Red, White & Watermelon: Charming 4th of July Ideas

Eden

Jun 23, 2019, Updated May 17, 2025

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Planning a 4th of July party? These festive 4th of July ideas are all about red, white, and watermelon — from easy decorations to backyard bites and refreshing drinks, here’s everything you need to celebrate in style!

Also check out easy entertaining ideas for the 4th of July, 4th of July Party Ideas, more party ideas and how to create a 4th of July floral arrangement.

White and blue flower arrangement on a pink dyed table cloth with watermelons.

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Table of Contents

How to Plan a 4th of July Party

6–4 weeks before:

  • Send digital invitations (we like Paperless Post, Minted, or Evite)
  • Pick your theme — we went with watermelon everything!

2–3 weeks before:

  • Shop for decorations early to avoid the last-minute rush
  • Plan your menu and assign dishes if guests are contributing

Day before:

  • Prep the table, hang decorations, and make anything ahead

Day of:

  • Keep it casual and festive — most guests come after parades or morning outings
White plates on woven charger with burlap flags and large old-fashioned taffy.

4th of July Decorations

  • Watermelon Centerpiece: Halved and quartered watermelons lined the table — simple and beautiful
  • Beach Balls: Use watermelon-themed beach balls for a playful touch
  • Candy Vases: Fill tall jars with red, white, and blue candies
  • Blue & White Flowers: Add charm with floral arrangements (see our 4th of July floral tutorial!)
  • Flags & Bunting: Drape around patios and doorways
  • Striped Paper Lanterns & Patriotic Poppers: Add height and sparkle
Fruit platter with all red and white fruit for the 4th of July

4th of July Menu Ideas

Keep it summery, grill-friendly, and easy to serve outdoors.

Main Dishes:

  • Classic burgers & hot dogs
  • BBQ ribs or grilled salmon skewers
  • Ham & cheese sliders

Sides:

Salads:

  • Classic wedge salad — our all-time favorite!
  • Summer fruit salad: watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
4th of July party ideas and pasta salad recipe.
Stars and striped pasta recipe

4th of July Desserts (Red, White & Sweet!)

Dessert Charcuterie Board: Fill with red, white, and blue treats, candies, and cookies

Watermelon Popsicles

Sherbet Bomb Cake (festive + easy to slice!)

Classic Cherry Bars or Cherry Pie Crisp

Blueberry Popsicles

Strawberry Ricer Krispie Treats

Homemade No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream

See all of my strawberry desserts for more ideas!

Watermelon, flower arrangements and a jar full of watermelon juice

4th of July Drinks

From mocktails to cocktails, keep guests cool and refreshed:

Watermelon punch for the 4th of July.
Watermelon cocktail punch recipe over head garnished with watermelon slices.
outdoor 4th of july party with flowers, silverware caddy
4th of July party table setting with flowers, watermelon, burlap flag and taffy.

More Party Ideas

Here are more fun summer party themes to host!

I hope you found some charming 4th of July ideas to inspire your own celebration!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!

About Eden

I’m Eden Passante and I develop, create, style and photograph every recipe and party on Sugar and Charm. I’m the author of Entertaining with Charm and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and I’m here to help you create simple and easy recipes for entertaining and how to add charm to any gathering!

Read More About Me

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1 Comment

  1. CathyAnn says:

    Wow! Congratulations on the awesome B&H article! A Happy 4th to you & your family!

    Reply