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It’s time to prepare for America’s favorite holiday 4th of July. As you begin brainstorming ideas, you may be wondering how you can plan a fun and engaging party for the entire family. There’s so much to consider including food, activities, dessert and cleaning. And if you’re looking to invite friends and family, being organized will be critical towards the success of this special day. So how can you begin planning and bringing those creative ideas to life without increasing your blood pressure?

Consider the following tips that will help you organize the entire event from start to finish.

It Starts With The Invitations

The first step is to think about your guest list. The guests you invite will determine the type of food you cook, the activities you plan, and the overall theme of this big holiday. Make sure you send out invites early to ensure that guests have ample time to prepare.

The secret to getting more people to come is by making the invitation unique. Rather than sending out a group text message, take people back in time by sending a postcard or handwritten note in the mail. Of course, the note should be dripped in red, white, and blue- along with a witty description of what the big day will be all about. A pun about fireworks is sure to draw lots of attention!

Get Your Children Involved in Cleaning

After sending out the invitations, you should begin tackling the clutter in your home. This is the perfect time to carry out a spring-cleaning if you didn’t do so earlier. Make the cleaning process fun by including your kids. They should start in their rooms, after which they can lend a helping hand with removing clutter from the living room.

Reward your kids with presents- and don’t forget to play some fun music during cleaning hours!

Planning Your Table Décor

After having a clean home, the next step is to consider your table décor. Elements of red, white, and blue are essential, but feel free to blend other neutrals and bold selections as appropriate. For example, a neutral tablecloth forms the perfect backdrop for bright plates and centerpieces. Then add some red flowers to infuse an organic feel into the entire home. The key to organization is keeping everything simple. The colors of our flag give you many different combinations you can use to make your tables enjoyable.

Food Ideas

The heart of any 4th of July party is the food. This is where your guests will spend the most time, and you should center your theme accordingly. Feel free to be creative around what you prepare (but make sure you consider those with food allergies).

Depending on your budget, you can go all out with a luxury buffet or keep it simple with a taco bar. Having everyone bring a small dish is also an exciting way of increasing food selection. Regardless of what you cook, make sure you prepare something off the grill. Cookouts are an essential part of 4th of July culture because of the warm weather.

Moms may consider having their significant other (or a family member) help with preparing items fresh off the grill. Designating a grille person will help you remain organized during the party. And lastly, make sure there's enough food for all your guests.

Get Some Portable Flags Ready

What’s the fun of 4th of July without having some portable flags? These flags are fun for the kids to play with, and for adults to show their Independence Day pride. But make sure you purchase them early. Flags tend to go fast as the big day approaches.

Plan Exciting Pool Games

If you have a swimming pool in your home, make good use of it by planning kid-friendly activities. Consider purchasing themed pool noodles for an afternoon of pool tag. Star-Spangled floaters are also an excellent option for this big day.

Don’t Forget Dessert

After the main course, your guests will be ready for some tasty dessert. This is another opportunity to remind them of your theme and the joy of Independence Day. You can never go wrong with a cake that’s infused with the red, white, and blue. Also consider adding some brightly colored brownies, doughnuts with sprinkles, and tasty lemon bars.

With these tips, you can plan a fun and engaging 4th of July party for the entire family- without tearing your hair out. Good luck!