4th of July Ideas

Throw a Fourth of July Party That Truly Sparkles

Invitation Ideas:

Start off on the right foot. The invitation sets the tone by giving guests the information they need and something to look forward to. A good invitation will clearly state the date, time and place of the party along with a phone number and/or e-mail address for RSVPs.

Try some of these clever suggestions for wording your invitations to get guests in the mood for the festivities:

Sparks will fly
on the Fourth of July!
We invite you to celebrate
our independence
at a party at TIME/PLACE

We hold these truths to be self-evident...
that all friends and family are invited to our
Fourth of July Picnic!

Our three favorites...flags, fireworks and food!
Join us as we celebrate our Independence Day
with a Fourth of July B-B-Q!

Decorating Ideas:

Turn your tables into their own individual Independence Day celebrations with colorful and appropriate tablescapes. Check out this great idea for a 4th of July tablescape. It's sure to make a patriotic impression.

Menu Ideas:

Food from the grill is the traditional fare for Fourth of July. But, if you want to expand beyond the standard of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, go with a Barbecued Pork Tenderloin with this recipe from Paula Deen and Smithfield. You can hold her Ham and Pickle Pinwheel appetizers together with American flag toothpicks and her versions of Pineapple Casserole and Bacon Wrapped Grilled Corn on the Cob side dishes will have your guests asking for more.

Entertainment Ideas:

Cap off your Fourth of July celebration with fireworks. If you can't see your community's fireworks display from your party site, check to see if a local television or radio station will be simulcasting the display. You can also create your own mix CD of upbeat patriotic songs for the evening's entertainment.