July bursts with sunshine, barbecues, and mouthwatering summer flavors. It’s also the time to celebrate the season with patriotic flair! So fire up that grill, deck out your space with festive decor, and get ready to create a menu bursting with red, white, and blue inspiration.
Planning a Fun-Filled Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to celebrate summer with friends and family. With a little inspiration, you can create a festive atmosphere that’s memorable and bursting with fun. Start by brainstorming some decorations for your celebration. Think red, white, and blue, but also incorporate other elements that reflect your personal style. For example:
Red, White, and Blue Decorations – show off your patriotic pride and deck out your space with patriotic party supplies, like streamers and banners. Use a festive balloon display and string up red, white, and blue lights in the yard, and/or display patriotic pinwheel spinners along your walkway.
Patriotic Table Settings – create a festive tablescape with a red, white, and blue tablecloth, use patriotic plates and napkins, and add centerpieces with mason jars filled with red, white, and blue flowers.
Plan for some engaging outdoor games that will keep everyone entertained. From the classic outdoor games like cornhole and frisbee to water balloon fights for the kids (and adults, too). And, don’t forget to create a playlist to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Food with a Patriotic Flair: Themed Menu Ideas for July
No need to only plan a menu around the Fourth of July holiday. Why not keep it festive and coordinate meals that include a patriotic twist all month long? Here’s some meal inspiration to get you started.
Red, White, and Blue Main Courses
Take your Fourth of July feast to the next level with creative main courses that burst with red, white, and blue.
- Customizable Kabobs – thread pieces of chicken (white), shrimp (red), cherry tomatoes and zucchini (blue).
- Colorful Burgers – use lean ground beef (red), top it with crumbled blue cheese (blue) and thinly sliced onion (white) for a colorful, tasty burger.
- Fun with Fish – top salmon (red) with blueberry glaze (blue) and a side of whipped potatoes (white) for a colorful meal.
Stars and Stripes Side Dishes
Let your sides shine with patriotic flair. Consider cutting watermelon, cheese, or cantaloupe into star shapes for a fun and festive touch.
- Red, White & Blue Potato Salad – think cubed potatoes (white) with chopped red onions (red) and topped with blue cheese crumbles (blue).
- Patriotic Coleslaw – shred cabbage (red), toss with a creamy dressing (white) and garnish with blueberries (blue).
- Firecracker Pasta Salad – use penne or rotini pasta (white), toss with cherry tomatoes (red) and dried blueberries (blue).
Patriotic Desserts
No celebration is complete without dessert. Try utilizing pops of red, white and blue colors into your treats, too.
- Fourth of July Candy – make candy colorful with dried craisins (red), dried blueberries or raisins (blue) and mini marshmallows (white).
- Fruit Parfaits – colorful fruit make this parfait festive. Use strawberries (red), blueberries (blue) and whipped (cream) to create a patriotic treat.
- Dipped S’mores Marshmallows – classics like s’mores goes with any occasion but swapping graham crackers for colorful red, white and blue sprinkles make this treat colorful.
Keeping Cool in July
Keep cool and enjoy your summer time meals by diving into easy recipes, by planning your grocery list and prepping ahead of time. For more meal planning inspiration, check out past menu plans. And, don’t forget dessert to finish off any meal.
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