If you forgot how to host a summer party, we’re here for you.
This weekend marks the highlight of summer celebrations, and we’re here to remind you that it’s too warm to get hot and bothered with overly complicated planning. It’s surprisingly simple to throw a party that’s fun and festive, but also low maintenance. From delicious summer recipes to activities for kids and adults alike, we have you covered. Read on for our recommendations for making your Fourth of July weekend a success.
Make it festive
Don’t be afraid to go all out on the red, white, and blue color scheme. Gingham tablecloths, bunting, bows, mini flags, and Old Navy tees are all welcome additions to any Fourth of July party. Up your game even more with festive drinks, either by tossing strawberries, watermelon, or blueberries into your favorite cocktails or making something a little more vibrant.
Keep your food simple
If there’s a perfect time to keep food simple, the Fourth of July is it. Precooked sausages like hot dogs eliminate any possibility of undercooked meat, and salads that can be made ahead of time and stuck in the fridge are your best friends. Try some of our friend Catherine McCord’s summer crowdpleasers, and pair it all with some seasonal fruit for a delicious and easy meal.
Set up yard games
“I only recently learned how to play bocce ball, but boy, am I making up for lost time! It’s a perfect summer game because you don’t need to rush, there’s no excessive movement so you don’t have to worry about working up a sweat in the heat, and you can easily have (and sip) a drink in hand while you play — which is a win in my book!” – Julia Lewis, Director, Digital Media & Branded Content
“Something about KanJam draws me like a moth to a flame. It involves trying to throw a Frisbee into a mail-slot-sized opening in what’s basically a trash can — essentially an impossible task, unless you’re a professional athlete and/or former ultimate Frisbee player. Yet for some reason (maybe because when someone actually does ‘jam the kan,’ it feels like a miracle), I raise my hand for this one every time. If I KanJam, you KanJam, and we can all KanJam.” – Emily Pinto, Senior Producer and Creative Director
“Ladderball is like cornhole for the uncoordinated: With three rungs to score on, your odds of actually getting a point are high no matter how wild your throw is. I distinctly remember a summer when my siblings and I played ladderball for hours — yes, hours — every day for weeks. It’s a sleeper pick that will become your new favorite.” – Ciara Hopkinson, Katie’s Shop Associate
Keep the tunes going
Skip the stress of crafting the perfect playlist and head straight to your favorite music streaming platform to see what they have ready-made. We can guarantee you’ll find a playlist for every type of party. If you’re in need of a speaker, try the compact yet powerful JBL Xtreme 2 for 15 hours of playtime in a waterproof package.
Organize activities
Unleash your inner child and hop on last year’s biggest trend with a tie-dyeing or bleach-dyeing setup. We love this patriotic kit from Walmart, which comes with plenty of red and blue dye to go around, along with rubber bands, gloves, and helpful instructions. For a simpler approach, buy red or blue shirts and try bleach-dyeing instead. For this method, mix up a bleach solution and spray it on your tied-up shirt for a more monochromatic final result.
