The BEST 4th of July Party Planning Tips!
Can I tell you how excited I am to be planning for summer celebrations? Adding patriotic touches to the front porch and back porch and deck area. Fourth of July ready! I thought I’d share some of my tips for the BEST 4th of July party!
But, you guys! I am SOOOO excited for planning summer celebrations this year because both of our sons will be home. TOGETHER with their families for the first time in three and a half year. I am GLORIOUSLY HAPPY!
Feet under my table. For food, conversation, stories, laughter, creating memories. This mama’s heart will be content.
I began planning. For those two sons, two daughters in love, four grandchildren and two granddogs who will fill our home for a week. My head was FULL of ideas.
So, here’s my tips for getting ready for that 4th of July party:
–Start NOW! That’s the BEST tip of all.
Start now to plan make a list of what you want accomplished before that event.
I am working on getting my porch ready. Pots have been planted, new light fixtures up, porch rugs selected and now the front porch paint is being stripped for a new coat and color to be added. A work in progress that should be completed soon.
Old shrubs have been removed and new plants are in process of being planted in their places to set that landscape into party ready when guests arrive.
A guest bathroom has been gutted and will be completely new when they arrive. So excited about that part of the plan! I have a reveal coming!
Thinking through sleeping arrangements, meals, entertainment and “home” being ready for them is in full throttle NOW!
—Tips for menu planning for the Red, White and Blue recipes.
This is a bit daunting. A few are gluten free. Some will need fresh ground grain creations. Lots who love fruit. Others who are allergic to fruit. But, I am SO READY to create the menu for each day and for a special July 4th celebration!
TIP: Try to know the dietary needs of your guests so that planning provides offerings for everyone and prevents uncomfortable situations with food allergies, etc.
There will always be Aunt Helen’s Marinated Salad that can be made ahead before they arrive and taste even better when they get here!
TIP: Make as much food in advance to have more time to share and linger around that table when guests arrive!
G’s famous burgers will be made with plenty of favorite sides and chips for a back porch gathering. I’ll make those burger patties and wrap them in parchment and place in the freezer to be ready to grill while they are here.
The fire pit will be ready with the firewood, the picnic table, the seating and the supplies for great hot dog roasts finished off with a great s’mores!
Now, that brings me to the NEXT menu item that will be created while they are here! I always need a great breakfast for guests while they are here on the 4th, and these are one of my husband’s favorites! A perfect summer version of blueberry muffins that are great with fruit and a cup of coffee to start the 4th of July. Hope you will give them a try and enjoy!
Summer Blueberry Muffins
Equipment
- large muffin tin
- oven
- mixer
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3/4 C sugar
- 6 T butter, room temperature I set out the night before.
- 1 large egg
- 2 C all purpose flour
- 1 t baking powder
- 1/2 t salt
- zest of one lemon
- 1 t vanilla
- 1/2 C milk
- 2 C fresh blueberries
- 2 T sugar
- 1 t cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Butter the inside of the large muffin tin. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix the last 2 T sugar and cinnamon together for the topping and set aside until ready to use.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the 3/4 C sugar and the 6 T butter with a mixer.Add the egg and lemon zest and continue to beat until it's mixed in.
- Fold in one cup of the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Then stir in half of the milk.
- Fold in the last cup of flour mixture and then stir in the last half of milk.
- Stir the vanilla into the mixture.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- I use a scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the six muffin cups.
- Sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture on top.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Notes
Many other food favorites like grilled steaks, Greek chicken kabobs, grilled tuna steak sandwiches, great coffee, homemade bread and fresh vegetables from the garden will be in abundance.
But, planning ahead and doing as much preparation before the event is the key to the success of staying present during the week, for sure.
Also, added to the mix is to make sure that while they are home, they have a slot open for a meal at their favorite local restaurant.
—Gather your supplies for the 4th of July party!
A run to the Dollar Tree has already been made for the best plates, napkins, flags and the cutest 4th plastic bottles with straws for the grands! Although I will have lots of time for beautiful dishes and place settings, there will be a lot more use of disposable items to save time in the kitchen and less work for us for many of the meals we will share.
Here are some of my favorites:
- plates
- napkins
- tablecloths
- cups
- smores tools
- decorations
- flags
- banners
- cooler this one is on sale and a perfect one for our deck!
Start buying soon, friends before those supplies run out!
Tablecloths are ready to go and I am working on getting that back porch, deck and front porch decorated with signs that welcome them home and celebrate the summer. Patriotic festoons, the American flag in it’s place, pots of red and white and blue plants, and a new 4th of July door decoration will greet them when they arrive.
I love decorating now so that those patriotic decorations will be ready for Memorial Day through the 4th of July.
My supplies for that week will also be in getting the guest rooms ready. I have four bedrooms for the ten of us, so I will be creative in making the two littles feel special in those extra spaces in parents’ rooms.
—Be creative for patriotic party activities!
All of those littles and bigs have to be kept engaged! Not just around the kitchen table…or the back porch table…or the picnic table…but, perhaps in a new venue of a table out on the lawn.
Plans for a campout may even happen for those grands, even if they may not stay outside the entire night. Tent, sleeping bags and air mattresses ready.
Perhaps an outdoor movie night? I think I’ll have to share the plans for that another day!
Making memories is the plan, friends!
An area for the dogs to run and play will be included in my plans this year since that sheepadoodle will have lots of energy to expend.
Those littles are into activities; so, lawn games it is! I found the best yard games at TJMaxx. Old favorites with a new twist. Here are some ideas of things to look for:
Wouldn’t these be perfect for a fourth of July celebration? If you can’t find these at your TJMaxx…here they are at Amazon! affiliate links included and free shipping without shopping. Sometimes, that’s just a WIN!
LED games like, yard darts and badmitton. How cool is that?
Be watching for other yard 4th of July games that I am creating in the future!
Lots are on my list. And, quite frankly, my husband is king of the kids’ activities, so I am sure that he will create better activities than I do. He’s the fun one in the family!
Games set up in an inside area will need to be considered. I have a 6 year old grand who is already playing chess, so, a chess set, among others will be ready for sharing.
Since we will be outside a great deal, weather permitting, (that’s at the top of my prayer list for good weather!) a great insect repellent and sunscreen will be added to our arsenal.
Water play toys and beach towels will also be added to the mix for a day to the water park or lake.
Reservations for a pontoon boat for a trip out with a picnic are possibilities as are so many other great recreational spots in our area to entertain the kids.
Planning early for a 4th of July reservation will be needed!
If you know our lakes area, there’s an abundance of things to do.
But, in the middle of all of the planning, I have to remember this:
–Allow time for them to rest and just be HOME.
Although there will be firework displays and lots of area fun to take in, I do know that the best thing that they will want, especially after this difficult year, is to simply be together, at home.
I’m fine with that.
I may be counting the days and hours down until their arrival.
If you listen closely, you may hear my cries of joy from wherever you live.
Happy planning, friend!
Join the rest of my friends in their celebration ideas for the 4th of July!
If you joined me from My Dear Casa, WELCOME! and don’t forget to continue the hop by following Darling and Dapper! I can’t wait to see all of their great creations to celebrate the summer and patriotic gatherings!
Kippi at Home // House on Silverado // Sonya Burgess // Zucchini Sisters
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This Dear Casa // Feet Under My Table // Darling & Dapper Life // Olivia O’Hern
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58 Comments
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Barbara at Mantel and Table
Great party planning advice and more fabulous recipes Leslie! Love them all, but those little watermelon stars have my heart! 😉 Can’t wait to see how all your renovation projects turn out! Happy Friday!
Vickie Ramey
You have inspired me! Shopping I will go! Activities and food I can do–Just wish you were with me to help with decorations!
Leslie J Watkins
That would be fun! A trip to Florida is always a wonderful idea!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Barbara–I know, right? Those little stars are the perfect size for eating and storing until serving! There are so many renovation projects happening over here that my head is spinning! I just went to a favorite antique store yesterday and brought back the sweetest desk. It needs a rubdown to bring it back to it’s glory! Goodness! I hope I sleep between now and their arrival!
alda ellis
I am saving ALL of your ideas…they are fabulous for we have big family gatherings to add to the party atomosphere with my husband’s birthday and my son’s birthday. Two little grandsons are ready to eat, party and swim…these look so adorable and you have certainly inspired me. The marinated salad brought back memories from an old church cookbook…making that too!
wonderful post !…hugs!
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, Alda! Thank you so very much! We have a family gathering picnic tomorrow and that marinated salad will be there. It’s funny how something from my husband’s family has become tradition in my extended family gatherings! Enjoy time with your family gatherings this summer– Breathe it all in and create those sweet memories to hold on to!
Martha Wallace
One if my favorite holidays! I know you can’t wait to celebrate with them. Definitely make those grilled tuna sandwiches! Yummy!!!
Wonderful read!
Leslie J Watkins
It was wonderful having our feet under one table last night! It has been way tooo long, my friend! You know how excited I am! I hope that I can sleep between now and then! Prayers appreciated for every detail for their visit!
Donna Seltzer
I always love all of your ideas! You’re fun and so talented. Thanks for your enthusiasm as well. You get me “in the spirit” if I’m not!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Donna! You far surpass me in creativity, sweet friend! I thought of you today while in a doctor’s waiting room…I almost had to move the couch! I would have if someone had not been sitting there! lol
Renae
So many great ideas. How wonderful to have your entire family together to celebrate. Hugs and blessings to you.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you…I am truly blessed, Renae. So very excited to have them all home. Praying for every detail and that I may sleep before they get here!
Kimberly Snyder
what a great post, Leslie! So many great ideas! Thanks for sharing! I am so happy for you that your whole family will be together for the 4th! That is wonderful!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Kimberly. I am beyond excited! I hope that I sleep some between now and their arrival!
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Dee
You did a great job on this, but more than anything that you wrote, to more than the recipes and everything you shared is my joy for you and your husband on having your sons and their families be there this summer!!! Oh I understand how wonderful that is, and i am just overjoyed for you! They will be so blessed! All the recipes sound fabulous, and you just have so many great ideas! I love you my friend, and i am excited for what’s ahead!
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks so much, Dee. My heart is overflowing even in the planning stages. I am praying over each detail…for beautiful weather, great health, traveling safety, and the best memories and conversation while they are home. Thank you, always, for following and your sweet comments. They truly make my heart happy. Happy Weekend!
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Cindy
Wow you have great plans. Your schedule and using paper will allow you to enjoy your family.
Especially since you haven’t seen them fir so long.
How fun is the glow in the dark badminton?
You’re going to have great fun!!
Tammy
Leslie, I love all of your tips. Definitely, I am going to cut my watermelon in stars. So adorable and festive.
Leslie J Watkins
Right? Cutest way ever for the 4th! My grands and great nieces and nephews require LOTS of watermelon all summer long. This method we all love! Perfect size to store and eat! Happy Weekend, friend!
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Cindy! Those glow in the dark badminton and lawn darts have yet to be played! I can’t wait to give them a try. I’m focusing on creating an amazing outdoor movie night now! I hope I sleep between now and their arrival!
Kippi Ohern
Recipes, planning tips, and a ton of great ideas. Great tip on insect repellent and sunscreen. I cannot wait for the bathroom reveal
Happy hopping.
Hugs,
Kippi
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Kippi! And you saw and felt that bathroom construction with me! Thanks for always putting together these amazing hops! You have enriched my life far more than you know, sweet friend! I am blessed that you are in my life. Can’t wait for the next hop!
Marie
Oh how amazing that your sons and their families will visit! Looks like you will have a really fun celebration! Glad to “hop” with you 🙂
Leslie J Watkins
I am beyond excited for their arrival HOME! Seriously counting down the days! Always fun to hop with you, sweet friend! Happy Weekend!
Sweetie
Anticipation, planning and preparation bring so much to a gathering. The time spent in loving our families in thoughtful planning builds our joy. I love to add attention to details ai know layers for my beloveds tgat ai know them, I see them. What a blessing it is to have them coming home. ~Sweetie
Leslie J Watkins
Yes, Sweetie. HOME coming. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me. Long distances for Christmas travel and conflicts with school schedules and work schedules have made this gathering wait. I am so blessed that they will all be here. Scheduling to be off of work. A huge blessing. In the midst of the preparation is much prayer for traveling safety, beautiful weather, great memories to be created and every detail to be wonderful for all of us. I think the prayer time may be constant until then. I truly am a blessed Mom and CC to those grands!
Allison
So many ideas! You and I have a lot in common when it comes to dreaming of family together time. I am so glad you get to have your family all under one roof for a week, what and absolute TREAT! I love the recipes you shared too and cannot wait to try the muffins for ourselves! Thanks so much for sharing your tips, I’ll be starting making my lists NOW, today! 🙂
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Allison! The list keeps growing faster than I can tick things off! Does that happen with you? I love hopping with you and hope that you will enjoy using things that I have shared. Makes my heart happy!
Lynne
How wonderful that your family will be all together! I am so excited for you and can feel your joy! I love all of your ideas for planning. These muffins look amazing and would be the perfect treat to start the day. It is always so much fun to hop with you, my friend! Pinned!
Leslie J Watkins
Lynne- I am beyond excited to prepare for them being HOME! Long overdue. Thank you, always, for your sweet comments. I’m truly thankful you have joined me here! I love hopping with you!
Niky
So many great ideas! I love July 4th time with family, and you’ve really provided so much inspiration for making that time memorable and extra special!
Pinned to my July 4th Celebrations board!
Niky @ The House on Silverado
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Niky! I keep adding to the fun! I’m a bit obsessed with preparation right now!! Thank you for commenting and pinning, friend! Makes my heart happy!
Sonya
Thank you for sharing such great party planning ideas and tips. So grateful to be able to have a gathering this summer. Using some of your ideas and those muffins looks amazing. Happy to be hopping with you.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Sonya! This muffin recipe is a bit denser than my usual, but for some reason, they are one of my husband’s favorites. It was fun hopping with you, friend!
Janet
You’re in charge of planning my next party. You have all the details covered. I love the idea of using the star cutter to make the watermelon salad more interesting. And S’mores! What more needs to be said?
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Janet! Wouldn’t that be fun?! We had a family picnic yesterday and I took my grandmother’s quilts, a bit of red, white and blue and some of our family favorites! My watermelon was just cut into triangular pieces yesterday for those littles to grab and go and they did just that! There was a playground by the pavilion and it was a perfect gathering! I am thankful that all of us were vaccinated and that we were able to all be together. The first time since covid! Happy gathering with those you love, Janet!
Cindy Rust
Your celebration looks like so much fun! Our grandbaby isn’t old enough for games yet, so I will tuck these ideas away for the future. Funny you say that about allowing them to just be home. My daughter-in-law always says that the best part of coming to our home is that we just stay here and don’t do anything in particular. I know your mama’s heart will be thrilled with all your peeps together! Have fun!!
Leslie J Watkins
Cindy, I think home is where they aren’t distracted with work and their “to do” lists and ours have always relaxed when they are home. Praying that that always allows them that opportunity. I’ll take that any time! And…I am counting down the days!
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Rebecca
Leslie, I’m so happy to hear that you’re soon going to be enjoying the company of your family! Thanks for the wonderful party planning tips. I need to get better at starting early…I always seem to do things last minute lol! You can’t beat Dollar Tree for inexpensive and festive party supplies! I love how you cut the watermelon into stars. I’ll be trying that for sure! And those blueberry muffins looks amazing, too. It was fun hopping with you!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Rebecca. I am sooooo very excited! My brain won’t turn off of planning mode. Hopping with you and linking with you is ALWAYS great fun! So thankful you are in my life!
Olivia O'Hern
These are some great party planning tips! And also some very yummy looking recipes, I hope I’m invited. Thanks for sharing.
Leslie J Watkins
Oh, how I would love to have you join us, Olivia! You are ALWAYS welcome to the party!!
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Kippi Ohern
Happy 4th of July
Love,
Kippi
Leslie J Watkins
Thanks, Kippi! And Happy 4th to you! Our kids just left and my husband has requested all of the fourth favorites…so deviled eggs and potato salad are in progress with grilled burgers. Lots of cobbler, fresh veggies and fruit left over to add to the celebration!
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Esme Slabbert
Happy July 4th! I just returned home after a 2-day visit to the US and saw so many flags etc in anticipation of your celebrations.
Love your blueberry muffins. Have lots of frozen blueberries so will have to try this one.
Found your post at Whimsy Home Wednesday. My entries this week are numbered #37+38.
Please join and share your posts with us https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
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