Image credit: Two Sisters Crafting
You think you have your Fourth of July plans set in stone. Maybe you’re going to meet up with friends for fireworks or your uncle’s hosting a barbecue at his house with a pool and you’re super excited. All you have to do is bring some drinks and show up — it doesn’t get easier than that.
And then all of a sudden, the forecast changes, so fireworks are a no-go or your uncle has to cancel his party and suddenly you find yourself being the host who has absolutely no plans for a Fourth of July party. Or maybe you were supposed to be the host all along and you procrastinated your way until the night before the holiday and now you need a plan.
We’re here to help. Here are four simple, last-minute Fourth of July party ideas that are sure to be crowd-pleasers and make you look like you planned this, even if you didn’t.
Have an ice cream social
Who doesn’t like ice cream? No one, that’s who! And July is hot so why not play it cool by having an ice cream social as your Fourth of July party? Just pick up a few pints (or gallons, depends on your party size) of ice cream and some toppings. Be sure to hit the classics, like chocolate and caramel, but maybe some patriotic theme toppings as well. Blueberry and cherry pie filling makes great ice cream toppings and its patriotic colors! You can also go super simple and press some red, white and blue sprinkles on ice cream sandwiches and call it good. Best part of the ice cream sandwich trick? No clean up!
Regional potluck
If you have a little bit of lead time, why not host a regional potluck? Ask your guests to bring a side or an appetizer that’s popular where they grew up or have lived or even just a family recipe. You’ll end up with a diverse slice of American food culture and probably get to try some things you’ve never had before. It’s a great conversation starter, too, so your party won’t be one where everyone is just standing around. People will be talking and bonding and everyone will eat well. You’ll be a party hero!
Firework cupcakes
Can’t go to the real fireworks show? How about have your own but instead of setting off tiny explosives in your backyard, just make awesome firework cupcakes? SugarHero has a great recipe for cupcakes that are made with Pop Rocks so you not only get your sugar fix, but you get your fireworks, too! You can bake them in advance and have guests decorate (fun party activity!) or you can decorate them yourself in patriotic colors. Best part? You can serve them with ice cream for an ice cream social/cupcake combo party.
Have a cocktail party
This one probably requires a little time and research because you have to look up drink recipes, but a patriotic-themed cocktail party is a great simply party idea. Look for drinks with patriotic themes or colors (like fruit daiquiris for your red and blue drinks, piña coladas for white) or maybe even just a selection of drinks from all over the United States. Alcohol not your thing? Go for mocktails! Most cocktails can easily be converted to alcohol-free for those who don’t drink or even for the younger members of the party. It’s a party, after all. Everyone needs a drink, alcoholic or not. And the best part? You can use little paper flags instead of drink umbrellas. You have decorations covered. You are the party master!
Do you have any tips for last-minute Fourth of July parties? Let us know in the comments!
The Hudsucker 
And they are good for Labor Day weekend, too!-JW