Going to any event can sometimes be more hassle than it is worth, especially when it comes to large events like the ones on the 4th of July. You have to think about how you will get to the location, costs and of course dealing with all the other people that you don’t know who will be there. Perhaps this year you might prepare your garden for summer and try hosting your own 4th of July garden party, if so here are some tips on how to make it great.
Plan the event, and send out invitations early
If you want to host a great party, then you will first need guests to host for. Considering the number of people who celebrate the 4th of July and how many events are held across the country, it would be advisable to plan your garden party and send out any invitations as early as possible to save on any disappointment by people not turning up.
Planning and receiving replies on how many people will potentially be attending will also help you figure out how much extra space is required, seating areas, food, and parking. So, don’t leave it too late, and even if the details of your party are not finished for the event, just try and get a rough head count of how many people want to attend. This way you can be better prepared to throw a great garden party.
Firework safety, dangers, and considerations to take into account
One of the main events for any 4th of July party is going to of course be the firework display. However, fireworks are dangerous and disruptive to locals, pets, and wildlife so great care should be taken if you plan to have a display at your party.
Have a designated firework lighter
This person should mark out and restrict the area of the garden which holds all the fireworks which are to be set off so that everyone else is at a safe distance.
Pets and wildlife
While it is possible to teach your dog not to fear fireworks, it can still be a very unpleasant experience for them and any local wildlife. Because of this, it is recommended that you start and finish your display as quickly as possible so that you do not prolong any discomfort and worry the animals may be feeling.
Be considerate with the time
If you live in a busy neighborhood you should consider what time you are setting off fireworks so as not to disturb or upset any neighbors, as this could lead to complaints.
So, when it comes to fireworks, take these pointers into consideration as they should help to keep your 4th of July garden party running more smoothly.
Think about the food that you will serve
People will inevitably get hungry, and what party is complete without food? The great thing about throwing a garden party on July 4th is that it is in the middle of summer and allows for many different types of food to be prepared and cooked, two of which are the following.
Picnic
This low-cost, low-effort meal style is great for an all-day or all-night choice as you can lay out all the food and drink in one area and people may come and go throughout the event, taking what they want when they want. It is also a great way to get others involved and delegate some of the costs and help with the party, as you can request that your guests bring certain foods with them to the picnic. Not to mention there is generally less washing up to attend to after the party.
Barbecue
The most common and a fan favorite for many friends and families is the traditional all-American barbecue. What better way to serve food at a 4th of July party than straight from a flaming hot grill? If this is the choice you go with when serving or making food, then you just know there will be no complaints about the food at your garden party.
Create a rough schedule to follow
Think of your garden party as a small 4th of July event, rather than a gathering at your property, and create a rough schedule to stick to. You don’t need to stick to this schedule religiously but having one to follow will ensure that your 4th of July garden party has everyone where you want them when you need them there. For example, including arrival times, when you will be serving food, when the games will take place, and of course when the firework display will be. You can put this information on your invitations or on a board at the party, this way everyone will know roughly where to be and when.
Consider your neighbors
Not only should you consider your neighbors when it comes to the firework display that you will inevitably set off, but you should also consider your neighbors and perhaps even your street when hosting a 4th of July party. There will generally be a lot of people, so not only will the noise levels be higher than normal from your property, but if they have traveled from afar then their vehicles could also cause congestion down your street. Most people will see no harm in anyone celebrating and having fun, especially on the 4th of July as they themselves will most likely be partaking in celebrations of their own. However, to ensure that your garden party doesn’t hit any unwanted snags, it is advisable to just warn or talk with any neighbors you might have, just so that they are aware and can raise any concerns that they might have with you before the day or night in question.
Plan some fun and traditional family games
There are plenty of games to play as a family at these garden parties, and you can change almost any standard game into a relevant 4th of July-themed one. For example, you could have a flag hunt instead of an egg hunt, where you are searching for tiny flags hidden throughout your garden and property, instead of eggs. Of course, there will be prizes at the end once the flags have been found.
Decorations and color schemes
Decorations, colors, and themes have a huge impact on any visual experience when people attend parties and events. There are several ways you can incorporate the famous colors of any 4th of July event into your garden party, such as hanging bunting, setting a red, white and blue dress code for all guests that attend, or by purchasing red, white, and blue paper plates and cups to eat from.
Not only will you make the garden party feel traditional and more colorful but it will help separate the event in people’s minds and memories from just a standard garden party.
Once the event has started, try to relax
The biggest tip to follow so that your 4th of July garden party is great and successful is to relax and enjoy yourself. The energy and mood you give off will have a huge impact on not only you and your family but on your guests as well. Everyone is here for a good time and so should you. You have spent days, weeks, or months planning this event so once it has started, just try to relax and enjoy yourself.
If you are planning to host your own garden party for the 4th of July this year, hopefully, some of these tips will help you make it a great day for everyone.
