4th of July is Wednesday.
Wed. Nes. Day.
Um. Say what?
Did this sneak up on anyone else?
I mean I do have holiday plans, but I still can’t believe it is here! For a girl who loves her holidays, and loves to plan and over plan for holidays, forgetting about a holiday is quite tragic.
But if you are like me, and have forgotten to plan anything to celebrate this grand ‘ole day or think you can’t do anything to celebrate because 4th of July is on a Wednesday this year (crummy weekdays); have no fear, I am here! (Anyone else laughing at that or just me?)
Well below I share some patriotic party planning tips (that I prepared for meal planning/recipe site, Food on the Table) that can help you plan a red, white, and blue last minute shindig on a budget!
Independence Day is a day full of history, tradition and fun family festivities. A casual and budget friendly backyard bash is the perfect way to celebrate this holiday honoring our American heritage.
To help plan the perfect patriotic party for July fourth, without blowing your entire week’s food budget, follow these professional party planning tips.
• Decorations: Keep things simple and stick with a red, white and blue color scheme. Avoid the overpriced seasonal isle and look for plates, napkins and tablecloths in patriotic colors, where traditional paper goods are sold. An inexpensive package of small American flags, some glass jars and other décor found in patriotic colors from around your home, can be used as centerpieces and party décor.
• All-American Food: A Fourth of July feast should be simple yet traditional. Serve affordable family friendly favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, potato salad, and lemonade. For dessert choose these American favorites such as S’mores, apple pie, or pound cake topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream to create a stunning patriotic dessert.
• Entertainment: Show your pride by creating an American play list full of songs saluting the stars and stripes to have playing in the background of your party. Play games such as capture the flag, flag football, catch, or Frisbee. Cool off by having a water balloon fight, chasing each other with water guns, or taking a dip in the pool. Neighborhood parades and fireworks displays are also popular and traditional entertainment options. If choosing to create your own fireworks show, use caution and take note of your local city ordinances and fireworks bans.
• Make it a stress-free event: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people offer to help when they arrive or offer to bring dishes or drinks to gatherings; so let them. The less stressful your event, the more fun had by all!
Now time to get planning! Get your Independence Day menu started with these All-American classics.
All American BBQ Chili Dogs (Kitchen Concoctions)
4th of July Tie Dyed Fudge (Taste and Tell)
S’mores Banana Boat (Kitchen Concoctions)
Boston Baked Beans (Mel’s Kitchen Cafe)
Tropical Sangria (Kitchen Concoctions)
Flag Pizza (Real Mom Kitchen)
Aunt Grace’s Potato Salad (Kitchen Concoctions)
Triple Berry Layered Lemon Cream Cake (Lauren’s Latest)
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken (Kitchen Concoctions)
Smoky Country-Style BBQ Ribs (A Year of Slow Cooking)