The 4th of July is a big celebration for most of us in the great USA. There are picnics, barbecues, parades, fireworks 
shows, and all things red, white, and blue. How do you celebrate the 4th of July? If you know me at all, you know that I love everything vintage. I love having an old fashioned 4th of July party with our family and friends.
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to throw an old fashioned 4th of July celebration.
Get out the old fashioned 4th of July decorations (or start making some!)
I love doing homemade decorations for lots of holidays. The 4th of July is no exception! Independence Day decorations don’t have to be expensive. Just use what you have, or go buy some cheap items to craft something yourself. Anything in red, white, and blue can work wonders in giving your home that old fashioned 4th of July feel.
Here are some lovely ideas for Independence Day decor items you can make yourself.
1. Wine Cork American Flag.
Have lots of wine corks laying around? Pink Fortitude has a great post on making an adorable American flag out of wine corks. It’s an easy, frugal craft that you can make in as little as 20 minutes! Check out this cute craft here.
2. Painted Wine Glasses.
Do you need some fun themed wine glasses? These painted wine glasses from Ann’s Entitled Life would be a great idea for a little party with your girlfriends a few days before the 4th. Who wouldn’t love to be sipping wine and laughing with friends, while painting your very own wine glass? You can find the detailed instructions here.
3. American Flag Wreath.
Wreaths are extremely popular for 4th of July decor. This one from Elle Marie Home isn’t hard, but looks fantastic. And even more of a bonus, you can get everything for it from the Dollar Store!
4. Patriotic Art With Fabric Scraps.
If you have some fabric scraps laying around, why not use them to create a patriotic wall hanging for the house? This art from The Boondocks Blog is easy and cheap, and doesn’t take too long.
4. Patriotic Farmhouse Wreath.
Of course we’ve gotta do another wreath! This easy farmhouse wreath from Ann’s Entitled Life is sure to bring charm to your porch. The wreath is easy, frugal, and can be put together in no time flat! Go check it out here.
5. Printable Art.
I have some new 4th of July printable art that you can print off, for free, and put in a simple frame. These are 8.5X11, so they use just regular paper. The only thing it will cost you is the ink! You can find them in my Subscriber’s Only Resource Page, just enter your email under the picture to get access to this and all of our other freebies.
Subscribe to get access to our Subscribers Only Resource Page!
6. Printable Gift Tags.
I have some printable gift tags that would look delightful on any one of these crafts, or on your hostess gift. Check them out in our shop today!
7. Dollar Store 4th of July Wreath
This one is made by yours truly! I don’t have a full post on it, but here is the video I did on making it. It takes under 10 minutes and uses things you can get for about $5 at the Dollar Store!
8. Tablecloths and/or table runners
Don’t forget the importance of tablecloths or table runners to cover up a less-than-pretty table. I love going to the Dollar Store to get all kinds of holiday items. They usually have a good selection of patriotic decor, for only $1 each. So pretty up those tables before you put the food on it for your guests!
Let the kids decorate too
Get the kids involved in the decorating too. Although little fingers can find it difficult to craft intricate pieces, there are many decor items that they can help you make. Keeping the littles occupied in the morning with a few little crafts or coloring pages will help you get your food prep done.
1. Popsicle Stick Hat Craft.
This popsicle stick hat craft from Easy Activities For Kids will keep the little ones busy for a little while, so you can get stuff done too. It’s easy, frugal, and entertaining for the kiddos!
2. 4th of July Paper Banner.
How about getting the kids to make you a cute paper banner to hang up around your front porch? This banner from The Gingerbread House will keep the kids occupied for maybe a half hour. It’s an easy project that anyone can do.
3. Firework Centerpiece.
Need some centerpieces for your tables? Why not have the kids help you make some cute firework centerpieces from Dollar Store pool noodles? This Dollar Store fireworks craft from Mighty Man Handyman is a fun, easy craft for you and the kids to make together.
4. Rocket Toilet Paper Roll Craft.
If you like to upcycle, this is a fun craft to make with the kids. These rocket toilet paper rolls from Easy Activities For Kids will make a cute addition to your front porch decor. Imagine these blowing in the breeze!
Prepare some patriotic food
While the kids are occupied, you can make some food for your old fashioned 4th of July picnic or barbecue. Depending on your time and money budget, you can go easy, or go over-the-top on the food. Here are some of my favorite ideas.
1. Red White and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles.
These Red White and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles from The View From Great Island are beautiful, healthy, and delicious. What more could you ask for? Give them a try, and let me know what you think.
2. Easy 4th of July Poke Cake.
This easy 4th of July Poke Cake from Easy Budget Recipes is a great dessert to make with the kids. My grandkids would love helping me poke holes in this cake. I will definitely be making this one!
3. Patriotic Popcorn Cake.
Here is another fun one to make with the kiddos. This Patriotic Popcorn Cake from Glitter On A Dime is sure to be a winner at your dessert table. Since it’s popcorn with marshmallows, it’s a good option for those who don’t like regular cake.
4. Red, White and Blue Watermelon Salad
This red, white, and blue watermelon salad from Tasty Galaxy is a refreshing, lightweight salad to grace your old fashioned 4th of July table. Just be forewarned, if you have a lot of kids at your picnic, you might have a lot of cheese leftover from this recipe!
5. Red, White and Blue Chocolate Covered Pretzels
These red, white and blue chocolate covered pretzels are another fun dessert that the kids will love to help make, and eat as well. Tasty Galaxy has an easy tutorial for making these little sweet and salty treats. Whip some up today with your littles!
6. Red, White and Blue July 4th Appetizers
Family Food On The Table has some great ideas for 3 red, white and blue 4th of July appetizers for you to make for your family. They are easy, quick, and the kids will love them!
Make some old fashioned 4th of July drinks
With July being such a hot month, you need to have a good supply of drinks for your guests. You need to keep them happy and hydrated! Of course beer is a popular option for lots of barbecues and parties, but here are some great ideas for classic (and new!) patriotic drinks. Keep that cooler stocked with ice and these refreshing drinks!
1. Star Spangled Fruit Infused Water
This star spangled fruit infused water is a fun, super refreshing (and sugar free!) drink for the whole gang. The View From Great Island gives an easy tutorial to make it look good and taste great.
2. Herbal Sun Tea
Of course, since I love herbs, I have to include an herbal sun tea recipe that I found from Urban Moonshine. You can use any herbs that you have for this tea, but there are some that will taste better than others.
Peppermint, a common household herb, is wonderful and refreshing. I would also suggest using lemon balm, if you have any (but maybe not with the peppermint). Lavender, chamomile, and elderflowers are also wonderful ingredients for sun tea as well. This recipe shown has lemon verbena, lemon balm, tulsi, elderflower, and calendula.
3. Citrus Spangled Spritzer
If you’re looking for an alcoholic drink that’s festive, look no further than this citrus spangled spritzer from The Cocktail Project. This is a great refreshing drink for all the adults!
4. Beet, Citrus, and Ginger Sangria Mocktail
This one is a little different, but it’s a healthy, delicious non-alcoholic drink that would be great at your old fashioned 4th of July party. You should definitely give this beet, citrus, and ginger sangria mocktail from Just Beet It a try!
5. 4th of July Party Drinks Display
While we’re on the topic of drinks, why not make a pretty 4th of July party drinks display? This display from Reluctant Entertainer is really simple, but puts a nice finishing touch on that festive table. And since I just LOVE mason jars, it was a no-brainer to use this one!
Prepare to keep everyone entertained
When you have a gathering, whether it’s big or small, you should always plan on something to keep everyone entertained. Games and crafts will help keep the fun interaction going, and coloring pages can keep the littles quietly occupied. Here are some ideas I’ve found.
1. 4th of July Bingo
This 4th of July Bingo from Maple Planners is sure to be fun for children all ages. Simply print out the cards and designate a “caller” to randomly call off some of the pictures on the cards until someone wins. What a great idea!
2. Patriotic Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are great for kids, especially kids with special needs. I haven’t discussed it here before, but I have a granddaughter and a grandson that are autistic. They would love this patriotic sensory bin from Milestone Mom!
3. Patriotic Cloud Dough Play Tray
This patriotic cloud dough play tray from Glitter On A Dime looks like such a fun activity for kids! They can help you make the easy dough, then make some patriotic creations with it. Such a good idea to keep the littles entertained if you have an older child or teenager to help while the adults relax.
4. Glitter Fireworks
Here is another fun craft to keep the little ones busy while the parents are enjoying themselves. These glitter fireworks from Bright And Busy Kids come together so easy, and the kids can take their own firework artwork home with them.
5. Patriotic Count and Color Game
This patriotic count and color game from This Tiny Blue House is great for younger kids, aged preschool or Kindergarten. Print these out before your party, provide lots of crayons, and let them have at it!
6. Cornhole
Cornhole boards can be so much fun for adults, but buying them can get expensive! If you have a little time, a few tools, and some wood laying around, you can make your own. These plans from The DIY Plan can help you make your very own cornhole boards. Imagine these painted in patriotic red, white, and blue!
7. Other fun games
There are so many games to choose from for your old fashioned 4th of July party, it’s can be so hard to choose! Here is a list of the top 10 4th of July Party Games from Queen Of Theme Party Games to help you choose the best.
Have some family-friendly fireworks available
Of course, the 4th of July wouldn’t be complete without a few fireworks! With all of our animals and little grandkids, though, we have to be careful of the big, loud ones. Loud fireworks bother both the animals and the kids (especially the autistic ones). If this is the case with you as well, consider adding a few family-friendly fireworks to help appease everyone.
Think along the lines of sparklers, Pop-Its, and small fountains. Or maybe those little tanks that shoot out balls of fire. I suggest putting some on a table in some cute jars and vases to help add to the decor.
And bring on the guests!
Now all you have to do is wait for your guests to show up and start partying! The 4th of July can be such a fun family day, with the right decor, food, drinks, and activities. I hope this helps you coordinate your best Independence Day celebration yet!
This post may be shared on Family Homesteading and Off The Grid Blog Hop, Simple Homestead Blog Hop, Farm Fresh Tuesday, and Old Paths to New Homesteading & Self-Reliant Living.
