Easy Entertaining Ideas for the 4th of July

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Easy 4th of July Entertaining ideas to make your celebration charming!

4th of July flowers in a red vase

4th of July Entertaining Ideas

It’s almost America’s birthday week! We celebrate birthday “weeks” in our house, so I guess we’ll do the same for our good ol’ USA! She’s good to us, so we’ll be good to her. Shoot, now I’m thinking I need to schedule a beach clean-up day or something!

Anyway, if you’re hosting a 4th of July BBQ or having a few friends over for dessert and fireworks I have a delicious Red, White and Blue Velvet Cake recipe (adapted from my fave Cooks Illustrated) and one heck of a good bourbon whiskey punch.

What really says American more than red velvet and whiskey? Okay, maybe beer and McDonald’s, but we’ll skip those for now! Sooo, below are some festive and easy entertaining ideas for hosting a 4th of July par-tay! Be safe and enjoy!

vintage silverware and an American flag napkin

Forget individual cocktails, make a punch! I highly doubt you want to be in your kitchen mixing cocktails while everyone’s watching the fireworks. Instead whip up this crazy good bourbon punch to serve!

A few tips: Don’t add ice until a few minutes before guests arrive and make an extra batch to keep in the fridge for refills!

American flag napkin in a cake

Buy festive serving ware and details. 

red white and blue frozen popsicles

Don’t make everything! Seriously, if you’re hosting a dessert party just choose one or two desserts that will stand out (like our Red, White and Blue velvet cake!) and one spiked punch recipe. Then just buy the rest, like the 4th of July cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, fruit, etc. Make it easier on yourself.

red white and blue cake

Recipe for our Red, White and Blue Velvet Cake

If you’re cooking for everyone too, break out the Crock-Pot! Ohhh yes, the one and only Crock-Pot. Make a big batch of chili to cook all day and then serve chili dogs and chips. Does it get any better? ha!

American whiskey punch with an American flag napkin

Make individual containers of 4th of July party poppers. I spruced mine up by adding some red, white and blue crinkle paper I bought at the Dollar Store.

Flowers are EVERYTHING! Really, they add a lot to the decor of a party. Just go to your local mart or grocery store and pick up some red and white blooms. I bought the white peonies and red tulips for $9… a deal I tell you.

American punch with flag napkins

Switch it up and serve giant cake slices in these awesome galvanized serving baskets. They’re the perfect size for ice cream (no spills!), cake and fresh fruit!

Bring the ice cream out when cutting the cake and let everyone serve themselves. I actually went to Baskin-Robbins (we have one right by our house) and bought pints of blue and red sorbet.

red, white and blue ice cream

To make the presentation nice, I transferred the ice cream into my beloved Weck jars. Also, place some waffle cones out for those who want to pass on the cake and go for a triple scoop cone! It’s the 4th, let’s celebrate!

4th of July cookies

And don’t forget the old-fashioned ice pops for the kiddos! Red, white and blue all the way!

Most important tips of all…. BE SAFE, have fun and relax!

4th of July ice cream bowl.

More 4th of July Ideas You’ll Love

Charming 4th of July Party

4th of July Party Ideas

Watermelon Themed 4th of July Party

Pink Velvet Cake Recipe

Creating 4th of July Flower Arrangement

Fireworks in a glass jar

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American Whiskey Punch

A regreshing and simple punch recipe made with American Whiskey! This drink is perfect for the 4th of July.
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Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Calories: 332kcal
Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
  • 1 lemon, just the peel
  • 3 cups black tea
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 4 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 1/2 cups bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherry syrup

Instructions

  • Combine the lemon peel with the sugar and muddle together in a large bowl.
  • Combine all of the ingredients and mix.
  • Add in ice right before guests arrive.

Notes

Always taste test and make sure it’s the way you like it. Add more sugar or tea if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
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2 thoughts on “Easy Entertaining Ideas for the 4th of July”

  1. i didnt know you love “cooks illustrated”!!! ive seriously thought that i should send you a recipe for blonde brownies that i got from cooks!!! its so good! that cake sounds awesome too! happy 4th!

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