4th of July Entertaining Ideas
By DIY Diva Malia Karlinsky, GalTime.com
crafty ideas for celebrating the 4th of july
The 4th of July is one of my absolute favorite holidays to throw a party. Free fireworks shows, whether in person or on TV, provide dazzling entertainment. And the food couldn't be easier. Hot dogs, hamburgers and potato salad are the perfect party fare.
Take your celebration a step further with some simple and inexpensive entertaining ideas.
Jam Jar Lid Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe is a game guests of all ages can enjoy. Put a patriotic spin on it for the 4th of July.
Supplies: 10 Mason or jam jar lid inserts, washi or duck tape, 2 sheets of patriotic patterned paper, 10 small magnets and a 12 x 12 frame with a piece of sheet metal inside (found at craft stores).
Related: DIY: 3 Hot Craft Reads for Summer
Instructions:
1. Remove metal insert from frame.
2. Measure and trace the jam jar lid inserts on the patterened paper.
3. Cut 5 pieces from each piece of patterned paper.
4. Use Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the front of the jam jar inserts.
5. Apply hot glue to stick a magnet on the back.
6. Create a grid on the metal insert using washi tape (or duct tape would work well too).
7. Pop insert back into the frame and you're done.
Patriotic Candy Station
Candy stations are the "IT" element in entertaining right now. But before you head to the store and spend a bundle on expensive containers-- shop your home. Scan shelves and dig through cabinets. Grab anything red, white, blue or clear glass.
Related: Three Cheers for Red, White and Blue Desserts!
Then make a trip to your local dollar store for candy in those same vibrant shades. Check out the regular candy aisle as well as the sections of the store featuring seasonal items to get the best variety. Display the treats with small scoopers (found at stores like Target) and chinese food takeout containers with a sign saying "Help Yourself." Kids of all ages will have fun creating their own personal box of treats.
Crepe Paper Decorations
Sure, you could fight your way through the party store and shell out a lot of money on 4th of July decorations. But here's a much simpler and cheaper idea. Grab three rolls of regular crepe paper in red, white and blue. Stack the colors and run them through a sewing machine. Then use scissors to make "fringe" on either side of your stitch. You can twist the finished product to embellish your party table, mantle or anywhere you need a pop of color.
Sparkler Take Aways
When the party is over, send your guests off with a festive party favor. You can find those giant boxes of matches at the dollar or hardware store. Cover with the pretty scraps of printed paper and package them with some sparklers. Stamp "Sparkle" on a red shipping tag (available at office suppy stores) and use a paper punch to make stars. It makes a thoughtful take away for party goers who can enjoy the sparkers and memories of a great celebration long after the "big" fireworks have all gone out.
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