Party Activities & Décor to Show Off Your Red, White & Blue Pride

Nothing says Independence Day like hot dogs, squealing babes and plenty of red, white and blue. We’ve scoured the web for party ideas and details to make your July Fourth festive and fun! Whether you’re hosting a big bash or having a small family get-together, here are the ways to make your party a standout.

Photo credit: Liz Stanley of Say Yes

Bike Parade
Riding bikes is a summertime favorite, so why not dress them up with a little Fourth of July flair using streamers, flags, balloons and empty soda cans. It’s a fun activity for all ages, and you can even get the whole neighborhood involved with a bicycle parade. Find bike decorating inspiration on Say Yes.

Photo credit: Allison McDonald of No Time for Flash Cards

Flag Hunt
There aren’t many Fourth of July-specific activities, so why not invent one. We spotted this flag hunt on No Time for Flash Cards and think kids would love the idea. Scatter and hide flags throughout your yard and let youngsters race or work together to gather them all. It’s like a patriotic Easter egg hunt.

Photo credit: Steven Depolo via Flickr creative commons 

Lawn Games
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics when it comes to outdoor fun: croquet, sack races, kickball, horseshoes and more. Set up a few options in the yard to keep your crew entertained for hours.

Photo credit: Big Dot of Happiness

Hot Dog Bar
When it comes to the menu, it doesn’t get much easier than hot dogs, but you can impress your guests by including an elaborate spread of toppings like onions, sauerkraut, peppers, cheese, chili and more. Get condiment and garnish ideas and downloadable recipe cards at Big Dot of Happiness. Find more Fourth of July food inspiration here (link to come).

Photo credit: Vanessa Rodriguez Coppola of See Vanessa Craft

Firecracker Popcorn
For a treat that’s an explosion of flavor and fun, we like this firecracker popcorn recipe from See Vanessa Craft. Popcorn is topped with colorful candy melts, sprinkles and Pop Rocks: it’s is sure to be a kid crowd-pleaser.

Photo credit: Ellen Foord for DIY Network

Paper Chain Garland
Bring this classroom craft home for Independence Day decor. The cheery paper rings will look darling blowing in the breeze on your front porch, or they would make a great photo booth backdrop. Check out Made + Remade for the how-to.

Photo credit: Homemade Interest

Tie-dye Tablecloth
A project that both young and older children will love to lend a hand on is tie-dyeing. This tie-dye tablecloth featured on Homemade Interest can double as a picnic or beach blanket all summer long. Kids will enjoy seeing their dye designs unrolled, so add red and blue to those basic white t-shirts while you’re at it.

Photo credit: Gina Luker of The Shabby Creek Cottage

Patriotic Table Runner
For a rustic and charming table scheme, try making this burlap runner with paint-stamped stars found on The Shabby Creek Cottage. Not only will your budding artists enjoy helping you make one, it’s a simple DIY that you can use year after year. Did we mention how much we love the idea of using bandanas as napkins?

Photo credit: Melissa Jennings of Stock Piling Moms

Tin Can Canisters
These painted tin cans featured on Stock Piling Moms are an easy way to bring a little extra red, white and blue to your table. Fill them with flowers, silverware, straws or flags and teach your little ones how to repurpose something that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Photo credit: Our Best Bites

Paper Snack Bowls
We can’t get over how cute these snack bowls from Our Best Bites are; especially given the fact they’re made with paper plates and rubber bands. We love the idea of creating a candy tray and filling each bowl with red, white and blue sweets.

Photo credit: Tonia Larson of The Gunny Sack

Piñata Balloons
Who wouldn’t be excited about a personal piñata? Each guest can have their own balloon filled with festive trinkets and colorful candy, which they can pop with a toothpick. Find the how-to on The Gunny Sack.

Photo credit: Melanie Blodgett for Julep

Favor Bags
If you’re sending your guests home with patriotic parting gifts, these adorable favor bags are a nice final touch. Just use these printable downloads available on Julep and run your paper bags directly through the printer.

—Natalie Broulette

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