100+ Tips, Hacks, Recipes and Crafts for July Fourth

Wait until the last minute to plan your 4th of July festivities? Are twenty of your closest friends and family showing up at 10 am on Saturday to nothing but that bottle of OJ in your fridge and half a package of Oreos? Well friends, you have come to the right place! First up …

5 Cocktail Hacks

First, let’s address the obvious. Throwing a party in the summer heat amid an abundance of outdoor life (read: bugs) is lunacy. But our American spirit knows no bounds. (“USA!” “USA!”) This video has 5 summer cocktail hacks that are genius! My personal faves in this Food.com creation are the drink covers and festive water balloons for your cooler.

26 Red, White and Blue Recipes

Worried about what to serve? If you’re looking for even more ideas, here’s a link to red, white, and blue recipes that cover everything from sides to drinks. Might I suggest the red, white, and blue burger? But, if you’re worried about your swimsuit bod, you may just want to stick to one of these slimmed-down, summery favorites!

Take a Crack at This 5-Step Craft

Expecting a few kiddos? I’m not above earning their love with candy-colored goodies if you aren’t. Fill these patriotic party crackers from HGTV.com with candy, confetti, and small toys. 

25 Ice Cream Goodies

You will, of course, want something to cool you down after the main meal. Here’s a round-up on Food.com of 25 ways you can recreate ice cream truck favorites at home. 

50 States of Adventure

Whew! Now, after all that, if you still feel like ditching town and taking a road trip with your sweetie for the weekend, might I suggest one of these 50 Travel Adventures? Thanks to GreatAmericanCountry.com, there’s one for every state! 

5 Landscape Photography Tips

Just remember to Instagram pics to make everyone jealous! Click here for 5 tips that will make those impromptu pics swoon-worthy.
Need more? Check out the recipes and crafts on HGTV’s Fourth of July page. Be safe and have fun!