Juliet Abram
You've got the guest list, the menu, and a prime location (maybe your own backyard!), but throwing the best 4th of July party can be stressful. Stress less with this sensational, spectacular list of party hacks sure to trim down holiday burnout and cut down on the mess. From burgers to dessert, entertainment to decoration, this list has it all. The rest is up to you! Happy 4th of July!
[Photo: YesterdayOnTuesday.com]
The 4th of July is not complete without the customary bbq and cookout! Hungry guests can grab a burger fresh off the grill and adorn it with toppings carefully curated by yours truly - the humble and gracious host or hostess, organized neatly in an easy to access, simple to use muffin tray. Eliminate the fuss of many bottles on a folding table falling or rolling over by streamlining the burger-topping process.
Remember the joy of a famous plastic potato toy decorated with funny hats and noses, googly eyes and goofy grins? Or, on Halloween carving a silly face or a ghoulish grimace into a pumpkin? Take these two ideas and grab a pineapple instead! Use toothpicks, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, apple slices, marshmallows, and an ordinary pair of sunglasses to create a fun-in-the-sun Pineapple-Person! Get the kids busy while the parents play chef and get their grill on. Fun for guests of all ages! (Pro-tip: use actual parts from a Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head!) Create a brand new 4th of July memory sure to be a hit this year as well as the next!
[Photo: Grant Thompson via LifeBuzz]
The 4th of July party falls on what's likely to be a hot day- that means plenty of parched guests looking for a refreshing drink. Fill plastic bottles halfway with water and freeze- then simply fill with a favorite juice, punch, lemonade, tea, sparkling water, soda, and much much more! The best part is you'll have no dishes to wash at the end of the night!
Bonus: Teach your kids the value of recycling water bottles after the party. Make the bottles into creative planters, try a tornado science project, or take them to the recycling center. Take out books at the library or research on the Internet the dangers of polluting our lakes, oceans, streams and rivers. Protecting our planet ensures we have many more summer parties to look forward to in the future!
Let me fill you in on a little secret the DIY'ers, crafters and hackers have been using for years- Dollar Store Vinyl Tablecloths as Beach Blankets!
Whether it's a spot on the grass or in the sand- life is a beach with these simple vinyl tablecloths found in dollar stores and other discount stores. Some even have a felt-like cloth bottom so you can flip it over to the "soft" side. Sand brushes right off and they are also recyclable! There are many colors to choose from, although for the 4th of July filling the theme of 'red, white & blue' is a breeze- and for a dollar each on the low end it's a cost effective way to brighten up your outdoor entertaining.
[Photo: Freutcake.com]
Another so-easy "why didn't I think of that" idea that will make kids of all ages smile this 4th of July- plus they work on just about any kind of ice cream sandwich- even for vegans! (Hello Tofutti Cuties!] Grab the red, white and blue sprinkles- or sugar crystals- and have your guests get in on the action at the dessert table. Perfect for the host without the most fanciest of baking skills who still wants that Wow Factor.
Freelancer, editor, researcher focused on publishing, developing the talents of other writers, poets and artists; my focus is on quality writing on a variety of different subjects- from serious to ...
