Watch the Fireworks in Style This 4th of July
Updated: May 12, 2020Oh, my stars! Set out this fun, festive spread to watch fireworks, and you just might forget to look up.
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Set Up the Spread
Stake your claim to a patch of grass with a themed throw and some comfy pillows fitted with patriotic covers. We recommend providing food trays to steady snacks and prevent spillage.
Pro tip: Bring a basket full of extra blankets to pass out once the sun sets so everyone stays warm through the fireworks display. Your little group will welcome the chance to lounge until the big event begins.
Start the Show Early
Just because the fireworks won’t begin till after dark doesn’t mean you should wait! Fill canisters with non-aerial fireworks and get clever with the labels. You’ll all have a blast playing with sparklers, confetti poppers and snappers. Just be sure to take proper safety measures.
Get the Party Started!
What better way to bring on the fun than with a summery beverage? First, stir together the ingredients for Watermelon and Blackberry Sangria, then pop in the fridge to chill. The red and blue accents from the fruit pump up the patriotism. And a tub filled with ice ensures the drinks stay chilled, even outdoors. Finally, treat the kiddos to soda on this special day (trust us, the bottles will come in handy for the game on slide 6)!
Prep the Apps and Snacks
Your menu should be full of dishes that keep well and can be served cold or room temperature. Our picks for this picnic include a poppable snack, such as the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Snack Mix shown above; a heartier recipe, like Club Roll-Ups; and, of course, a summery side, like Fresh Summer Pasta Salad. Incorporating creative ingredients, like colored sprinkles or star-shaped pasta, helps guests get that much more in the spirit to celebrate.
Keep It Clean
Ensure you all leave the gathering as safe and healthy as when they arrived by providing items like hand wipes or hand sanitizer to use intermittently throughout the evening, especially before and after eating. To keep things clean, make sure to load the utensils handle side up into this cute wicker caddy! Stick a miniature flag and some tinsel into one compartment for added decoration.
Bring on the Games
Pass time till the show the old-school way: a ring toss. In a wooden crate, line up bottles, either full or empty, of your favorite sipper and get to throwing. Mason jar rings wrapped with yarn are an easy craft—and perfect for making soft landings. Position the crate closer or farther away, depending on skill level. Fire away! Your crew will love these other outdoor games, too.
Don’t Forget the Goodie Bags
Load up bags or boxes with fireworks-watching swag, like Pop Rocks, glow sticks and ear plugs. And for a truly unforgettable experience, splurge on some diffraction glasses, which come in all different snazzy styles. They’ll make the display look totally out of this world. Once you’re all decked out, sit back, relax and…look up!
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