How to Host the Best 4th of July BBQ

My ideal Fourth of July would be a super chill night filled with plenty of snacks, frozen cocktails, a pool to dip my feet in, and fireworks. In that order. Ha! If you’re hosting or attending a barbecue this Independence Day, keep reading for some easy recipe ideas (like beet-dyed deviled eggs) crafts, and games to add to the fun.

Bomb pop shots—the grown up way to enjoy a childhood favorite! Can we talk about that pretty ombre effect?

A little bit sweet and a little bit savory. I doubt these chocolate dipped pretzels wouldn’t last very long..

Emma made blueberry ricotta toasts and two other super easy appetizers for our studio housewarming party a few years back. It’s hard to beat recipes that can be prepared ahead of time!

Jellooo shots. Watermelon, pink lemonade, or mojito would be perfect flavors on the 4th.

Hummus—it’s easy to make, people love it, and we have a bunch of recipes to choose from, like this one made with black beans.S’mores!! If you don’t have a fire pit, you can use these cans and whip up a batch of red wine marshmallows. They are SO good.

Speaking of marshmallows, campfire cake packs all the goodness of the marshmallowy treat. Save a slice to enjoy with your morning coffee. 🙂

Back on the savory train— Emma’s jalapeño popper dip. My family requests it several times a year!

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a snow cone truck at your party (is this possible?!), Laura’s festive cupcakes will suffice. 😉Margaritas are another must-have, especially when they’re made with fresh mango—yum! Extra points if you put them in ice pop molds.

Did someone say “no-bake?” Skip the boxed mix and make this cherry cheesecake instead. It’s made with a secret, delicious ingredient.

Now, let’s talk about decor. Emma hosted a backyard party a few years back with the best vibe. Click here for some inspiration. If s’mores are on the menu, this would be a cute way to set up your table.

One of my favorite things about having a party is hanging out by the fire pit. If you don’t have one, check out this post to learn how to make your own. Feeling adventurous? You can make a fire pit bench, too.

Make a set of pineapple jars (there’s a video tutorial in the post—they’re easy) and fill them with lights to make it extra cozy outside.

If you’re serving fruit or cheese, make a cute serving board. Dragonfruit is super pretty, but you could pick any kind of fruit or design for yours.

It’s always a good idea to have a few yard games to choose from, like washers, cornhole, or a giant Jenga set.

OK, Jenga isn’t really a yard game but it’s so fun.

Make a batch of red, white, and blue colored powder (it’s non-toxic) and let the fun ensue.Sparklers are my favorite firework. They’re pretttty. Check out the post Janae wrote about light painting so you can capture cool photos of them.

Do you have your string lights ready? Here’s a few tips you can use to hang them like a pro.

And, two of our favorite hairstyles that will keep you looking fresh during the hot (and humid) weather. This is Emma’s favorite way to wear her hair in the summer. It’s so cute on her! Laura likes to give her hair extra wave and texture with a homemade salt spray.

Even if you’re having a low-key 4th of July this year, make some s’mores, OK? You can put them in the microwave. 😉

If you use any ideas from this post, let us know on Instagram. We love hearing from you! xo, The ABM Team