Perhaps one of the most fun parts of summertime is celebrating the Fourth of July. Whether you barbecue, host a formal dinner party, or just love to spend time outside and watch fireworks, it's a great holiday to kick back and relax. If it's your turn to host the annual Independence Day celebration, John Elliott Interiors is here to help you with great inspiration for food, drinks, activities, and party design! Keep reading and find your favorite ideas for the Fourth of July party this year.

Delicious Food

Most people associate a classic barbecue with the Fourth of July. This is a great go-to, but there are also some great ways to take your celebration up a notch this year. Instead of simply buying packages of hot dogs and hamburger patties, smoke your own meat for rich and delicious flavor that can't be replicated in a package. You can also split from traditional choices and grill steaks, chicken breasts or thighs, or even large portabella mushroom caps for your meal. Use fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season to make complementary sides for a delicious Fourth of July meal.

Fun Activities

Spending time together is fun and rewarding in itself, especially if you haven't been able to spend time with loved ones lately. If you're looking for some extra entertainment, classic lawn games are a great way to have a leisurely, fun time with your guests. Washers, horseshoes, corn hole, hillbilly golf, bocce ball, croquet... There are so many options available to choose from! You can also find "life-sized" lawn games like Jenga, Chess, and others to add an extra layer of fun to your games this year.

Tasty Treats

Create patriotic desserts to invoke the spirit of the holiday while you satisfy your sweet tooth! There are a lot of great ways to use red, white, and blue ingredients for that classic Fourth of July look. Use blueberries and raspberries on top of cheesecake to create a bright, patriotic flag design. Or make a poppy seed cake with strawberries tucked between the cake's layers. This give the impression of the stripes on the flag with a more subtle, upscale appearance.

Decorations

There are several different directions you can go with your Fourth of July decor. Go all-out with classic and bright red, white, and blue decorations for a fun and festive look. Use flags, hanging stars, sparklers, and fun banners for the most patriotic party on the block. If you prefer a gentler approach, choose red or blue as your main color and use several different shades throughout your decor. If you choose blue, use navy blue cloth napkins, light blue tableware, and ombre blue place mats. Then you can accentuate with the other color to still give the impression of the American Flag without being too literal.

Your Interior Designer at the Lake 

John Elliott Interiors loves bringing you inspiration and design expertise to help bring more fun and beauty into your life. If you are looking for an interior design that allows you to host beautiful parties with your friends and family, our team members are the best interior designers at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would love to help you! Give us a call to get started.