blue decorations, American flags and flag themed items, pinwheels, glow sticks, and twinkle lights to dress up your backyard or party area. If your area allows, sparklers can be fun for kids (with supervision) or for a few seconds of pizzazz to cakes or desserts.

4th of July Party Invitations

Party Invitations for 4th of July celebrations are the best way to get the gang together to enjoy a day in the sun, on the water, in the pool, on the beach, at the park, or in your backyard.

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4th of July Cocktails & Party Drinks

Red, White and Blue Margarita

It's a challenge to find red, white and blue party drinks and cocktails for the 4th of July.  One of the coolest looking drinks is the Red, White and Blue Margarita (pictured above.)  

4th of July Sangria

A summer favorite is a refreshing sangria

We've changed it up to a Red, White and Blue 4th of July Sangria. Even if guests aren't sure they like sangria, they will stand in line to sample this  beautiful drink.

Strawberries, sliced
Blueberries
Pineapple, cut into star shapes
2 bottles dry white wine

1 cup Triple Sec
1/2 cup berry-flavored vodka
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup simple syrup

Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours.

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4th of July Games

If your party starts way before the fireworks do, you'll need to keep guests, especially the little ones, entertained.  Here are some ideas:

• Water balloon toss
  
• Tug of war
• Volleyball
• Frisbee
• Horseshoes
• Badminton
• Bocce Ball

• Croquet
  
• Bean bag toss
  
• T-Ball
• Lawn Bowling
• Flag Football
• Softball
• Ping Pong (outdoor table)
  

4th of July Red, White & Blue Desserts

With fabulous fresh summer fruits like blueberries, cherries, strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, and even rhubarb, 4th of July desserts can be anything from a yummy cobbler, berries and shortbread, berry topped cheesecake, to just a bowl of fruit with whipped cream or ice cream.

1. Blueberry Shortcake ✮ 2. American Flag Cheesecake Bars
3. Red, White & Blue Cake ✮ 4. Dipped Strawberries
5. Lemon Blueberry Cookie Tart ✮ 6. Cherry Pie Bites 

Flag Snack Platter

Strawberry Pie

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4th of July Party Checklist

To make throwing a party easier, create a checklist you can follow to take some of the stress out of having a party.

Basic Party Preparation

• Write up your guest list.  The number of people will help you decide where to have your party or will let you know you have enough space if you decide on a location other than your home.
• Create party invitations that set the tone for your event and let guests know they don't want to miss it.
• As most 4th of July parties are outdoor affairs, prepare for the  weather with sunscreen, areas of shade, pop-up canopies, bug spray, and a possible indoor area if there's a downpour.
• A potluck is a great idea that will stretch your budget and let guests share their favorite treats. Make a list of items guests are bringing so the food choices will be varied.
• If you'll play games or have games for the kids, decide what games and where you will set them up.  Be sure you have all necessary items for each game.
• Create your grocery list.

Create A Shopping List

• Ice, ice and more ice to cool food and drinks and to put in drinks
• Water, soda, adult beverages (ask guests to bring drinks)
• Decorations - anything red, white and blue! Flags, bunting, flowers, candles, streamers, balloons
• Red, White and BlueTableware - mix and match tablecloths, plates, napkins, plastic utensils
• Sunscreen, bug spray

Set Up for the Party

• Collect all the serving trays, serving bowls and items for your food table
• Clean patio and furniture
• Clean out coolers 
• Clean your grill
• Set out trash and recycle cans
• Set up pop-up canopies, umbrellas, extra furniture or seating areas (try blankets or rugs) and outdoor game area
• Set up food table or area, drink areas and ice down beverages

4th of July Apple Pie

4th of July Rocket Dogs

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Some History on the Flags of the United States

The Stars and Stripes Flag of the United States originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia on June 14, 1777.  The resolution read:  "Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation. "

Grand Union Flag, our unofficial national flag on July 4, 1776, Independence Day. It remained the unofficial national flag and ensign of the Navy until June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress authorized the Stars and Stripes.

"Betsy Ross" flag, which had 13 stripes and arranged 13 stars in a circle, did not appeared in the early 1790's.

When two new States were admitted to the Union (Kentucky and Vermont), a resolution was adopted in January of 1794, expanding the flag to 15 stars and 15 stripes.

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American's Creed

The American's Creed is the name of the national creed of the United States of America. Written as an entry into a patriotic contest in 1917 by William Tyler Page, it was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives April 3, 1918.

"I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies."

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Some fun 4th of July Ideas:

4th of July Jello Shots

4th of July Tin Can Windsocks

Snowcone Cupcakes

Sparkler Shield

4th of July Tin Can Luminaries