It's hard to believe we're already in the middle of summer and the season's biggest national holiday is coming up: Fourth of July! It's a great reason to throw a party to celebrate America's independence! If you're hosting a Fourth of July party this year, impress your guests by making it festive! Check out the DIY projects below to help you get started.Transform empty glass bottles into patriotic centerpieces with a little bit of washi tape, paint, twine and stickers!
at the picket fence
Red, White, and Blue Toothpicks
Even something simple as a festive toothpick will make your appetizers and desserts look more themed! Just add some tinsel pompoms and patterned flags to some plain toothpicks and you're good to go.
consumer crafts
Ombre Wreath
Wreaths aren't strictly for end of the year holidays, they're appropriate all year round. You can recreate this festive wreath by putting together an assortment of fabric scraps.
tell over and party
July 4th Layered Drinks
Keep it PG with these mocktails that are just as tasty. Just layer blue Gatorade on top of Sobe pina colada on top of cranberry juice and voila! Be sure to let your guests do all the stirring.
in katrinas kitchen
Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
Who doesn't love a delicious ice cream sandwich on a hot day. Make them festive by rolling them around in red, white and blue sprinkles and tada!
freut cake
Balloon Dart Game
The best addition to any party: a group activity that anyone can participate in. Create a wall of treat-filled balloons that people can pop with darts!
porch
Brownie Flag
What's a better way of decorating your home than with desserts?! You get to kill two birds with one stone with this delicious brownie. To make it even more impressive, include 50 blueberries for each state!
spicy southern kitchen
Star Spangled Banner
Decorate a mantle in your home with this star spangled banner! All you need is burlap, acrylic paint, hot glue gun, ribbon, and twine.
see vanessa craft
Lollipop Bouquet
Put together this easy-to-make bouquet of blue and red lollipops for a sweet centerpiece everyone will love, especially the kids.
glue stick blog
Flag Lanterns
You can use pickle jars, mason jars, any jars for this project! Purchase some cheap miniature flags from Target or the dollar store and attach them to the jars with adhesive tape. Place a candle inside and voila!
keep calm and decorate
Plastic Cup Twirlers
No garland will be easier to make than this one! All you need to do is cut up regular disposable plastic cups into these cool spirals.
i can teach my child
Patriotic Utensils
Spice up your plastic utensils by adding some festive washi tape to them! All you have to do is pick out the tape and apply it to the utensils!
tikkido
Striped Lanterns
Add these super affordable white orbs to any tree and it'll automatically turn it into a national monument. Be sure to add red, white and blue ribbons to the middle of the orbs as well!
MICHAEL PARTENIO
Paper Pinwheels
If you've got a party with a lot of kids, it's probably best to skip the sparklers this year. However, you can replace them with these festive pinwheels instead!
good housekeeping
Bandanna Cushions
Soften everyone's seat with these festive pillow covers that you don't have to sew! Simply place a pillow between two bandannas and then tie each corner with a rubber band! You can then hide the rubber bands with ribbon.
MICHAEL PARTENIO
American Flag Backdrop
Providing a nice colorful backdrop at a party is always great for guests who want to take photos to remember the event by. You can recreate this flag backdrop with various fabric strips.
laughing latte
String Lights
The best Fourth of July parties are the ones that last all the way into the night. Keep your party going with these festive lights that are composed out of red, white and blue yarn.
ehow
American Flag Cupcakes
Recreate these flag cupcakes from store bought cupcakes! Simply use a knife to remove the excess frosting so that you're left with a flat top. Cut out strips of red fruit roll-ups to create the flag stripes and use blueberries for the stars.
freut cake
Firework Salt Painting
Do you need to keep a group of kids occupied at your Fourth of July party? Provide this fun salt painting activity! Simply use Elmer's glue to design fireworks, sprinkle over it with salt and then paint away.
busy mommy media
Patriotic Play Dough
Or you can provide play dough for the kids to play with! Keep it festive by offering it in red, white and blue.
plain vanilla mom
Firecracker Jell-O Cups
You can make these virgin or add a little alcohol into them for the adults. Layer red, white and blue Jell-o (with a cherry on top) on top of each other to make these little gems.
cincy shopper
Red White and Blue Strawberry Jell-O Shots
We've all heard of the traditional Jell-o shots, but have you heard of strawberry Jell-o shots? Instead of in a mini cup, the Jell-o goes into a half cut strawberry along with some milk or cream and it's absolutely delectable.
table spoon
Patriotic Puppy Chow
If you've got dogs at your house, help keep them in the festive mood too by offering them this patriotic puppy chow!
sweet as a cookie
Cardboard Tube Rocket Ships
Here's another fun activity for the kids at the party! Using cardboard tubes and a few other simple materials, they can create rocket ships.
hello wonderful
Ribbon Wand
Make your Fourth of July party even more festive by providing these ribbon wands! All you need are dowel rods, thin ribbon, screw eye hooks and scissors.