What you need for Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is always a big event on the summer calendar, and you can make this year’s celebration the best one yet. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate this Independence Day in style. We cover everything, including great party favors, fun games and activities to set up, as well as where to find festive stars and stripes decorations that are bound to impress your guests.
What you need for a BBQ
Nothing beats good food and good friends on the Fourth of July. That’s why a BBQ is the perfect choice for celebrating in the summer. If you don’t already have a grill, this Weber Kettle Grill holds up to nine burgers at a time. It’s a good value and perfect for beginners because it’s easy and straightforward to use. However, if you’re planning on catering to more guests, this durable Char-Broil grill offers a lot more cooking space. And be sure to brush up on your flipping technique, too! This Grillight Spatula has a built-in light so you can keep on grilling even after dark.
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Garden games
Keep the kids entertained in the garden with an outdoor game. Our favorite is Spikeball, available on Amazon. The game is similar to volleyball and is sure to get the young and young at heart moving in no time. The game is fairly easy to fold away and store, too, making clean up at the end of the party a little easier for the hosts.
Water guns
On a sunny Independence Day, water guns are definitely on our list of essentials. Not only are they ideal for cooling you down when the day gets too hot, but they also are a fun activity the kids can use in the pool or garden. We recommend this foam Power Water Launcher, which can shoot water up to 45 feet away and promises hours of endless fun.
Inflatable pool toys
Inflatable pool toys will certainly bring some fun to your celebration. This inflatable basketball hoop game is a fun pool game that both adults and kids will love. It comes with a pool-friendly basketball and is a great toy to use throughout the entire summer. If you’re going for a more chill, relaxed vibe, this American flag pool float will add some fun flair to your pool and works great for those wanting to enjoy the Fourth of July in aquatic style.
Themed decorations
Decorations can take your celebration to the next level and make for some great photo opportunities. Show your patriotic side with flag bunting banners that can hang indoors or out. If you want to stick to the classic red, white and blue in your decorations, these foil star balloons are ideal for helping to create a real celebratory feel to the day. If you’re planning on serving food, decorate your table with a Fourth of July-themed table runner like this one from Macy’s.
Fireworks or outdoor lights
Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand in hand, but if you can’t get to an outdoor fireworks show, have one in the backyard or driveway! You can stock up on sparklers and ground fireworks for a fun, festive display. Remember to keep a safe distance when lighting fireworks, and read instructions carefully before use as they can be very dangerous if not used properly.
If you want an easy, reliable alternative to traditional fireworks, we love these solar outdoor lights that almost look like fireworks. They are festive and will last for years, so you can use them to celebrate for years to come. Standard fairy lights are always a great idea because they add ambiance after it gets dark. These string lights are a great choice because they are weather-resistant and work both indoors and outdoors.
Memorable photos
The Fourth of July is a great time to make memories with family and friends, so be sure to set aside time to capture these moments. You can take lots of pictures on your phone or digital camera, but we think there is something special about having a physical photograph to hold on to as a memento of your celebrations. This Polaroid camera takes and prints your photos instantly, so you and your guests can keep them as a sweet reminder of the special occasion you shared.
Bowls and plates
If you have a lot of kids coming to the celebration, it’s a good idea to get paper plates and paper bowls to avoid accidentally dropping dishes. These red, white and blue party bowls from Etsy are perfect for Independence Day snacks. If your party is adults only and you want to have patriotic dishes on hand for future celebrations, check out this set of the Fourth of July-themed ceramic bowls. They come in three different sizes, making them ideal for serving snacks throughout the day.
Glasses or cups
Providing glasses or cups with lids is a great idea to avoid spilling. It also keeps curious flies and bees at bay. Mason jars with lids and straws are a good alternative to regular glasses or fragile stemware. These mason jars
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have handles and come in a pack of six. They are also dishwasher safe. And if you want to stay on theme, you can hand out these American flag paper straws. Or you can try some red, white and blue star-shaped ice cubes to give all your drinks that special Fourth of July finish.Wireless speakers
Good music is a staple of any Fourth of July celebration, so you’ll need an excellent speaker to play tunes throughout the day. We love this JBL Portable Wireless Speaker, and think it is a great option for any celebratory occasion. It is fully portable, so if the party moves between indoors and outdoors, you can simply move the speaker along with you. The battery touts a 20-hour playtime, so it’s bound to last throughout the night. This speaker is also waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about keeping it away from the pool. Even if one of your guests spills a drink on it, it can easily withstand splashes.
Sunscreen
In all the fun and excitement, it can be all too easy to forget about sunscreen. But if you plan to stay outdoors for most of the day, it’s crucial to remember to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. We recommend this spray-on sunscreen so everyone can quickly reapply when needed. It’s waterproof and offers a wide spray, making for quick and easy application. And with its broad-spectrum SPF 50, you’ll have a high level of protection even if you’re in the pool. However, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours to ensure you have sun protection throughout the day.
Heather Roy is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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