It’s not too late to make it look like you planned all year long for your Fourth of July celebration. We searched the newsstands and even our own archives to dig up some Fourth of July favorites. Here are fun and quick ideas to make your party festive in a flash.
1. First things first: start with Old Glory!
We love the impact of the American flag in a patriotic home renovation (featured in this month’s Coastal Living magazine). You could get the same effect by adding a large flag to any accent wall — inside or out.
![]() |
Photo: Coastal Living |
2. Play with your food.
Nature provides plentiful sources for red, white and blue treats, so go ahead and play with your food and your guests will enjoy their edible art.
Fruit on a stick — so easy the kids can make them for you!
![]() |
Photo: Family Circle |
![]() |
Photo: Weelicious |
![]() |
Source: skinnytaste.com |
Ice cream sundae toppings as a colorful centerpiece — pretty, tasty and easy!
![]() |
Photo: Better Homes & Gardens |
3. Keep it simple
Simple vases or water glasses (like the Marta Cooler from CB2) with colored stones or striped sand will dress up basic candles in patriotic style.
![]() |
Photo: Better Homes & Gardens |
![]() |
Photo: Martha Stewart Living |
4. Add some sparkle and shine!
Save yourself some time and energy and purchase a cake from your local bakery. Then jazz it up with sparklers or colorful fruit.
![]() |
Photo: HGTV |
![]() |
Photo: Martha Stewart Living |
So go ahead and rally the troops to pull together a quick party for your patriotic family and friends — it’s easy to make them think you were born to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Do it!
P.S. Don’t forget the cocktails!
![]() |
Learn how to tap into this great idea here. |
![]() |
Spiked Lemonade |
![]() |
Guy Fieri’s 4th of July Cocktail |
Want more? Take a look back at Fourth of July, Whittington Design Studio style: 2012. 2011.