Happy 4th of July Decorations: Celebrate Independence Day In Style!

I love the 4th of July, and moreso with my youngest celebrating her birthday that day.  Our town puts on a fantastic fireworks display, free to the public, and my daughter thinks it's all for her.  Inevitably, family want to enjoy the great fanfare, and come out to celebrate with the youngster, spending a fun day of recreation and barbecuing, followed by a little rest, and an end of the day trip to the center of town.  The sun isn't down til after 9:00 PM, so it's a long, but lovely day, no matter how high the temperatures soar. 

However you celebrate your 4th of July, whether it be low key, or big fanfare, whether it involve fireworks, or just some good R&R, you can add a few accents, or a whole slew of them, and make it a real Patriotic event!

Glow in the dark bracelets are a huge hit at the festival in our town.  Additionally, personal fireworks are not legal, as the danger of wildfire is severe.  This year, even moreso, the desert grasses leave room for serious consequence, should a spark fly the wrong direction.  Glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets delight young and old, alike, and make a great alternative to sparklers, when twirled in the air. 

Patriotic pinwheels are another simple means of livening up the day, making things bright in appearance, and entertaining the youngsters.  Adults can enjoy the decorum of a fancier garden pinwheel or wind spinner, while the young set find a breeze to make their pinwheels go.

Of course, no barbecue is complete without red, white, and blue accents on the table. Begin with a table cloth, and for sanity's sake, plasticware in patriotic colors. If you can't find stars and stripes, try solid red or white, and accent with a table runner. Another alternative is red and white, or blue and white checked tablecloths, a little easier to track down. My mom's trick for getting the look she wants in a non-disposable tablecloth is purchasing a piece of fabric, and hemming the edges. This provides more options than typically available in the tableware department, and is re-usable.

Napkins and paper plates in accenting colors, as well, will enable the hostess to have a great day without increasing the post-party work load. Melamine dishes and tableware are also a great option for the Americana enthusiast. 

Living in a rural town, with one big department store, I generally find that when the 4th of July is approaching, there is one primary design of paper plates and napkins available.  It's usually a take it, or leave it, choice.  If you are looking for something unique, just a bit different from what you've seen in stores, be sure to check out Amazon, where you have fullblown selections for any holiday.  Further, watch for super saver/Amazon Prime shipping.  Also, take note that at times, party supplies and favors are offered which are participating Amazon Mom products, meaning that the purchase can count toward extending your Amazon Mom Prime shipping benefits.

If you love Americana style decor, you may want more permanent partyware, whether plastic, or stoneware.  You can find many red, white, and blue dinnerware sets, as well as those with stars and stripes.  You can also find plenty of serving pieces, bowls, and trays. 

Amp up the fun for young 4th of July party guests with favors and toys, inexpensive but fun, highlighting the stars and stripes.  Hold a mini duck derby, numbering each patriotic rubber duck, and floating them in a galvanized tub.  Each child (or adult...big kids) receives a number when they arrive.  If their number is drawn during the party, they choose a door prize.  Or, have each child write their name in permanent marker on the bottom of their duck, and float it in the tub.  Draw ducks, and the winner's name is on the bottom.  Allow each winner to select a door prize.

There are lots of ways to add fun to your party for youngsters.  Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are great entertainers.  Have kids run an obstacle course.  See who can blow the biggest bubble with patriotic bubble gum.  Who can blow the most bubbles in a minute?  There are lots of creative ways to keep the kids' occupied.