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More space means more room to entertain, and if you’re a new homebuyer who’s been dreaming about hosting your first July Fourth shindig, now’s your time to shine. With the weather nice and warm, you can finally put that outdoor space to use and celebrate the red, white, and blue with family and friends.
“Fourth of July is a great opportunity to celebrate a new home with new neighbors and old friends,” says Jenny Reimold, HomeGoods style expert. “Make it a block party where you can utilize outdoor spaces, create summer memories, and maybe even start a new annual tradition.”
Worried you’re not prepared to throw a Fourth of July bash at your new place? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips for Fourth of July entertaining.
Invest in outdoor dinnerware
(Williams Sonoma)
If you’ve never had an outdoor area for serving food and drinks, you likely don’t have essential, shatter-proof dinnerware. But you should!
“This is the time to invest in some really nice melamine plates and restaurant-quality plastic glassware,” says Joanna Buchanan, a home accessories designer and expert on entertaining. “I promise you will use them over and over again.”
“I love melamine dishware for entertaining, because there are so many unique, durable, and easy-to-clean options available,” adds Reimold. “If you’re in a crunch for time, check out the party aisle at HomeGoods. It’s a gold mine for adorable and affordable patriotic supplies like festive summer napkins, paper plates, reusable plastic or bamboo utensils, and straws.”
Set up different stations
An outdoor bar is essential, but this Fourth of July, go all out with other serving stations.
“Now that you have some more space to entertain in, create different stations and really have fun with them,” says Buchanan.
For example, you can create a charcuterie area with an impressive meat and cheese spread or a dessert station featuring red, white, and blue sweets. Serve it up on an acacia wood outdoor serving cart.
“I use a teak wood and metal bar cart as a station for food, utensils, and party supplies. Impress your guests by creating a s’mores bar that you can easily serve up outside by a bonfire,” says Reimold.
Reusable cocktail picks—whether they’re being used for martini olives or chocolate-dipped fruit—will also come in handy.
“Having different stations helps people move around and mingle,” says Buchanan.
Bring out the games
Now that you have a bigger space—and maybe even a lawn—consider some backyard favorites like scavenger hunts, water balloon fights, ladder toss, and croquet.
“Whether you’re hosting just adults or inviting all of the neighborhood families, backyard games are a fun way to get everyone involved,” says Reimold. “I also like to grab an oversized wicker basket to store the games in for guests to easily grab and enjoy throughout the party.”
Fire pit fun
A fire feature might not have been allowed in your last place, but you’re a homeowner now! Consider bringing in a fire pit to make s’mores and enjoy the glow when the sun goes down.
As a courtesy, be sure to check the rules about open flames with your city or homeowners association before investing in a fire feature.