Summer is here and we are excited about outdoor entertaining, backyard BBQs and pool parties! One of my favorite parts of summer is celebrating the 4th of July. There is something extra special about watching fireworks and celebrating the stars and stripes with an all-American summer soiree. This year, go beyond the typical backyard BBQ for your 4th of July celebration and plan a Boom! Pop! Pow! Popcorn Party for friends and neighbors before the big fireworks show starts.
I used the 4th of July hanging fans and made a DIY washi tape banner to decorate the top of the lemonade stand. 
I used old soda crates, glass jars and DIY Patriotic Chalkboards to decorate the rest of the space on the popcorn bar. 
You can't have a popcorn bar without lots of popcorn! I filled two large glass containers with popcorn and made easy DIY Popcorn Treat Cones. I love making these treat cones for parties, especially with little kids. These treat cones are easy for little hands to grab and go, and you can coordinate them to match with any party theme. Get the full tutorial for these creative little treats.
In addition to the popcorn, we had lots of candy too! Who doesn't love a candy buffet? My kids love being able to pick out their favorite types of candy and create their very own goodie bag with all their favorites. And since we are staying up late to watch the fireworks, a little extra sugar might help keep them awake! I loved the variety and assortments of patriotic candies available. My kids' favorite candy was clearly the large gumballs (red and blue), because they kept sneaking back over to get more. My favorite was the salt water taffy. It reminds me of trips to see my grandmother and catching candy at the 4th of July parade.
Since the 4th of July fireworks display is what inspired me to have this party, I thought it was only fitting that we create a signature popcorn recipe for our popcorn bar. Everybody loved the Firecracker Popcorn, you can get the recipe here.
One of my favorite details of this party are the custom firecraker balloons. First off, if you are planning a party anytime soon you absolutely must get a Balloon Time helium tank! With your own helium tank you don't have to worry about taking a trip to the store or figuring out how to get all the balloons in the car. I blew up a couple of balloons and attached custom stickers to the balloons. I used my Cricut to cut out a few simple 4th of July vinyl stickers for the red, white and blue balloons. It was a little windy out, so we only had a few outside, but I just love how they add the perfect amount of "POP" to our popcorn party.
I set out a jar full of glow sticks for the kids to grab as the sun goes down and the fireworks display starts.
The whole party will light up the night and celebrate one of summer's ultimate celebrations!
Make sure to check out my DIY 4th of July Firework Balloons. Also, check out my recipe for Firecracker Pop Rocks Popcorn so you can fill your popcorn treat cones with a simple and tasty treats.
