Fun ideas for a patriotic Independence Day picnic.
The Fourth of July is a perfect time to gather family, friends and neighbors for a picnic in the backyard, a local park, lakeside or poolside. It’s all-American summertime fun at its finest. We have a few ideas that will help you step up the festivities with creative ideas for food, decorations and activities.
Patriotic Eats
Dress up your go-to picnic foods with unique pairings, fresh ingredients and color. There are so many Fourth of July recipes out there! Love corn on the cob? Check out these interesting variations, including a bacon-wrapped recipe. Can’t decide between burgers or brats? Why not both with this recipe for sweet and smoky bacon brat burgers? There are endless combinations for gourmet burgers if those don’t strike your fancy.
Incorporate the red, white and blue theme into your foods. Think fresh blueberries and strawberries with whipped cream over angel food cake or vanilla bean ice cream. Make your sugar cookies star spangled with sprinkles. This Fourth of July, beverages stays true to the theme with yummy watermelon juice garnished with fresh blueberries.
Red, White and Blue Décor
Mason jars beat out plastic cups for beverage glasses any day. Make yours more festive by wrapping them in red, white and blue yarn. Mason jars also work well as vases for brightly colored daisies, carnations and blue hydrangeas. Add even more interest by painting the mason jars in patriotic colors. If the kids have time on their hands, enlist their help creating these craftily wrapped sparklers and matchbox covers, or these simple napkin holders made from paint color strips.
Activities
Fourth of July fireworks are a must. Lead up to the grand finale with activities to keep your guests entertained. Hosting lakeside? Try stand-up paddle boarding or opt for the fan favorites of traditional waterskiing, canoeing or fishing. If you’re in the backyard, volleyball, bocce ball or a good-old-fashioned water balloon toss will get everyone laughing. Local parks usually come with some form of entertainment, be it playgrounds, a beach or hiking trails.
Are you feeling inspired? Explore our great nation and Check Out These Top U.S. Hiking Trails.
