July 4th is a great excuse to have family and friends over. Obviously, you’ll celebrate America’s birthday and make amazing memories while you’re at it! Here are our top tips for hosting any July 4th Party.
Food: What’s a party without food? We like to keep it simple and elegant with some make ahead appetizers – deviled eggs topped with Lemon Pepper OMG! Pretzels, guacamole paired with Garlic OMG! Pretzels for dipping, and a charcuterie board with a tasty mix of meats, cheeses, fruits and nuts are our go-tos for July 4th parties.
For the main course, grilling out is always a fun option. From hot dogs and hamburgers to chicken and steaks, firing up the grill really gives off the July 4th party vibes. If you prefer to serve an entrée you’ve made in advance, consider whipping up a batch of white bean and chicken chili that is light enough for summer and can be kept warm in a slow cooker. When it’s time to eat, put out a variety of toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, cheese, sour cream and, of course, a variety of OMG! Pretzels for crunch!
Dessert can range from fruit to a cake decorated like an American flag, ice cream sundaes, popsicles or try our 4th of July S’mores dip! This is a great time to let guests chip in and bring something festive to end the meal on a sweet note.
Fun: Make your July 4th party the best on the block with fun yard games. You can have classics like freeze tag and 3-legged races. If you have them on-hand, opt for more stationary selections like giant connect 4, ring toss, and backyard bowling. You could also do 4th of July trivia if that’s more your group’s speed.
Create a Fourth of July playlist with your favorite patriotic songs and tunes that remind you of good times. You can also use the music to play “name that tune” or musical chairs. Be sure to decorate your space to make it feel special and fun for July 4th!
Family & Friends: Whether it’s a large group or just a few neighbors, be sure to invite those who are special to you. Give them at least 3 weeks’ warning that you’ll be hosting a party for the Fourth of July, so that they don’t plan one of their own or accept another invitation. Depending on how close everyone you’re inviting is to you and one another, a simple group text invitation can suffice.
Fireworks: Be sure to plan your party arrival time to sync up with your fireworks plans. If your group is going to a nearby public display, plan for transportation time and have blankets and a cooler of drinks and snacks ready to go. If you are opting for smaller at-home fireworks like sparklers, be sure it will get dark in time to enjoy them or send each guest home with their own box as a July 4th party favor.
As long as you keep these 4 things in mind for your July 4th party, it’s sure to be a hit! Happy Independence Day!
