4th of July Party Ideas, Recipes, Tips, and Tricks

Getting ready to plan your Fourth of July celebrations? We're here to help! From general party tips to specific recipes, we are excited to share our favorite Independence Day party plans.

Making Sure You're Prepared

Before your friends and family arrive and you're ready to relax and enjoy your party, stock up on the following checklist to avoid any last minute grocery store runs.

Ice: Make sure to stock your freezer with extra bags of ice, especially if you're expecting mid-summer heat.

Propane: Running out of propane can not only be a giant pain but can also cost you the food that's on the grill. Be sure to have an extra tank of propane or bag of charcoal (depending on what type of grill you have).

Drinks: A great way of ensuring you have enough drinks for the evening is to host a BYOB party, that way guests can contribute to making sure no one is caught thirsty. However, it is a good idea to stock up on refreshments include non-alcoholic refreshments, even if it is an adults-only event. Breakout your cooler (or two if you have them) and fill them 2/3 with ice before stocking them with sodas, bottled, waters, beer, wine, etc. that way you'll have ice-cold beverages at the ready.

Food: It's not the 4th of July without a solid spread of food! Burgers, hot dogs, potato salads, etc. Just like drinks, ask a few guests to bring sides, that way all you have to provide is the meat for grilling! A great way to avoid running out of food is to stock up and buy a quarter cow. That way you'll be sure to have enough burgers or steaks to go around, and even have enough to stock your fridge for your next cookout. Shop quarters here.

Dinner Recipes

The Great American Hamburger by Barbeque Bible

This recipe isn't just an American Classic but is a total crowd pleaser with all the required flavors for a mouthwatering burger!

Grilled Potatoes by delish

Easy? Check. Delicious? Check! This recipe is the perfect substitute for french fries and goes great with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, you name it!

Dessert Recipes

Cookie Cutter Fruit Salad by Wit and Whistle

This fun patriotic take on a classic summer fruit salad is not only festive and healthy but is also a refreshing dessert! Watermelon tastes best in a star shape!

American Flag Cookie Cake by Just a Taste

This cake will brighten up any buffet table! Not to mention its fun to make and festive with star and stripes! Enjoy this brown sugar, frosting and fruit delight!

Drinks

Old Fashioned Lemonade by Country Living

Not only is this lemonade a great recipe on its own, but it also makes for the perfect mixer.

The Firecracker by Creative Culinary

Spice up your party with a signature drink like this summer cocktail.

Decorations

It's not the Fourth of July without a healthy amount of red, white, and blue. Below are our two favorite affordable and fun DIY decoration hacks to help your part stand out from other Fourth of July parties.

Red, White, and Blue Mason Jar Candles by She Wears Many Hats

These festive candle jars make for a great daytime decoration with their colorful display, but also do a great job at creating the perfect ambiance after the sun goes down.

4th of July Bandana Table Cloth by This Grandma is Fun

Not only is does this make for a fun activity to get you in the 4th of July mood, but it's cheap and you can re-use it every year!