Patriotic Party Games
Fireworks on the Fourth of July
Sure, you can have the usual July 4th party. Or, you can host a patriotic fireworks theme party that is something truly outstanding that keeps your friends and family talking until next year. And you'll become the host with the most. And that's the most you can be, right? This is a great patriotic 4th of July party to host if you live close enough to see a fireworks display from your house or if you can host somewhere (like a country club) that is having a display. Of course you can host this party for any patriotic holiday with a fireworks display!
Independence Day Party Invitations
Start at 5 p.m., so you'll have enough time before the fireworks begin. Of course, make it a cook-out. Choose an invitation that is as fun as your party! A 4th of July party invitation will get everyone excited for your bash.
- Fireworks won't be the only thing going off on the 4th... come make some noise at our annual 4th of July party!
- WE WANT YOU... to eat some BBQ! Join us for an Independence Day cookout!
- We have plenty of red, white and blue... all this party needs now is you!
- Join Dave and Jane for a "Star-Spangled" Celebration!
- We're have a party on the 4th of July, with BBQ and fireworks to light up the sky!The flag is flown, the sparks will fly! Join us for a party this 4th of July!
- We hold this truth to be self-evident... that a party is more fun with y'all there! Please join us for a 4th of July party!
Get the kids involved: You can get the kids involved by asking them to help create invitations. You know those snowflakes that you make by folding paper over and over and then cutting pieces out? Well, if you use red or blue paper, those "snowflakes" will look like fireworks! Depending on their age, the kids can help with folding or cutting the paper. You should print all the party information out on a separate piece of paper and then glue that to the center of your fireworks. When you're done, fold them up, put them in an envelope and send them off!
Independence Day Decorations and Party Supplies
- Balloons are always festive and the red, white and blue should be flying somewhere.
- Patriotic lanterns are great to use outside. They look amazing hanging from a porch.
- Mix in an assortment of American flags as decorations as well! Great in centerpieces, potted plants and for lining a walkway.
- Red, white and blue paper link chains look great as garland or decoration between porch or deck railings.
- White holiday lights are the perfect way to add sparkle and fun to the party setting. Put them on the porch, in the trees and strung overhead as a lit canopy.
- Ribbons in patriotic colors are a great way to add color to railings, chairs and doorways.
Just think "Red, White and Blue" and your decorations will all be perfect!
Patriotic Party Table and Menu
If you're using paper plates and stuff instead of "real" china (and we suggest you do, by the way), of course use patriotic paper goods for your plates and napkins with red, white and blue cutlery and table covers. Your guests just won't believe how coordinated you are.
For your tables, use a Patriotic skimmer hat as a centerpiece. Insert a piece of red tissue and a piece of blue tissue in each. If your party is inside, drop a balloon bouquet in each (red, white and blue balloons, of course). We don't recommend balloons if your party is outside - they'll swat everyone in the head in the wind! Instead fill the hats with chips and snacks for everyone to snack on during the party. Scatter star confetti around the bottom for a final touch. Tie off each napkin with a red, white and blue bead necklace or red, white or blue lei.
Set your buffet up against a wall (inside or in your tent), and set up American Flags as decorations at the back of the table. Serve traditional American cook out food.
Set out a burger and hot dog toppings bar so guests can load up their own gourmet creation. I usually do some mix of these favorites - ketchup, yellow and stadium mustard, onion sliced and diced, relish, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, pickled onions, French fried onions, caramelized onion, balsamic onion, bacon, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, garlic aioli, roasted red pepper, sliced jalapenos, coleslaw, sliced avocado, guacamole, chili, BBQ sauce, steak sauce, sliced granny smith apple, shredded cheddar cheese, slices of cheddar, jack, Swiss cheese, blue cheese, mozzarella, brie cheese, corn chips, cheese curls, banana peppers, sriracha or other hot sauce.
You can even make this a pot luck party and ask your friends and family to bring side dishes. My family always asks if they can bring a dish. Depending on the person asking I will make general/specific suggestion or everyone brings the same thing (this happened once and was hilarious, but did not make for a varied party menu). I usually dole out side dishes or desserts - potato salad, pasta salad, green salad, bean salad, fruit salad or sliced watermelon, coleslaw, veggie tray. The non cooks in my group usually bring chips and dip, beer or store bought desserts.
Speaking of dessert, here are my favorite 4th of July dessert ideas:
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Pie Buffet with Ice Cream
- Cheesecake with Strawberry and Blueberry Topping
- Ice Cream Sundae Buffet
- Red, White and Blue Popsicles
- Make a fun fruit display by cutting your fruit out with star cookie cutters. The stars are super fun on skewers or portioned individually in clear cups.
Just make sure it is easy so you can enjoy the fun!
Drinks are important at any party, but more so at a hot summer gathering! Don't miss the opportunity to dress up for drinks -
- Fill your cooler with fun drinks with personalized patriotic water and beer labels!
- Add some red, white and blue glowsticks to the bottom of the cooler for a great light display as it gets dark!
- Berries frozen in water are a cute touch for serving with a white sangria or clear soda pop.
My favorite summer drink recipe is Watermelon Sangria. I usually double this and serve it in a big glass jar with a ladle in a small clear disposable cups -
Watermelon and Blueberry Sangria
18-20 servings
12 cups cubed watermelon
1 bottle dry white wine (inexpensive is ok)
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup triple sec
1/2 cup simple syrup
1 lime sliced
1 orange sliced
2 cups fresh blueberries
Blend 9 cups of watermelon in a blender until very smooth. Strain into into a large pitcher or glass jar. Add the wine, vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup and stir to combine. Mix all the remaining fruit into the sangria and chill for 3 hours to let the flavors mingle.
Independence Day Party Games and Activities
Besides dinner and chatting with friends, watching fireworks will be the main activity at this party. You can ask friends to bring folding chairs so they have somewhere to sit or provide blankets and towels for everyone to sit on. While everyone is settling in to watch the show, pass out popcorn in bags for everyone to eat.
And give out a few favors for everyone to use during the show! Since it's going to get dark, pass out glow jewelry. Of course you'll want American flags for everyone to wave.
Here are some fun patriotic party games for your party.
Patriotic Party Favors
- Glowbys Flashing Blue/Red Hair Accessory
- Glow Star Wand
- Patriotic favor bags filled with red, white and blue M&Ms or other candy.
- Personalized mint and candy tins
Okay, That's it. It's a fabulous fireworks party. A party that says to your guests you went out of your way to assure them a good time.
Have a BLAST! I hate to get sentimental, you know, but celebrating the flag is an okay thing to do. And the message is a good one. Have fun. The Party Girl