Summer entertaining should be easy, don’t you think? Read on for some fuss-free ideas to celebrate the 4th or any other summer festivities.
In Seattle at the peak of summer the sun won’t set until about 9PM. It is wonderful to have so much daylight! We try not to spend too much time indoors. It is the time to be in a lake, on a lake, on a beach, in the yard, dining alfresco- you get the picture. Especially on a holiday, we want to spend time with family and friends without a lot of fuss and prep. What are your easy party prep tips? I’ll share mine, and you can share yours later down in comments.
If you are joining from Renae’s site, Peacock Ridge Farm, thanks for visiting! Isn’t her yard game idea so fun? And make sure to see all the other great Fourth of July inspo at the end of my post.
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Fresh flowers- from your yard or the store!
I cut these roses from our yard and placed them in a enamel pitcher from IKEA. The little step stool is from an estate sale and the blue votive is an old Target purchase. Easy peasy lemon squeezy as my son says.
Color coordinating food!
This is the nobrainer, right? One year I made vanilla cupcakes and then used strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries as my decorations. You can easily add berries to store bought cupcakes to save even more time. One year I made skewers with red and blue berries mixed with marshmallows. They were a hit with the kids, but we had to help them around the sharp side of the skewer. Check out this yummy strawberry cupcake recipe that would be perfect for a Fourth of July barbeque! Side note- This platter broke beyond repair and I still miss it! Sigh.
Set up a buffet-style meal.
Set out everything and let guests help themselves. Placing items at varying heights is a fun way to add interest to your table. When I created my wedding registry, I chose red and white Fiestaware items so that I would have the ability to mix and match for holidays. We use the sets everyday, and then on holidays like Christmas, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July, I can mix in platters and other serving items to create a festive look. There are more colorful foods too- the strawberry lemonade, popcorn, blueberries, and cherries for the red, white, and blue!
Want a super easy holiday meal? Make your event a potluck and ask friends and family to bring a side. You can provide the appetizers and mains, while guests bring the sides and dessert.
Set up activities for the kids.
This photo is from Fourth Of July a couple years ago. My little guy has grown so much since this was taken! Our neighborhood normally has a parade where two blocks near the community center are closed off. Everyone gathers in front of the community center to decorate bikes or scooters and then the kids can ride around the closed off streets. Neighbors come out to cheer on the kids and the kiddos can burn off energy. Sometimes the fire department brings a truck and the kids are allowed to climb in and around. It is a very sweet gathering. As you can see, my little guy didn’t add too much to his scooter. I think he was more interested in riding! This is an idea that can easily be done at home too. You can provide the decorations and guests can make sure to bring a “vehicle” for the kids.
More fun for the 4th!
Next up on the hop is Leslie, from Feet Under My Table and her planning tips! Check out all the other accounts below for more summer entertaining ideas.
Kippi at Home // House on Silverado // Sonya Burgess // Zucchini Sisters
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My Family Thyme // A Life of Balance // From Farmhouse to Florida // Peacock Ridge Farm
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This Dear Casa // Feet Under My Table // Darling & Dapper Life // Olivia O’Hern
Plan a festive outfit that you will wear all summer.
I’m not sure about the weather where you are, but when in Southern California and now in Seattle, warm weather isn’t a guarantee on the Fourth. I love dresses because they are easy. Put it on and you’re mostly done, except for accessories and a jacket to throw on while watching fireworks. But if the weather is overcast and cold you need other options like a cute top to pair with jeans. In addition to the items pictured in the collage, I linked a few more cute things that you can click through.
Thank you!
Thanks for reading. I appreciate your visit to our casa! Are you excited for summer? I am so excited for warmer days and outdoor gatherings! Don’t forget to share your party planning tips in the comments section!