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The Fourth of July is an exciting time of the year. There are all kinds of interesting activities. Music festivals, backyard parties, cookouts and fireworks take center stage as people honor and celebrate our nation’s founding.
Maybe you’re planning to invite your family and friends over to your place on the Fourth this year. If that’s the case, we have some must-read tips for you.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to plan the ultimate backyard Fourth of July party. We’ve got tips, creative ideas and suggestions for every budget, style and gathering size.
Keep reading to learn how you can make your backyard party the best on the block.
Make a Fun Beverage
You don’t need to be a mixologist (or even serve alcohol at all) to offer the best refreshments at your Fourth of July party.
Any drink in your house can serve as the signature beverage with the right prep. Even water can be the main drink if you spike it with fresh fruit or herbs, such as lemon balm and mint.
Similarly, something as simple as serving your beverage of choice in an American flag-decorated dispenser can enhance the experience. You can also use a fun pitcher to stay on theme and keep those party vibes going.
If you have a pool in the backyard, remember that plastic bottles and cups are a good call. Broken glass doesn’t mix well with a pool!
Use Music and Special Lighting to Create Ambiance
The right lighting and music can transform your backyard and impress your guests. For a memorable experience, use strings of light or suspended paper lanterns. Tiki torches are also a nice touch.
But a word of caution. If kids will be around during your Fourth of July festival, stay away from Tiki torches. The open flames are a very real hazard. For a more kid-friendly option, use electric lanterns and bulbs.
As for music, you know your friends. Select patriotic songs or stick with tried-and-true classics you know will be crowd-pleasers. And if your backyard isn’t wired for sound, consider getting an inexpensive portable Bluetooth speaker.
Provide Enough Seats
Even if your friends and family like to party hard, there’s going to come a point when most folks want to take a load off. You don’t want to be short on seats when the party slows down for a bit.
Lawn chairs are a good, inexpensive option. You could even ask a few friends to bring spare camping chairs. Or you could spread some quilts over the lawn and ask your guests to sit, picnic-style.
If you’re operating with a party budget, renting chairs can also be a good solution. Some vendors will even bring the chairs right to your doorstep and pick them up when the backyard party is over.
Get Rid of Mosquitoes
There are good things and bad things about doing an outdoor party. One of the potential downsides is unwelcome guests—specifically, mosquitoes. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your guests comfy (and unbitten).
First and foremost, make sure there’s no standing still water in your backyard. If you have a birdbath or a water feature without a pump system, this is a good time to drain them. The same goes for rain gutters, kiddie pools and flowerpots.
You may also want to invest in a few citronella candles. These can add to the ambiance and provide some (albeit limited) protection from flying pests.
If you live in a part of the country where mosquitoes run wild, make sure you have some bug repellant on hand. Your guests will appreciate the forethought, and the party won’t come to an itchy, early end.
Use Statement-Making Decorations
How you decorate your outdoor space can play a big role in your Fourth of July backyard party. There are lots of ways to approach outdoor party décor, from how you spread food on your table to themed decorations.
You don’t have to go overboard, either. There’s no need to dye everything red, white or blue. (Thank goodness.)
Simple touches, like arranging the food in the shape of a star, can make an impression. Or a single themed item, like patriotically decorated cookies, can create a festive flair.
Go as bold or as subtle as you want. Just keep in mind that even little decorative elements will contribute to the overall feel of the gathering.
Organize Some Games
Most adults are overdue for some lighthearted fun. The Fourth of July is the perfect day to let your inner kid out for a bit.
Even if you won’t be hosting children at your party, you can still surprise your guests with hula hoops and some bubbles. Croquet, bocce ball and corn hole are all classic backyard games that your guests will love as well.
Your games don’t have to be elaborate, either. Something as simple as throwing a football or frisbee can be fun.
And if there will be kids at your party, you’ll definitely want some games to keep them busy. Consider inexpensive options like sidewalk chalk, tetherball or even volleyball.
Tackle a Backyard Improvement Project
Your Fourth of July backyard party can also be the ideal time to renovate your backyard, even as you prep the barbecue.
For instance, you can design and start to build a new kitchen in your backyard. If you’re cash-strapped, you can choose a less expensive renovation project. For example, power wash your deck or tend to your flowerbeds.
If you have a particularly big project in mind, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a professional. After all, you’re getting ready to party. You don’t want to go into the day stressed out and exhausted.
The Bottom Line
Fourth of July is almost here. It’s the perfect time to get your friends and family together for a backyard party.
The tips in this article will help you plan the best backyard party in your neighborhood. All that’s left is for you to get to work … but be sure to have fun, too!
