It’s all about red, white and WATERMELON for this 4th of July party! We’re sharing 4th of July party ideas to celebrate Independence Day!
For this party we used watermelons as the main focus. We created a centerpiece down the center and then incorporated them throughout the party with watermelon beachballs, watermelon water, food, desserts… and more!
How to Throw a 4th of July Party
- Send email invites 6-4 weeks before the 4th of July.
- Pick a theme! Of course, the 4th of July is a great theme, but we wanted to switch it up and make the focus on our favorite summer fruit, watermelon!
- Shop for party decorations online and in store. See our shopping guide below. Start shopping early so it’s not a rush to get party supplies the day before.
- Plan the menu and if guests are bringing food items, let them know what they can bring.
- Start setting up for the party the day before. Do everything from hanging decorations to making make-ahead food items.
- Enjoy the party! Most people head to a parade in the morning and then a 4th of July party in the afternoon, early evening.
4th of July Party Ideas
This is one of our favorite holidays to decorate for! Since, this 4th of July theme is all about watermelon, we made sure watermelon was the focus.
- Flags – Hang flags and flag bunting over patios and doorways.
- Watermelons – Cut watermelons in half and in fourths to use down a table setting.
- Flowers – Blue and white flowers are the perfect decoration to add to a table setting.
- Candy Vases – Red, white and blue candy in tall vases makes an easy party decoration.
- Painted Stars – Using lawn safe spray paint, use stencils and paint stars on the lawn. Here’s a tutorial.
- Patriotic Party Poppers
- Striped Paper Lanterns
4th of July Party Food
It’s all about outdoor entertaining for the 4th! Burgers, steaks, hot dogs! Here are some ideas to make your party delicious:
- Burgers, Hot Dogs, Ribs
- Pasta Salad – This one is our favorite.
- Grilled Vegetables
- Watermelon Salad
- Fruit Salad – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, blackberries, dragon fruit for fun!
- Sweet Corn
- Potato Salad – Here’s a great recipe for potato salad!
- Classic wedge salads –This is our ALL TIME favorite recipe!
We made this delicious pasta salad using the most festive 4th of July pasta noodles! Love this stars and stripes pasta! The color boils out a little, but you still have the fun shapes.
Vintage red, white and blue Laffy Taffy is such a fun item to set on a table setting. It’s these little vintage touches that make a party stand out.
4th of July Party Invitations
We’re all about online party invitations, especially for casual gatherings like the 4th of July! You can easily track your guests list, make updates and send reminders. Our go-to for online invites are Paperless Post, Minted and Evite.
4th of July Party Decorations
It’s hard to know where to buy 4th of July decorations! Here’s a list of decorations and items we used for this watermelon themed 4th of July party. Also, add in vintage items like fun vintage candy and sodas which also act as decor!
White Plates – These are my go-to for most events, but if you’re keeping it more casual just buy some bamboo or white paper plates.
Burlap Flags – These are my absolute favorite!! I adore them! They’re great quality and rustic looking.
Personalized Banner – This is such a great decor item that you can use over and over again!
Woven Chargers – I use these a lot when entertaining outdoors. I keep the entire collection close by so I can quickly set a charming outdoor table. It’s one of my favorite lines that Williams Sonoma carries right now.
Flatware Catty – From the same collection, this is a staple for summer entertaining! Holds napkins and utensils and makes it easy to carry outside.
Glass Jar with Handle – These are just classic American drinking jars! I love how big they are and how much they hold and they’re just fun! Serve beer, cocktails or strawberry infused water.
Burlap Bunting – This is a classic burlap bunting that goes with the flags and the sign! Great quality and looks gorgeous above a table setting or front door.
Galvanized Buckets – So versatile! Great for flowers, sparklers, drinks and you can use them all summer long. This is a set of 3 and I love the wooden handle.
Water – We love the small details, so we served hint water in watermelon!
Festive Pillows – This holiday really brings out my patriotic side! I just love a few fun American throw pillows for outdoor chairs. Instant, charming decor!
Table Throw – This is one of my favorite table throws! They have it in blue or blush color. We used the blush color for our watermelon party! It’s a diomand shape, so you just toss it over a wooden table or it’s a great picnic blanket too.
Sparklers – Wouldn’t be the 4th without sparklers! We like these extra long ones so there’s more time for fun!
If you’re having a more causal party, stack white paper or bamboo plates near the food and use a silverware caddy for napkins and utensils.
4th of July Desserts
It’s all about red, white and blue! Fresh berries, ice cream, berry pie… classic American desserts! We also like to add a little unexpected charm by serving watermelon tequila pops or maybe a fancy funfetti cake!
4th of July Drinks
One of the most important parts about throwing a successful party is serving some good drinks! Here are a few suggestions:
Watermelon Party Punch with Tequila
Hint Watermelon Water – Boxed water for kids too!
We hope you have a festive and safe 4th of July! Share your party ideas with us by tagging @sugarandcharm on social!
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