We take time on July 4th to celebrate our independence as a country and to also make time for friends and loved ones. In these tough economic times, there is no need to break the bank to have a small gathering with friends at your home. Follow some of these fun yet simple tips.

• Have a potluck. Invite friends over for a friendly potluck. Place cloth tablecloths on picnic tables, gather silverware and share in the exchange of food.
• Send invites via email through online services such as Pingg or Evite. You will save money on postage and the price of invitations plus this is eco-friendly.
• If you want to provide guests with food, have simple finger foods. Ideas are: guacamole and chips, cut up veggies with yogurt dip, fruit skewers, and s’mores.
• Provide simple drinks (no need to purchase mass quantities of soda) such as lemonade or strawberry-ade. Nothing says summer more than a pitcher of homemade lemonade. Use ½ cup of sugar to 1 cup of water and 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Choose simple decorations. Hang your American flag. Find some canning jars and place sand in them, on top of that place a votive candle, light and enjoy. Or, hang white Christmas lights around your deck or porch for fun ambiance at night-time. Have the children place small American flags along the sidewalks and in the flower gardens.
• After dinner, have your children gather sticks for s’mores cooking. Break open a package of marshmallows and roast. Gather your favorite kind of chocolate and some graham crackers. Remember to always remind children of fire safety tips.
• Choose simple backyard games such as croquet and bocce. All-American favorites also include badminton and baseball.
• Gather friends and drive to the nearest fireworks show. Grab a blanket and make it a fun night time picnic. Bring snacks such as popcorn or chex mix.
• Look in the local community calendar section of your newspaper and see what is going on. There you can find out what is going on. Oftentimes on the fourth there will be local concerts, fairs, and fireworks. The best part is that these events are usually free.

The Fourth of July is a special time for our country and also for families to gather. Make it a simple yet memorable day for all. Memories made on these special occasions can often last a lifetime.