As the Fourth of July nears, patriotism fills the air. Sparklers crackle, fireworks paint the sky, and grills are fired up in backyards throughout the country. Are you prepared to throw an Independence Day party your friends and family will rave about?
Incorporate some elements into your party, and it’s sure to be so fun and festive that even Uncle Sam would be proud.
Red, White, and Blue Everything
An integral component of any patriotic event, American flags should definitely be part of your Fourth of July party ensemble. When it comes to representing our nation’s colors, however, don’t stop with flags. Lay out red, white, and blue lawn blankets. Use red, white, and blue tablecloths, napkins, paper plates, candles, and more. Infuse drinks and treats with food coloring to make patriotic desserts and cocktails. Themes can be overdone, but there’s no such thing as too much red, white, or blue when it comes to throwing a Fourth of July party.
Patriotic Lawn Games
Lawn games add a nice touch to any celebration, especially if they’re tailored to the occasion. With empty glass bottles; red, white, and blue acrylic paints; and a few other materials, you can design a patriotic ring toss in less than an hour. With a little more time, you can design an American-flag cornhole board.
DIY Decorations
Honestly, you should be able to buy all the decorations you’ll need cheaply and easily. If you don’t have the slightest desire to craft anything yourself, don’t. If you have a creative, DIY personality, however, making your own decorations is a way to “wow” guests and bring some originality to your party. Ideas include star candles, napkin holders, door hangers, and firecracker party favors.
Patriotic Costume Contest
Encourage guests to dress in their most creative and festive attire, and ask them to showcase their costumes at some point during the party. Use the reaction of others to gauge who the winners are, and award them with decorative candles, patriotic treats, or gift cards.
Swimming Pool Fun
The Fourth of July is often the hottest holiday of the year. One of the best ways to cool down is with a dip in the swimming pool. Remind guests to to bring swimwear if there’s a pool at your apartment. If your entire party isn’t taking place by the pool, make it a point to migrate there at some point.
All-American Soundtrack
Tailor your Fourth of July playlist to the prevailing musical tastes of your guests, but be sure to incorporate several patriotic tunes into the mix. Songs such as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA,” Don McLean’s “American Pie,” Martina McBride’s “Independence Day,” and Neil Diamond’s “America” are all great to jam out to on Independence Day.
Throw a fun-filled party with patriotic food, drinks, and games, and fun is sure to follow. Keep your guest list from growing too large, be respectful of shared community amenities, and your apartment can provide the perfect setting for a memorable Independence Day bash.
Have you thrown a Fourth of July party in your apartment? Share your secrets for success in the comments!
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst