Throw A Fourth of July Party

Okay it is the end of June and you just decided you want to throw a 4th of July party.  Great! You will need a grill, tables, chairs, and follow this list of instructions and suggestions.

1.) Get your invitations out now.  Using Evite makes the process so easy.  You get lots of great templates to use and can add people along the way, just in case you forgot someone in the beginning.  Also you get anst RSVP list and can even set up a Pot Luck list.

2.) Make sure you ask everyone to dress in Red, White and Blue.  Decorate  with a patriotic theme and have fun favors, balloons, and flags.  Places like Party City, the Dollar Store, Pier One all have affordable and clever décor ideas.so there are no duplicates.  Guests can even suggest music and games if you want.

a. Candles in colorful votive jars, galvanized buckets with cutlery and napkins, containers to hold condiments, temporary tattoos and fun toys will add to table.

b. Set up a garbage/recycling center or two so guests know where to dispose of their trash and help you with the clean up later.

3.) If your town has fireworks, and visible from the party location, time the party so that your guests can stay for the show.

a. Check to see what the rules are in your town about fire works and sparklers.  If you can have them and keep everyone safe, it is a fun way to celebrate.

b. If you cannot have your own and there are no firework shows in the area, set up TV’s . tablets or lap tops around the party so that you can stream the firework shows from your local cities…NYC has a great show!

4.) Download lots of patriotic music, both traditional like “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “America the Beautiful”, to a bit more current like:

a. Born in the USA- Bruce Springsteen

b. Party in the USA– Miley Cyrus

c. American Woman – Lenny Kravitz

d. All American Girl – Carrie Underwood

e. American Pie – Don McLean (or Madonna)

f.  We’re Kids in America– Kim Wilde

g. American Girl – Tom Pette

h. American Baby – Dave Mathews Band

5.) Have some fun games to play like badminton, horse shows, kick - ball, baseball, Frisbee, capture the flag, even water - balloon fights on a hot day.

a. Put out cards withAmericanatrivia & history questions on the table, they are great conversation starters and fun to test your knowledge.

b. If you are feeling particularly arts & craft – ish, you could set up a painting station for people to paint a Red, White & Blue masterpiece or add to a larger painting/mural

6.) Create and “all – American” menu that will please everyone, kids included.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, corn on the cob, apple pie…check out the Big Green Egg website or FoodNetwork.com for great ideas and recipes.

7.) Have plenty of cold drinks on hand.  Lemonade, Ice Tea, Water in big batches.  Cocktails, wine and beer at your discretion. See our ideas for patriotic cocktails.  Having just one signature cocktail, then plenty of beer, wine and soft drinks keeps the bar area easy to manage.

8.) Set up a sunscreen/bug repellent station.  Have one area, away from food with sunscreen and bug repellent products available for guests.  It is a good idea to have some anti itch creams or sprays there as well, just in case someone gets a bite.

a. As a preventative and if you have the ability to do so,  pre spray the lawn for bugs prior to the party and provide as much shade as possible by placing tables and chairs under umbrellas, canopies or shady trees.

b. Set up Yelllow Jacket traps to draw these aggressive pests away from your guests and food.

c. Make sure you have a first aid kit on hand and baggies for ice packs if you plan on playing lots of games with competitive people.

9.) Extras if in the budget:

a. Photo booth

b. Face painting

c. Carnival games

d. Little Kid Area with a Babysitter(s) and activities – best gift to your guests with little kids, really!

We would love to here your suggestions for a great 4th of July BBQ and a few recipes too.