1. 4th of July Banner
How cute is this handmade 4th of July banner? Where are all my crafty ones at? This would be a fun craft to do with or without your kids. Of course, if kids are involved, this could keep them busy for a while (thank me later). Simply get popsicle sticks, paint, glue, and twine. So simple, yet so cute!
2. Star Fruit Skewers
OBSESSED with these star fruit skewers. And they are SO easy to make. Grab you a watermelon, it only makes sense to have one on the 4th. Slice it into large pieces and use a star cookie cutter. These specific ones have marshmallows and blueberries on the skewer with the melon!!!
3. Cupcake Shooters
Cupcake shooters in wine glasses (obviously have the red wine on hand to fill the glass after the sweets are eaten!) Grab some red, white, and blue M&Ms, top with a cupcake in a simple blue wrapper with white icing and toss some star sprinkles! That is it! Make sure to eat it quickly before all the wine runs out!
4. Food Display
If you have ever attended a 4th party, you most likely have seen one of these. But don’t forget about it for your own party! It's simple, easy, and just a way to display your food in a colorful way to look like a flag and make you hostess of the year! (even if you are not!)
5. Rice Krispy Treats
Rice Krispy treats! I have totally made these for my son’s class one year but in a frog shape. A little hack is to buy the premade treats! Unwrap the paper, stick a striped straw in the top (which can be found anywhere!), dip in icing or chocolate, and add sprinkles. SO GOOD!!!
6. Patriotic Caprese Salad
Patriotic Caprese Salad? Not sure why we haven’t tried this yet!! Caprese salads are a staple for summer! They are light but filling. This one has blueberries added to it which I loved! Simply get cherry tomatoes (I like the little sweet ones) and cut them in half. Add fresh basil, mozzarella that is in the shape of stars (thanks to a cookie cutter), a balsamic glaze, olive oil, and sea salt with cracked black pepper! This would be awesome to sit out in a white bowl! It takes little time but it looks like you worked all day! Your guests will love it!
7. Bowling
Bring bowling to your party!! The kids and even adults are sure to enjoy it. This is a back-yard bowling game that is easily made with different items from hobby lobby! How fun would this be to make with your kids? Hobby Lobby has a great tutorial on it!
8. Rum, Chocolate Strawberry
Do you see this beautiful thing?! What is it you ask?! Yall! This is a RUM, CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY!! Where have these been all my life. Take strawberries and soak them in rum for 24 hours. Dip them in white chocolate and role in blue sprinkles. Can you say 4th of July?! Just make sure to keep these in an adult container so the kids do not get confused!
9. Red, White, and Blue Parfait
Red, White, and Blue parfait! This is a healthier option for you and your guests. It can be served in any type of serving cup and you can use any red or blue fruit. (I think I will add some blackberries.) Tear up a little angel food cake, add some honey Greek yogurt, and you are done!
10. Fresh Center Piece
Are you looking for a simple yet fresh centerpiece or piece of décor? I love hydrangeas in the summertime, and you can typically find them for cheap! Grab a little wooden crate and spray, paint it white and load it up with them! You can get mini flags from the dollar store or Walmart! How pretty is this?
11. Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe. Another super cute craft AND game in ONE! This is another little thing that you can make alone or with your kids. You can find wooden letters like these for super cheap at places like Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Grab some dollar paint and paintbrushes and paint away. Lay out some rope and you have a large game of tic-tac-toe to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own backyard!
12. Balloon Darts
Balloon Darts?! How FUN!!!!!
13. Festive Moscow Mules
Festive Moscow Mules?!!! Ok! Now we're talking! Moscow Mules are one of my favorite adult beverages in the summertime! Simply add vodka, LOTS of fresh lime, and top off with ginger beer in a copper mug. This keeps them extra cold! These have red, white, and blue fruit on a straw with some fresh mint!! I will for sure be making these for my friends!
14. 4th Sangria
4th Sangria! Sangrias are great in the summertime and super refreshing! They are easy to throw together and let sit in the fridge! I love letting my fruit sit for a while to soak! This recipe contains a bottle of sparkling lemonade, a bottle of white wine (I prefer a sweeter wine like Moscato but a Pinot Grigio is good too), toss in some cut up white peaches, fresh strawberries, and blueberries and away you go!
15. Charcuterie Boards
As a girl who owned and ran her own Charcuterie business, this board screams my name! I love charcuterie boards because there is always something for everyone. This one is full of red, white, and blue treats and I can promise you if you make a trip to Trader Joes, you will be able to find ALL the festive ingredients you need!
16. Table Setting
Having more of a sit-down dinner? Maybe just close friends or just your family? I loved this table setting. I always have loved simple white dishes. I love how they paired them with the brown and topped with a flag. Simple and classy but full of flare.
17. Handmade Shirts
What is the 4th if you don’t have some gear? I loved these shirts that are handmade with the little handprints. You can find simple white shirts and Ts at Hobby Lobby and then have fun painting them with your family! Plus, it’s a super cute keepsake!
No matter what you do or where you go on this 4th of July, we at AWay Home Loans hope you stay safe. We hope you remember what this holiday is all about and that you take a minute to thank those brave men and women who give their lives so we can celebrate days like today with the ones we love most. And remember, if you drink, DON’T DRIVE.
Stay Safe Friends and May God Bless the USA!