How to Have a Fun and Successful Independence Day Party
Having an Independence Day party can be a lot of fun. Whether you have a backyard cookout or host an entire block party, an Independence Day party means planning, decorations, food, entertainment, and more planning! Here are some tips on how to have a fun and successful Independence Day party.
1. Lists
Not everyone makes lists, but it sure can help to write things down. Making a list of everything that needs to be done and the steps necessary to accomplish it can go a long way toward making your party a success (instead of a stress-fest!). Here is an example of the categories your list might have.
-Guest list
-Decorations supplies
-Favors
-Food (followed by grocery/food shopping list)
-Flatware/dishes needed
-House cleaning (what needs to be done, what you’ll do each day to clean)
-Games
This is just a broad example; once you get started making a list, you will probably find that the categories and details start listing themselves!
2. Decorating
Of course, red, white, and blue will be the main color theme; but here are some tips on how to decorate with these colors.
-Think Fireworks
Fireworks sparkle in various colors (not just red, white, and blue!) against a dark sky. So maybe black or gray tablecloths with sparkly confetti or glitter sprinkled in the middle. Or tie medium-length bits of shiny ribbons to the end of bamboo skewers, and stick these into gravel-filled vases as a centerpiece.
-Lights
Red, white, and blue lights look great on your mantle, along your porch railing, and on large houseplants and potted trees.
-Streamers
Few things give a festive air like streamers. Go with your theme colors and drape streamers where they will look festive, but not get in the guests’ way. If you have fans going (since it’s a hot time of year), tape some streamers to the fans so they blow outward.
-Flags
Flags make great centerpieces, too, stuck in vases or other holders. You can add them in with the ribbon decorations, for instance.
3. Food
Independence Day food depends somewhat on whether or not you are cooking in our cooking out. But some foods can work either way, like hamburgers or kebobs (kebobs can be cooked under the broiler). A buffet will probably work best, with lots of finger foods and a build-your-own burger set up. Remember, traditional American food is welcome at an Independence Day party, but you may want to modernize it with low-fat or healthier versions of this typically greasy fare (such as veggie burgers and oven-baked fries or grilled vegetables).
4. Favors
Guests appreciate favors. Here are some ideas for favors.
-Red, white, and/or blue candles, or apple pie scented candles
-Sparklers
-American flag pins
-Big cookies with Independence Day-themed icing designs (you could even make “cookie pops” by putting the cookies on a skewer)
-Red and white carnations tied with red, white, and blue ribbon
Put a little planning into it, and you’ll have a fun and successful party!