What to Do for Only 4 Boring Family Members on the 4th of July

Detect the best patriotic desserts, summer recipes, easy outdoor DIYs, fun party games and other quaternary of July party ideas that'll brand your cookout the talk of the block.

Create a Checklist

Whether you're planning your first or or fourteenth 4th of July party, it'south good to create a timeline to assistance yous brand the party stress-free and spectacular. Lucky for you lot, we've already created one! Download Our Free 4th of July Political party Checklist and bask your best summer political party yet!

Download Our Costless 4th of July Party Checklist

four-six Weeks Out

• Decide to have a bash! Option a place, date and time, then spread the discussion. If the party's outside, come up up with a rain contingency program.
• Do an inventory check to make sure you take enough napkins, plates, utensils, craft supplies, chairs, tables, etc. If not, don't worry. We'll remind you to take care of this afterwards.

3 Weeks Out

• If you plan to order any of your political party supplies online, get shopping.
• Make sure your grill is make clean and in working gild.

2 Weeks Out

• If you lot asked for RSVPs, cheque back with the people who haven't responded withal.
• If you need extra utensils, tables or chairs (or a wagon!), contact family members or friends who could hook you up, or find a rental place in your area.
• Shop for craft supplies, sparklers and 1000 games if yous don't already accept them.
• Create a menu. Start with these 4th of July party recipes.

Star-Studded Blueberry Pie

Family unit and friends say this patriotic pie is meliorate than a local favorite from one of our best neighborhood restaurants. Sometimes, I switch things upward and use gooseberries for one-half of the blueberries. —Nancy Barker, Silverton, Oregon

Red, White & Blueish Potato Salad

Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken at family unit picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Anybody loves the zesty, slightly sugariness homemade barbecue sauce—and it'due south so piece of cake to brand. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland

Quick Barbecued Beans

Baked beans are a simple, archetype recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Competition-Winning Barbecued Pork Chops

Sherry, love, barbecue and steak sauces combine to give these chops a cute coat and dressed-upwardly flavor. The sauce works well on chicken breasts, too. —LaJuana Holland, Amarillo, Texas

Layered Fresh Fruit Salad

People always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It's nice on a hot day...with a wintertime repast...or as a dessert! We alive on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin Urban center, Kansas

Patriotic Dessert

I took this patriotic dessert to a luncheon and came habitation with dozens of requests for the recipe! It was quite a success. People told me it looked as skilful as it tasted. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This is easy and succulent! These shrimp are groovy with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Grilled Sweet Corn

Since nosotros have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe oft in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan

Creamy Grilled Potato Salad

To avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just virtually everything—including this flossy potato salad. My friends have dubbed this 'The Best Tater Salad You'll E'er Put in Your Mouth!"—and I love that!" —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia

Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate

Here'southward a concentrate that allows you lot to bask a refreshing summer drink any time of year. Sugariness raspberries remainder the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Dwelling Examination Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dear Chipotle Ribs

Null is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here'south one that volition ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Grilled Apple Tossed Salad

The grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Low drinking glass dessert plates from my not bad-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio

Patriotic Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

Bring on the cerise, white and blueish with these artistic cupcakes, perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Twenty-four hour period or whatsoever favorite occasion. With some delicious and colorful frosting and a careful arrangement, your sweet display will exist a patriotic nod to our great American flag. —Rebecca Wetherbee, Marion, Ohio

Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Folks can find me grilling, no matter the conditions. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavour thank you to its special spice blend, and information technology doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois

Easy Hummus

Using dominicus-dried tomato salad dressing instead of tahini adds a new dimension of flavor to this nutritious predinner snack. —Jeannette Jeremias, Kitchener, Ontario

Pot of Due south'mores

Mom's easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so expert and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to absurd so yous can devour information technology. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho

Grilled Marinated Ribeyes

These juicy steaks are a favorite repast of ours when nosotros go camping. Let them sit down in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you lot've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario

Three-Bean Baked Beans

I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beefiness and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a large hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'one thousand e'er asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

My family is always happy to come across this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren't available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Sweetness Raspberry Tea

You lot demand simply a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing bound sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will brand a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

All-American Hamburgers

We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our menu more than than any other nutrient. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Yogurt Dill Dip

Every person who tries this dip wants to know what makes it gustation special. The secret is the blend of yogurt, sour cream and mayo. —Krisann Durnford, Muskego, Wisconsin

Red, White and Blueberry Pie

This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping brandish at whatever Fourth of July party or summertime get-together. It's as pretty equally it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Cleaved Arrow, Oklahoma

Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Let this sensational salmon perk upwardly dinner tonight. With a super flavorful coat that kicks you right in the sense of taste buds, this weeknight dish is annihilation only boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL

Dilly Murphy & Egg Salad

Anybody has a favorite tater salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to larn how to melt and make things that my husband would honey. I combined my mom'south and his mom'south recipes, and this tater and egg salad the delicious issue. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Patriotic Taco Salad

When my daughter asked to take a patriotic theme for her July altogether party, I made this refreshing dish. If yous desire to set your salad in accelerate, omit the layer of fries and serve them on the side so they don't get soggy. —Glenda Jarboe, Oroville, California

Pretzel Gelatin Dessert

This is one of my mother'south absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois

Baby Back Ribs

Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you lot get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Vegetable Platter

The best of summer in 1 dish! This pretty grilled vegetable recipe is meant for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the like shooting fish in a barrel marinade actually kicks up the grilled vegetables' flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota

Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes

These frosty cupcakes are practically a fireworks brandish on their ain. The little treats feature scarlet velvet cake, bluish moon water ice cream, a flossy white topping and star-spangled sprinkles. —Gustatory modality of Home Test Kitchen

BBQ Brats

In Wisconsin, brats are a food grouping! We are always looking for new means to cook them. This recipe is piece of cake and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, whatever time of twelvemonth. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin

Broccoli Slaw with Lemon Dressing

Our family absolutely loves broccoli, then I'm then happy there'due south finally a slaw mix in stores that uses broccoli stems. I like this slaw best subsequently 20 minutes or so to let the flavors to meld. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Patriotic Gelatin Salad

Almost equally spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "blindside" at our July Quaternary meal. It'southward heady to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and flossy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Dad's Lemony Grilled Craven

Lemon juice, onions and garlic add tangy flavor to craven when firing up the grill. —Mike Schulz, Tawas Urban center, Michigan

Broccoli Salad Supreme

People tin can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its brand-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon

Picnic Fruit Punch

This pink cooler is deliciously thirst-quenching on a warm twenty-four hour period. Seeing its color, folks guess information technology might be pinkish lemonade. They're pleasantly surprised to find the bubbly blend includes cranberry, pineapple, orange and lemon juices. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Grilled Whiskey Chops

No one can believe that these fabled chops are ready in half an hour! We dear them for weeknights and family gatherings. The dollop of molasses butter on each chop is absolutely delish! —Kelly Melling, Frankton, Indiana

Bootleg Guacamole

Zippo is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. Information technology is easy to whip together in a thing of minutes and chop-chop tames anything that's also hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Sliced Love apple Salad

I got this recipe from my grandmother. It'south a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana

Crispy Star Pops

These patriotic pops are a hit at our almanac 4th of July get-together. Serve them as an after-picnic dessert. Or slip them into cellophane bags, tie on ribbons and give them as favors. —Colleen Sturma, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Jersey-Style Hot Dogs

I grew upwards in northern New Bailiwick of jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a philharmonic you'll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Bailiwick of jersey

Watermelon Feta Flag Salad

Our family celebrates the Quaternary of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Hither's an all-American centerpiece that's truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina

Blue-Ribbon Apple tree Pie

This pie is special to me because I won a blue ribbon for it at the local fair and was able to compete at the state farm show. —Collette Gaugler, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania

Glazed BBQ Ribs

Yes, these racks would taste wonderful hot off the grill, but you can actually relish these sweet, fall-off-the-bone ribs any time of the year. The raspberry preserves give my BBQ (and now yours) that lil' something extra! —Stephen Marino, Nutley, New Bailiwick of jersey

Farmer's Market Corn Salad

I love fresh corn on the cob, especially grilled, and so I am always looking for innovative ways to serve it. This recipe takes the corn correct off the cob and combines information technology with fresh basil. —Haras Cindie, Jupiter, Florida

Bacon Macaroni Salad

This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a basin. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped love apple, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It'south a real oversupply-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

Cheddar & Onion Beefiness Sliders

My girlfriend and I threw an outdoor party for a bunch of friends and these sliders were a hit. We as well like to brand them for a quick, easy meal. —Kirk Brooks, Tucson, Arizona

Orange Lemonade

This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll oftentimes double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came upward with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario

Marinated Three Edible bean Salad

Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic season in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Ballad Tucker, Wooster, Ohio

Light Strawberry Pie

People rave about this luscious strawberry pie. Best of all, it's a low-sugar sensation that yous won't feel guilty eating. —Lou Wright, Rockford, Illinois

Sugariness 'due north' Tangy Chicken Wings

I love the convenience of boring-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll accept fantastic appetizers fix when your guests get in. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan

Cafeteria-Style Pasta Salad

Pasta provides a base of operations for this tongue-tingling make-ahead salad. It has lots of fresh and satisfying ingredients topped with a flavorful dressing. This pasta salad is terrific to serve to visitor or take to a potluck. — Joyce McLennan, Algonac, Michigan

Fudgy Patriotic Brownies

A rich chocolate frosting makes these brownies really tasty. I always come home with an empty pan when I take these to potlucks. —Julie Moyer, Matrimony Grove, Wisconsin

Fourth of July Bean Casserole

The outstanding charcoal-broil taste of these beans makes them a favorite for cookouts all summer and into the autumn. It'south a popular dish, even with kids. The beef makes it so much improve than manifestly pork and beans. —Donna Fancher, Lawrence, Indiana

Peach Blueberry Pie

"What a flavor!" That's what I hear virtually ofttimes when guests taste this peach huckleberry pie. I invented it one day when I was short on peaches. —Sue Thumma, Shepherd, Michigan

Loaded Spud Salad

Get a load of this: sour foam, salary, shredded cheddar, green onions and more come together to give you all the richness of eating house potato skins at your adjacent picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova Scotia

Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I threw some always-bachelor condiments into my slow cooker with a pork roast to create this fantastic pulled pork. It has become a staple sandwich filler for large go-togethers. The flavor of the pork goes well with a cold glass of white vino.—Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

one Week Out

• Grocery shop for your pantry-stable items and paper appurtenances.
• Map out a cooking schedule so you don't get stuck in a cooking marathon the morning time of the party.
• Put together a party playlist.
• Tackle any DIY projects.

A Day or Two Before

• Run to the store for perishables. Don't forget the ice!
• Clean the house and brand certain your refrigerator has room for brand-alee dishes—like these!
• Mow the lawn and, if you're really aggressive, tidy up the garden and make your behemothic Twister board.
• Toss canned and bottled beverages into the fridge to chill overnight.

The Morning Of

• Set upwards and decorate the party area and game station.
• Remember to prepare out trash and recycling bins.
• Put the finishing touches on your recipes.
• Charge your phone/camera.

30 Minutes Before

• Set up the table.
• Get dishes ready to serve.

15 Minutes Before

• Nail the music.
• Light the grill.
• Pour yourself a drink. You've got this!

Serve Red, White and Bluish Nutrient

Sense of taste of Dwelling

Get the menu in on the Independence Day action with food that echoes the Stars and Stripes. Bake a flag cake covered with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream; toss up a political party mix with colorful candies; or make an appetizer pizza with tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Or, get jiggly with it and layer up a Jell-O salad similar this one.

Design a DIY Potable Cart

Cool drinks are a must at a summer political party. For a cuter take on a libation, place the bottles and cans in a clean reddish carriage filled with ice. "Kids honey pulling it around," says blogger Loralee Lewis of loraleelewis.com. "It'due south free drinkable service!"

Proceed Your Buffet Table Organized

Use a muffin can to double as a handy condiment caddy. Make full each compartment with favorite toppings and add mini serving spoons so guests can load up their burgers and dogs as they similar.

Brand an Edible Centerpiece

Sense of taste of Home

Everybody's going to be ogling the dessert tabular array, then why not put it front and heart? Brandish the treats on pedestals of different heights to give your summertime shindig a Pinterest-y feel.

For a 4th of July potluck, think stars, stripes and fireworks—a patriotic cake and red, white and blue trifle are perfect choices. But whatever yous do, start with this v-star Juicy Raspberry Pie. Hither's how to make that all-star crust:

ⓘ

Hang Festive Decorations

This easy bunting banner is festive and fun. With your choice of card stock and yarn, you've got yourself a pretty decoration that matches your party to a T. Tip: Make a banner that lasts. Get the flags laminated at an office supply store before you string them upwards.

What you lot demand:

• Flag pattern
• 12-in. square scrapbook papers or card stock
• Glue stick or clear tape
• Yarn
• Embellishments such every bit glitter or ribbon (optional)

Directions:

1. Download and print this flag pattern and placement diagram.
2. Trace bunting flag pattern onto paper or bill of fare stock, as in diagram. Cut out desired number of flags and crease each ane along fold line.
3. Place bunting flags, right sides down, in a row about ane/two in. apart. Run yarn along inside fold on each; cutting yarn, leaving 12 to 18 in. on each end to hang.
4. Fold each bunting flag's flap over yarn, securing with gum or record.
5. Embellish the flags however you like.

Constitute Natural Insect Repellent

Say hello to friends—but goodbye to bugs—with a pretty pot of herbs. "Plants like lavender, mint, rue and tansy accept been used to repel insects for ages," says Briscoe White, co-possessor and herb guru at The Growers Exchange. Rosemary, thyme and catmint are popular picks, too. Lightly brush your hand over the herbs to release a natural form of bug spray!

For another alternative to getting rid of pesky bugs the day of the party, arm yourself with this bug zapper ($15).

Set Upwardly a Game Station

Forget the boisterous house and go old-schoolhouse. Bring out your Twister mat (or paint ane right on the lawn!), a croquet gear up or a couple of embankment balls and allow your guests have at it. If in that location'south room, start a game of red rover, have a tug-of-war or play catch. Ask your sports-loving friends to bring their gloves.

Brand Your Own Bingo Game

Add a bunch of personality (and some familiar faces) to a favorite party game. Get the gang together for this group activity that nobody's going to want to miss. Use patriotic jellybeans or M&Thou'south as bingo chips. I for yous, ane for your card.

What you need:

• Card stock
• Family photos
• Mucilage

Directions:

1. Depict your ain bingo card, using an odd number of columns if you want that coveted middle spot. Print them on pieces of carte stock.
2. Print photos, cutting them out and glue them onto the cards in unlike patterns.
3. Put a copy of each photo in a basin for the bingo caller to draw from.

Bring On the Sparklers

If your bash lasts past sundown, sparklers are a must—simply pass out glow sticks or necklaces to the littlest guests. Take a contest to encounter who can snap the best photos of the sparklers in action. Only to be safe (and to save yourself cleanup after), take a bucket of water on paw where people can douse their spent sparklers.

Make DIY Party Favors

Instead of flowers, set out vases of homemade pinwheels. When the party's over, ship them home with guests. Then, whenever your friends see the whirligigs, they'll remember the awesome time they had.

What you lot need (for each):

• Double-sided patterned paper (premade, or you could mucilage together your ain)
• iii/xvi- to one/4-in.-wide wooden dowel rod
• Map pin or tack
• Low-temperature glue gun and glue sticks
• Paper cutter or scissors and ruler

Directions:

1. Cut paper into a square. (We cut a three 1/2-in. square for the small size, a 5 1/2-in. square for the medium and a vii 1/ii-in. square for the large.)
2. Fold paper in one-half diagonally and unfold. Fold opposite way and unfold, forming two crossing diagonal creases.
3. Begin at one corner and cutting along the crease, stopping nearly 1/2 in. from the center betoken. Cutting the aforementioned way from the other three corners, leaving about a i-in.-square area uncut in the center.
4. Pull the upper left corner of each of the 4 cut triangle shapes into the center bespeak. Adhere each corner on top of the next one using a dab of hot gum.
5. With a gentle twisting motion, poke a map pin or tack through the front middle of the pinwheel.
6. Poke the pin or tack straight through the side of the dowel rod, near 1/ii in. downward from the superlative, stopping when the point barely shows on the other side. For safety, cover the sharp edge with a small drop of hot glue.

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/4th-of-july-party-ideas/

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