As a little girl I can recall dreaming of the days I'd get to host others. Often times setting up my barbies around a table or pretending it was one of their birthdays or house warmings. In college I would rarely spend my allowance on groceries, but I always had decorative napkins for my morning coffee.
Making a space beautiful and a day memorable in time, has always been the goal. So of course, any reason for celebrating is one I am overjoyed to have! And over time my most cherished celebrations became the ones that feel more like an excuse to get together rather than a purposeful event.
I love days like the 4th of July because it's just one day, most times in the middle of the week, where friends and family can gather. Just one day, no plane rides needed, and only enough hours for a few beers and laughs.
So what are my go to ideas for a fun and easy 4th of July celebration?
Let the food talk for itself - Don't feel the need to go over the top with your food. Burgers and hot dogs with some bowls of chips and sliced watermelon is a lovely spread. Make it even easier by buying burgers from your favorite fast food chain, and get a box of snack sized chip bags to display. Adding water bottles and canned drinks to tin buckets is another great hosting hack for your guests to serve themselves and pretty up the scape.
Take advantage of your outdoor space - If you live in Texas like me, you know just how hot it will be come the beginning of July. I've made it a point to start collecting hand fans, and even smaller plug in options to place around our back yard. My other hack is to use large umbrellas over any outdoor games we set up, like corn hole, so everyone has retreat from the sun.
Make the fireworks the main attraction - Wether you have a firework show you can see from your home, or buy a few to pop on your own, scattering chairs around and passing a small champagne toast when it gets dark is a fun way to round out your night.
If you are still looking for a few fun things for your party, here is a LINK to my top picks. Wishing you all a stunning 4th of July!