21 Tips To Make Your Party Pop

Go Fo(u)rth!

Twenty-One Tips to Make Your Party Pop

by John C. Gill

Sprawled across the lawn, revelers of all ages train their eyes skyward, awestruck by the dynamic display of color and light. Dazzling sprays rain over the horizon, interspersed with soaring rockets and strobes, while a succession of booms and blasts echoes for miles.

Every Independence Day culminates in bursts of brilliant energy, and day-long celebrations often accompany the main event. A list of surefire suggestions for hosting the perfect party, 21 Tips for the Fourth will add even more sizzle and sparkle to the festivities.

1

Rent or borrow lawn chairs and tables, including pintsized sets for the kiddos. Decorate with colorful linens, tableware, and centerpieces. Supply crayons and activity books to the little ones.

2

Trust the professionals at Crazy Joe’s Fireworks or Speed Rocket Fireworks (both located in Warsaw), and they’ll recommend ideal fireworks and novelties to purchase for your gathering.

3

Stock up on growlers or kegs of local brews, and bottles of local wine. Serve beer and wine flights.

4

Select a convenient area for guest parking.

5

Water the grass regularly on days prior to the party to ensure a hardy lawn for entertaining.

6

Rent a porta-potty and an outdoor wash basin. Provide liquid soap and paper hand towels.

7

Shade your guests, and yourself, with canopies or tents.

8

Roll out the barrels and line them with durable bags to collect the day’s trash. Provide a separate bin for recyclables.

9

Rent or borrow extra boats, WaveRunners, and water toys to accommodate guests. Be sure to have enough PFDs for every watercraft. Appoint a teenager or an adult to supervise children who play in or near the water.

10

Haul out the horseshoes, hula hoops, lawn darts, and ladder ball. Set up the croquet set and the volleyball nets.

11

Invite the kids to dress in patriotic attire and cruise the lake on decorated boats. Since it’s the Fourth of July, encourage some noise by supplying air horns to the participants. On the fifth of July, apologize to neighbors.

12

Host watermelon eating and seed spitting contests. Don’t forget the plastic bibs.

13

Organize a cupcake decorating event for the kids. Supply canned frosting, creamy peanut butter, candy sprinkles, and plenty of paper napkins. Capture the fun on video to savor the sweet memories.

14

Load alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages into designated half-barrels and cover with ice. Fill a chest with dry ice to keep ice cream and other treats frozen all day.

15

Serve ice-cold mimosas and sangria lemonade on the lawn or the boat, because refreshing cocktails needn’t be reserved for restaurant brunches.

16

Blend frozen mixed fruit with red wine for tasty adult smoothies, or add ice and enjoy as slushies.

17 19

Create a holiday-themed dessert table. Adorn sponge cakes, shortcakes, and pies with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream. Layer vanilla yogurt, berries, and cereal for easy, kid-pleasing parfaits.

20

Rub pork shoulders with mustard and spices and cook on the smoker, then shred and serve tender pulled pork. Or, season chuck roasts and smoke them for an economical yet succulent alternative to beef brisket.

18

Hire a band, a dee-jay, or a karaoke host. Use the patio or the pier as a dance floor.

21

Order a catered buffet or party trays from a local restaurant. Stock up on logs for a bonfire and toast marshmallows by starlight. Top pineapple chunks and pre-baked waffles with cinnamon sugar or maple syrup, then allow them to caramelize over the flames.

As the bonfire embers soften to a twinkle, and only distant booms remain, the holiday eases into the tranquility of a summer night. But to revelers who gaze upon the moonlit sky, memories of the Fourth still blaze, like skyrockets before their eyes.