Whether you’re hosting a few close friends or throwing a neighborhood block party, there’s nothing more fun than a cookout with freedom-themed food for the 4th of July.
Sure, you’ve already got the grill prepped and some sparklers on hand, but there are a few other things that you need for your star-spangled summer shindig.
If you’re hoping to throw a 4th of July bash that no one wants to miss, read on! We’ve got the must-haves to take any Independence Day celebration to the next level.
Patriotic Tablescape
You’re more than welcome to go nuts with over-the-top patriotic decorations for your outdoor party. However, if you’re trying to keep the work low-key (hey, we’re already making food here), you can still get a big impact with minimal setup by focusing on your tablescape.
Flags are an obvious must for decorating, and small flags are always inexpensive. Red, white, and blue ribbons can be used on other items that are otherwise non-patriotic, like drink dispensers, mason jars, and utensil holders. Festively-colored tableware and cutlery can also make a huge impact.
Awesome Outdoor Games
Outdoor games can make your party so fun that people talk about it all year. Of course, you can pull out your grandma’s croquet set (no shame in it, I love croquet!) or cornhole, but there are so many unique games on the market these days.
I just recently bought Throw Throw Burrito: Extreme Outdoor Edition, and it’s hilarious. Throwing giant inflatable burritos at people? I’m in. I’ve also seen games like Kan Jam Disc Toss and BULZiBUCKET Bucket Toss, which would make for some competitive fun outside.
Oversized games like this giant Connect Four make for great outdoor fun, too. I can’t explain why jumbo versions are more fun than their tabletop counterparts, but they are.
Mocktails
Having a pitcher of mojitos is great and all, but don’t forget about mocktails! No party is complete without delicious, refreshing drinks that everyone can enjoy.
Some drinks, like pina coladas and margaritas, are easy tried-and-true drinks that are easy to convert into non-alcoholic versions. But if you want to try something different, this citrus strawberry mocktail is perfectly refreshing. Or, go old school and make a classic sherbet party punch in a bowl!
A Show-Stopping Dessert
I know that everyone says they’re ready for burgers and dogs, barbecue and potato salad, but no one can resist dessert! Top off all that delicious food with a sweet treat for your guests.
I’m not talking about average store-bought cookies, either. Bring a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes, and it will really take your party to the next level.
Have fun with it! Try mixing strawberries and blueberries for a fruity cobbler with July 4th colors baked right in, or have fun with your pie by cutting the top crust into stars and stripes. Red velvet cupcakes topped with white frosting and blue sprinkles are a fun way to get festive, or try your hand at a strawberries & cream poke cake.
Cool Treats
With the heat that summer brings in most locations, it’s always a good idea to have a few cool treats on hand to keep everyone from overheating. If you’re still in the mood to make some more (if you’re not already cooked-out from all those show-stopping desserts!), simple fruit popsicles are easy to make and perfect to eat on a hot summer day.
Of course, there’s no shame in store-bought, either. Classic red, white, and blue Firecracker popsicles might as well be the official treat of July!
