Plan a 4th of July Indoor Party
Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Movies, Games & Appetizers
Jun 29, 2009
The 4th of July calls for a patriotic celebration, but no one said it had to be held outdoors. As temperatures in the U.S. climb above the hundred-degree mark, more and more people are opting to stay inside and enjoy Fourth of July activities where it's comfortable and cool. Host an indoor patriotic party for family or send out invitations to a few close friends. Include a mix of music – don't forget patriotic songs, provide age-appropriate games for children, serve finger foods, and have a few inexpensive door prizes for adults.
Fourth of July Party Basics
An indoor party can be as simple or as lavish as desired, depending on space, supplies, and budget. Use a red, white, and blue color scheme for decorations. Disposable plates, tablecloth, silverware, and cups make cleanup fast and easy for the host. Round up a few garbage containers and place them at strategic locations the day of the party, such as the den or sun room. Move furniture to add space where guests will be mingling and make sure there is enough seating for everyone.
Table centerpieces don't have to be dramatic, but they can certainly be patriotic. Flowers are the most popular choice, but are not necessarily the rule. A beautiful dessert can work as a centerpiece; for example, a homemade coconut cake surrounded by American flag decorations (like those found in bakery cupcakes) works just fine. Stick the flags a few inches apart in the bottom layer of the cake so that they're standing at an angle.
Have a boom box or audio system for music to set the mood. A mix of contemporary and classic rock tunes works well for mixed age groups along with patriotic music for the holiday. Limit room decorations to streamers and small flags.
4th of July Activities and Entertainment for Children and Adults
Getting together and socializing with good friends is entertainment all by itself. In keeping with the festive occasion, and considering there might be guests of all ages on the party list, one might want to have a little extra entertainment planned.
- Choose games like Twister or Trivial Pursuit for older children and young adults.
- Have a hula hoop contest; in fact, have one for both kids and adults!
- Introduce children to an old-fashioned game of charades.
- Karaoke is a great idea for older kids and adults if one has the equipment.
- If space permits, small children might like to watch a Disney movie such as Johnny Tremain.
Game prizes don't have to be expensive or practical. Have a drawing for door prizes for adults; ideas for door prizes might include an attractive potted plant, movie tickets, or an inexpensive gift card.
Video games may work if there are only a few kids at the party; otherwise, store game systems away to avoid temptation – and fights.
Appetizers and Finger Foods
Make sure there are plenty of drink choices on hand, including diet drinks. Extra ice should be at the top of the grocery list unless one is making extra cubes at home. Stock the freezer with extra bags of ice well in advance of the holiday to avoid the last-minute rush. Also, make sure there is enough room in the refrigerator to store cold foods as guests arrive. Think through every detail, including how guests should heat foods if needed when they arrive.
The food is usually the highlight of most any party. Decide well in advance if guests should bring a contribution or not. If guests are helping to supply the food, then set a few guidelines:
- Specify if guests should bring appetizers and finger foods or buffet foods such as homemade lasagna.
- Communicate between each other as to "who" is bringing "what" so six guests don't all show up at the party with spicy wings.
- Include an assortment of finger foods, including vegetables and dipping sauces as well as meat platters, sausage balls, cheese plates, and so forth.
- Before the day of the party, recruit at least one person to help with the kitchen details.
Planning a 4th of July family celebration or informal get-together with friends is not difficult when everyone pitches in to help. Taking the time to go over every detail ensures nothing important is overlooked, such as having extra ice on hand. Have games or movies ready for kids, and schedule a few contests for fun and prizes. A Fourth of July indoor celebration is the comfortable solution to hot weather and large crowds. Stick to a plan, stay within budget, and enjoy a stress-free party.
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