Whether you’re planning a small backyard party or a big shindig in the park, hosting a 4th of July Party can involve lots of moving parts. With a bit of brainstorming and some preparations, you can keep your guests happy and fed but also safe and hydrated. Here are our ten tips to achieve the perfect 4th of July Patriotic Bash!
Plan Ahead for Best Results
Planning a party sounds a lot easier than it actually is! Start planning early, find your ideal location, and then brainstorm your guest list, menu, activities, decorations, and more. Don’t forget to have alternative ideas if something goes wrong!
Think Red, White, and Blue Decor
No 4th of July party is complete without some patriotic decor. The decor might include tablecloths, plates, streamers, balloons, candles decorated with American flags, stars, fireworks, and even just red, white, and blue! Even food, drinks, and desserts can be used as decor and don’t be afraid to DIY your decorations.
Cook up a Variety of Snacks
Burgers, hot dogs, and lemonade are iconic staples of the 4th of July, but they don’t have to be the only items on the menu. Adding cooler snacks like popsicles, coleslaw, fruits, and veggies into the mix will be essential for keeping everyone cool in the July heat. Don’t forget dessert though! Brownies, cupcakes, and ice cream can all be decorated for the 4th of July look. Have fun with it!
Prepare for the Intense July Heat
Heat stroke is a real downer on an otherwise amazing party. Create shaded areas for guests using canopies, umbrellas, and tents, and look into having both manual and electric fans available. Don’t forget to encourage guests to stay hydrated! Offering fruit or mint-infused water can encourage guests to drink more water than they might otherwise. Keeping sunscreen and hats on hand will also be important to keep guests safe.
Have Fun Group Activities for Guests
Fireworks don’t start until sundown, so set up fun activities for your guests, especially if you have kids in attendance. Lawn games including horseshoes, cornhole, and frisbee can be great low-stakes activities to play in between food and fireworks. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, setting up water balloons, sprinklers, and water slides can be a great way to keep guests cool while having fun.
Keep Safety in the Front of Your Mind
Fireworks, open flames, and alcohol are pretty common at 4th of July parties, but they can be a pretty dangerous mix — so make sure you have safety plans. Keeping a bucket of water, water hose or a fire extinguisher around is important in case of fire. Be aware of your environment and don’t light fireworks near grass, buildings, or other flammable materials. Make sure someone is always paying attention to the grill, and never let children or pets near open flame.
Load up the Ultimate Music Playlist
The perfect playlist is vital to creating a fun atmosphere for your party; the last thing you want is for your party to grind to a halt with a sad, slow ballad. Creating a personal playlist will give you ultimate control over the vibes, but plenty of premade 4th of July playlists are available on Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your music. Don’t forget to bring a speaker or sound system! (Just make sure not to disturb your neighbors.)
Have a Bathroom Plan for Party Guests
When planning the location for your party, make sure bathrooms are easily accessible for your guests. No one wants to trek a mile to the bathroom, only to miss the fireworks show. If the party is far from a toilet and you have the budget, you can also look into renting portable bathrooms for the night. If you are hosting at home, ensure your bathroom is clean and well-stocked.
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Have a Backup Plan for a Stormy Weather
Rain on the 4th of July should be outlawed, but sadly we can’t criminalize the weather. Check the weather radar leading up to the party, and check throughout the day just in case. If you think the weather will be bad, consider moving the party inside or changing the venue. Tents and canopies are great for not only protection from the sun but also a great way to keep guests dry. Brainstorm inside activities for your guests to keep them entertained while you wait for the rain to pass.
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Plan for an Amazing Fireworks Show
Fireworks shows are what make the 4th of July such a special holiday. If you want to put on your own fireworks display, choose a safe location away from trees and other obstructions. Let your guests and neighbors know when you plan to start and set up chairs and blankets in a designated viewing area. If you’re watching someone else’s display, sit back and enjoy the show!
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