How to Celebrate the 4th of July

A national holiday, Independence Day marks the birth of the United States of America. Commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, it is often referred to as simply the 4th of July. Whether you're planning to spend an intimate 4th of July at home with the family or your significant other, or whether you're hosting a larger celebration, make your day extra special when you include some of these tasty recipes, striking decorations, and engaging activities.

4th of July Recipes

Whether you're joining millions of other Americans in enjoying a classic cookout for Independence Day, or whether you've planned to dine on more original fare, inject some patriotism into your meal with some red-white-and blue-colored delights.

This watermelon feta salad is fresh and tasty, making for a perfect side on a hot summer's day. Sitting on a bed of greens, it's quick and easy to arrange small cubes of red watermelon and pale feta into stripes, complete with a square of blueberries in the corner to replicate the U.S. flag.

Cupcakes are a popular sweet treat, great for nibbling on after the main meal. Celebrate America with these delicious vanilla cupcakes, topped with an eye-catching swirl of red, white, and blue frosting.

Keep cool on a warm day with a beautiful red, white and blue smoothie. Packed with nutrients, the layered drink contains fruit juices and fresh fruit like blueberries, bananas, and strawberries. Simply blend ingredients for each layer, pour into a glass, and freeze before adding the next stripe.

4th of July Décor

Fireworks are somewhat synonymous with 4th of July celebrations. There are many ways to add some firework flair to your celebrations, from joyful table decorations and modern wall art to cute throw pillows suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and vibrant solar-powered LED lights to illuminate your yard after dark. If you're feeling creative, this fireworks wreath would look stunning hanging on your door. Keen gardeners can jazz up planters to bring festivity to the garden, or there are plenty of DIY firework crafts to enjoy with your kids in preparation for your 4th of July celebrations.

Bunting and banners are an easy way of making a statement and creating visual appeal with minimal fuss and preparation. Versatile and easy to display, you can hang themed banners and bunting in an array of places, from along the fence and on your home's exterior to across the mantelpiece and along the edge of your stairs. Available in different lengths, these stars and stripes pennants would certainly show national pride. Alternatively, this sturdy burlap bunting brings retro feels to Independence Day home décor, or you can go full 1940s vintage and make your own striking banner with plenty of nostalgia.

4th of July Party Games

Play ‘Pin the Hat on Uncle Sam' for giggles galore from people of all ages. The fun game provides a festive twist to the classic ‘pin the tail on the donkey' and is suitable for enjoying both inside and outdoors. You can easily download and print images, ready for the fun to begin. Why not have prizes for those who pin their hat closest to the head?

Arrange a themed scavenger hunt for your little ones, play classic yard games like cornhole and ring toss, splash about in the pool, prepare a U.S. trivia quiz, play president snap … the possibilities are endless!