ROUND UP - July 4th Party Essentials
Hosting your own July 4th pool party or backyard BBQ? Create your own fireworks with these dynamite decorations, cocktails, party ideas and desserts! We’ve rounded up ten of our favorites for all your hosting needs.
DIY Star Spangled Napkins
For those of you with a little time on your hands and the DIY spirit - these 4th of July napkins will definitely wow your guests! Pair with simple gold utensils for added visual interest! Click here for the full DIY instructions.
SUPPLIES
- Fabric spray paint in red and blue
- White cloth napkins
- Plain white sticker paper
- Star punches in various sizes
2. Patriotic Cheeseboard
The best part of including a cheeseboard on your party menu is that they require limited to NO cooking and look stunning! We particularly love the styling of EatYourSelfSkinny’s charcuterie plate. Top it off with a few star shaped cheese wheels and a bottle of your favorite wine and you’re good to go!
3. Tie Dye 4th of July Smores
These tie dye smores only take 30 minutes to prep and will be a huge hit at any 4th of July party! Full recipe can be found at Studio DIY here! PS. We love the team behind Studio DIY - if you peep their instagram you can see they spend quite a bit of time here in the desert!
INGREDIENTS - full instructions here
- 3 packages unflavored gelatin (1/4 ounce packets)
- 1¼ cup water, divided
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Gel food coloring (red and blue)
- 8×8″ Pan
- Graham Crackers
- Chocolate Bars
4. Red + Blue Spiked Snow Cones
Loving this adult twist on a kid’s classic! These snow cones will bring you back to your childhood days in all the best ways!
Full Recipe + Details
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
5. Festive Homemade Italian Sodas
These Italian soda’s are right up our alley! Not only do they look beautiful and taste amazing, they are traditionally served sans-alcohol which makes them a great party treat for everyone! If you are looking to jazz them up a little we recommend adding 1 ounce of your favorite coffee liqueur.
Full Recipe + Details
Ingredients for the Italian Sodas
- 2 oz berry syrup
- 4 oz club soda
- 2 oz half and half or cream (consider coconut milk for a healthy alternative)
- Ice
6. DIY Beverage Cart
This beverage cart is sure to become an instant backyard classic. If you have any old wagons laying around, fill it with ice, add your favorite beverages and voila - you’re done! We love how nostalgic the wagon feels - not to mention it doubles as a great piece of moveable decor during the party!
image credit: HomedIt
7. All American Jello Shots
If you’re tasked with bringing beverages to a 4th of July shindig consider these All American Jello Shots! Not only are they super fun and boozy - they travel really well and won’t leave a huge dent in your wallet. The full recipe and extra goodness can be found on Sugar&Cloth.
8. DIY Sparkler Packs
There’s nothing better than dancing around your yard with sparklers on the 4th of July! This DIY only takes 30 minutes and comes complete with a printable download to make things that much easier.
Head on over to Lovely Indeed for the full instructions and download!
9. Classic Lemon Berry Mascarpone Tart
Simple + delicious! Tart’s are a summer classic and the perfect way to show off seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries! Combined with a little lemon zest and a sweet shortbread crust - this tart is the perfect ending to your 4th of July fun.
Full Recipe + Details
Yield: 1 (9) Tart
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
10. Elegant 4th of July
For those of you looking to host something a little more upscale than your traditional backyard bbq this year, don’t fret - we have something for you too! Head on over to WilkieBlog to check out the full editorial on this Ultra-Chic Bedford, NY 4th Of July Party.
We particularly love the tabletop goods by Alchemy Fine Home and florals by Sprig & Social.