Happy 4th of July!!!
Ok I know it’s still June but if you are going to throw a 4th of July party you need to planning now! We don’t actually throw a big party for the 4th, instead I take the kids to my in-laws for a week of grandparent time. What I did have though was a BIG family reunion (about 30 people) for Memorial Day weekend so I’m going to share with you some of my favorites from that event that you can use for the 4th.
DECOR
Freedom pillow | Star pillow | Yard Stake | Welcome outdoor pillow | one shoulder dress | Similar Flag plate | Tournament board
This was the first year that we hosted the family gathering so I asked my mother in law if I could borrow what ever she had used from years prior that they had hosted.
At some point one of our family memebers has this amazing metal yard sign made with our family name printed on it. This style is fun because it’s a magnet so you can change it out for different holidays and events.
After I got some great dishes, raffle tickets and red white and blue bunting I took a trip for a few more decor items at Kirklands. Also I ordered this tournament bracket board since in years past we have had all kinds of game tournaments.
Shop 4th of July Decor
FOOD
Gibson Cavallo Dress
To make a great event it’s important to have some great food, now for our event I catered our two dinners but we still had to figure out breakfast, lunch and snacks for two days. If you are putting together just an afternoon event (which most 4th of July parties are) then let’s just talk about snacks, drinks and BBQ items.
At our family reunion I was introduced to the most delicious seasoned pretzel sticks called Dot’s Homestyle Pretzel. Think of the seasoning that Chex Mix has but a bit spicier! These are hard to find in most stores but luckily I was able to order some on Amazon. I also was introduced to these Ritz Crisp & Thins that are airy and a mix between a cracker and a chip. My typical go-to especially for a BBQ are Julio’s Chips & Fresh guacamole.
Fresh Guacamole
2 large ripe avocados (pitted and chopped)
1 lime
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Roma tomato diced
2 sprigs of cilantro (taken off stem and chopped finely) *optional
Combine juice the lime into the bottom of your bowl. Add the salt and mix, then add the chopped avocados. Mix until smooth but still a little chunky. Then add the diced tomatoes and cilantro and mix until integrated. Serve immediately. To store for later use, place avocado pit in the bowl with the guacamole and then cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap down to the surface of the guacamole and store in refrigerator.
For drinks apprarently any time someone asked “What can I bring?” I said “Oh just bring some wine!” and low and behold we ended up with a TON. Although my cousin’s husband did introduce me to White Claw Hard Seltzer and OMG it’s amazing. If you like a lightly sweet flavored sparkling water you are gonna love these. Obviously they have less carbs and sugar than wine so great for those that are watching their macros.
For the kids we had honest juices, bottled water and hint water. I also made a big beverage dispenser filled with Ice Tea one day and water the next, although it would have been much easier with this double dispenser to have both drinks. Funny enough with all these drinks I totally forgot to pick up any sodas since we don’t drink a ton in our house (so don’t forget those). I think the old fashion glass bottles of coke make a cute display for a 4th of July party especially in this galvanized bucket with bottle opener.
Shop Food & Drinks
GAMES & FUN
Cat & Jack Romper
When we had the first family reunion the summer after our fall wedding I had no idea that I married into the best game playing, competitive family. We will play it all but over the years it has rotated between Five Crowns (card game), 42 (domino game), Crazy 8s (card game), Mexican Train (domino game) and horseshoes.
Now that the kids are older I quickly realized we are going to need some things for them to do as we get our serious game play on. This year we grabbed a blow up pool for them to splash in as well as a whole bunch of bubbles. Needless to say the bubbles were a hit and then the whole family got into the fun.
Cat & Jack Watermelon Tank | Primary Capri Pants | Glitter Slides | Fubble Bubble Wand
Now that the kids are getting older they are also getting into the gaming so this year we tried out Tenzi which was a total hit. It’s a great game because you can play it a ton of different ways as well as with adults and kids.
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OUTFITS
Now the last (and some would say most important part) is what to wear?!
I tried to handle the kids first and got them a bunch of stuff from Target since I knew they would only wear it a handful of times throughout the summer. Then I grabbed a ton of fun accessories for all the cousins to get into the patriotic spirit. Let’s just say the boys won for best dressed…
Hat | Glasses | Cat & Jack button up star shirt
Shop Kids Outfits
During our gathering I wore my Gibson faux wrap dress in blue stripe but since this dress has been massively sold out since it’s release I thought I would put together a couple more outfit options.
Fit Tips: size down if in-between, M
I love this new Gibson Cavallo dress because it has great red & blue colors but it’s not too overboard patriotic. It is lined and has pockets perfect for a July 4th BBQ because by this time it’s pretty hot in Texas. The big surprise though are the beautiful long ties at the ruffle neck.
Fit Tips: Dress size down if in-between, M
Now if you are going casual (like I will be this year) I wanted to find some easy outfits for hanging around the house and pool kind of day. The star & paisley camis are both from LOFT along with the red pull-on skirt and blue stripe pull on shorts. I love that they all can be mixed and matched for various outfits. The blue polka dot tank and red ankle pants are Old Navy but can easily mixed and matched into these outfits as well.
Fit Tips: Red pull-on skirt size down if in-between, M // Star cami tts, M // Paisley Cami tts, M // Blue polkadot tank tts, M // Red ankle pants size up if in-between, 12 // Drawstring shorts size up if in-between, L // Star pull-on skirt tts, 3 // Jacket tts, L // White tank size down if in-between, M
Star Cami | Red pull-on skirt | Flip Flops | Round Bag
Paisley Cami | Jeans | Similar Tote | Heeled Sandals
Tank | Pants | Similar flag bandana
Star Cami | Drawstring Shorts | Similar Tote | Flip Flops
Jacket | V Neck Tank | Star Skirt | Clutch | Sandals
Tank | Shorts | Similar Flip Flops | Sign | Earrings
Now that I have shown you all the things to do, eat, play and wear for July 4th have a wonderful time!
Please also be safe this holiday especially with little ones around water and fireworks.
All professional photography by Regan Morton Photography she is based in Austin and available for family, events, business, blogger and more!
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This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own! Read more about my site, privacy, and disclosure policies here.
