Guest Author - Amelia Johnson
The Invitation:
-Since this holiday is meant to be relaxing, why not by pre-printed invitations? Use ‘fill-in-the-blank’ invites from your local craft store or order fully printed versions from any local copy stores.
-American flags, old-fashioned photos of your town, or fireworks displays would be appropriate backing for your invitations.
The Decoration:
-American flags, red, white, and blue streamers, banners, or retro posters are fitting decorations for walls and ceilings
-Fill an empty paint can (you can find new empties, unlabeled in your craft store or home center) with a mixture of daisies, paintbrushes (clean or dirty), stir sticks, and greenery and use as a centerpiece
-Buy small, inexpensive hammers and tie red/white/blue ribbon to the end. Use as party favors or place card holders (writing your guests names on them in permanent marker)
-If doing the party picnic style, use old tools (screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, etc) laid on the corners of an old blanket as your table.
Tip: You should be able to use many of your party supplies from your 4th of July party for this party as well!
The Activity:
-Play any classic games: softball, horseshoes, volleyball, badminton, flag football, or corn-hole.
-Before dinner activity could include watching a local parade together or watching a sporting event (such as baseball) on tv.
-The after dinner activity of choice would be watching a fireworks display.
The Food:
The following food items will be acceptable for either a picnic style party, buffet party, or a sit-down style dinner on this occasion:
-Friend chicken, grilled hamburgers, steak, or hot dogs
-Potato Salad, Macaroni salad, or pasta salad
-Coleslaw
-baked beans
-watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes (seedless), or blueberries
-Potato chips
-Cake, pie, or cobbler
-ice cream
-Sodas, water, or beer, all served on ice
Final Tips:
If you do decide to have this party picnic style, and choose to do so away from home, be sure to pack the following picnic essentials:
-Disposable plates, silverware, cups, napkins
-Tablecloth (see the decoration section)
-Trash bags
-Serving spoons, and at least 2 knives sharp enough to cut with.
-Condiments (ketchup, mustard, salt, etc)
-Aluminum foil (for cleanup)
-Ice
-Citronella candles and matches
-potholders, and any utensils needed (if barbecuing is to be done on the picnic site)
