12 Tips for Hosting a Spectacular 4th of July Party

Plan double the fun for this year’s 4th of July party

Key takeaways:

• Decorate your yard with a patriotic theme
• Provide entertainment for your guests
• Set up inviting sitting areas
• Give out party favors
• Relax and let a caterer handle the cooking
• Contact TooJay’s for a tasty spread of food

Families and communities around the country canceled their 4th of July parties last year as the country shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic but this summer looks promising for a full return to regular summer living. That means your 4th of July celebration this year needs to be double the fun. Ready to start planning? This guide has all the tips you need to host a spectacular event. 

1. Make your yard comfortable and inviting

Help guests feel at home by creating comfortable and inviting places for them to sit in your yard. You can put out picnic tables or long folding tables with chairs for dining and consider setting up spaces that are comfortable for lounging. Make a lounge area with patio furniture or set up a shady tent and fill it with upholstered furniture. Ask guests to bring foldable lawn chairs if you’re worried about not having enough seating.

2. Make a patriotic tablescape

Remind yourself of the reason for the day by creating a patriotic tablescape. Integrate red, white, and blue in compelling ways such as with blue flowers in white vases on a red table runner. Complete your display with 4th of July-themed plates, glasses, and serving ware.

3. Hand out 4th of July party favors

Give your guests a fun souvenir so they don’t go home empty-handed. Consider small things like pop rocks, red, white, and, blue water guns, or bang snaps (novelty fireworks that make noise and don’t need to be lit) for kids. You may want to serve the adults red, white, and blue-themed alcohol like Fireball or Blue Gin, or consider giving them small gift certificates to local businesses. 

4. Make jarred s’mores

A s’mores jar is an adorable way to serve up this classic backyard dessert. Simply fill a mason jar with wrapped pieces of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. Then, pass out the jars after you eat and let people make s’mores on a bonfire. The jar also makes it easy to send the s’mores home with people as party favors if you end up not having a fire. 

5. Book a caterer

Give yourself a break from the cooking, save time on cleanup, and indulge in the best foods possible by booking a caterer. You may want to go for classic BBQ fare, but don’t limit yourself to traditional hotdogs and burgers. Instead, kick up your party a notch with hors d’oeuvres, tasty hot entrees, or decadent cakes.

6. Be proactive about your drink strategy

The middle of summer is hot and your guests will be thirsty. Get proactive with your drink strategy. Consider setting up a bar for the adults and a float stand for the young and young at heart. Let guests know in advance if your event is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) type of affair or take the burden off of everyone and ask a caterer to provide drinks. 

7. Get the kids crafting

Crafting can be a great way to keep the kids at your 4th of July party busy. A toilet paper roll, a plastic bag, and some confetti are all you need to make homemade poppers. Decorate the final results with contact paper, stickers, drawings, or other designs. Alternatively, have them make red, white, and blue wreaths by attaching colorful clothespins and adding star-shaped stickers to a plastic ring.

8. Play lawn games

Lawn games are a great way to pass the time and they help break the ice between guests who don’t know each other well. Consider classic games like horseshoe or badminton, or invest in an Independence Day-themed cornhole game. 

9. Decorate everything (including the grass)

Party decorations help make any event festive and you should include all the usual suspects such as banners, streamers, and balloons. However, you should also consider decorating your grass. Just grab some cardboard and cut out star shapes. Then, use that as a stencil as you spray paint red, white, and blue stars all over your grass.

10. Make a snap, crackle, and pop station

Everyone likes to snap, crackle, and pop to celebrate the country’s independence, and to help them out, consider creating a stand with essentials to make a little noise. Label containers with the words snap, crackle, and pop. Fill the “pop” container with bubbles and wands so your quests can make bubbles and pop them. Then, fill the “snap” container with snaps that you throw at the ground to hear a snapping noise. Finally, put some sparklers in the “crackle” container and watch your guests light up with excitement.

11. Plan a small fireworks display

Fireworks regulations vary around the country but even if you live in a state where you cannot use bottle rockets or other aerial fireworks, you may want to invest in some smoke balls, fountains, snakes, and sparklers. Remember to practice the right amount of caution and only have responsible adults use these fireworks. 

12. Mix in some entertainment

Games, crafts, and a firework display will keep your guests busy, but you may also want to plan a little extra entertainment. You may want to book a band or a DJ – if this is your first party since the lock-down, you should treat yourself. Alternatively, consider asking the kids at the event to put on a talent show or get your adult friends involved in an open-mic performance. 

Your 4th of July party celebrates the birth of this country but at the same time, it gives you a chance to celebrate your family and friends. Make the most of your event by incorporating the ideas above and most importantly, relax and have a good time. Remember that ultimately fun and relaxation are the true goals of your party. 

Contact TooJay’s to make the 4th of July as tasty as possible

Let TooJay’s handle the cooking so you can sit back and enjoy your much-deserved shindig. We offer a catering menu with options to suit any taste. Ready to make your 4th of July party tasty, fun, and indulgent? Then, contact us today.

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source https://www.toojays.com/4th-of-july-party-ideas/