What's the 4th of July without a backyard BBQ with family and friends to celebrate the red, white, and blue? This party is full of simple ideas for a patriotic celebration that doesn't take a ton of prep or cooking. Big balloons serve as the main decor, gingham red tablecloths and diner baskets keep tableware simple, and a make-your-own hot dog bar featuring toppings from around the USA allow guests to serve themselves. Keep the kids busy by setting up a patriotic USA sprinkler, and letting them decorate their bikes and scooters for an informal 4th of July parade!
I jazzed up the serving table with these patriotic pinwheel centerpieces! Find the tutorial for these simple decorations here! 
A few more balloons added to balloon sticks wrapped with wire garland and placed in a vase weighed down with rocks adds some pizzazz and height to each end of the table. 
Drinks were served in these pretty plastic glasses decorated with star stickers and paired with striped straws. 
Cutlery and napkins were kept secured from the wind in this pretty utensil caddy, which is perfect for an outdoor party. 
The highlight of the table was this make-your-own hot dog bar featuring toppings to make hot dogs from around the USA - Chicago dogs, New York dogs, and our local version of Texas dogs! The patriotic snack bowls worked perfectly to hold the various toppings. Find all the details of the hot dog topping bar here. 
Diner baskets lined with squares cut from this gingham tablecloth roll were the perfect portable dishware for the hot dogs! 
The kids loved the red, white and blue fruit kabobs made with strawberries, blackberries, and giant marshmallows threaded onto skewers. 
We finished off the simple meal with ice cream topped with red, white and blue sprinkles and candies served in the patriotic snack bowls. 
While the adults chatted over drinks, the kids decorated their own Statue of Liberty crowns from these simple craft kits and decorated their scooters for a 4th of July bike & scooter parade! 
After dinner the kids changed into their swimsuits for a run through the USA sprinkler! 
We also had this bean bag toss game set out for our party guests to have some old-fashioned fun. 
And we finished off the evening with a bang! These confetti party poppers are a great kid-friendly alternative to fireworks! 
Planning your own 4th of July get-together? Then make sure to get all the details of the make-your-own hot dog bar, patriotic pinwheel centerpieces, and 4th of July bike parade!
