Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or a dreamy supper under the stars, the Fourth of July is the perfect excuse to go all-out festive. We've rounded up our favorite party essentials—from 15-minute recipes to table decor and cocktail mixes —that are all about easy prep, good vibes, and star-spangled cuteness. ✨
Recipes
Patriotic Fruit Kabob Skewers
Recipe by Thyme for the Table
Sweet, simple, and star-spangled! These Patriotic Fruit Kabobs are the easiest way to serve festive vibes this Fourth of July—just grab your skewers and stack the red & blueberries. 🎇🍉
Ingredients
1 medium seedless watermelon, 1-2 pints large blueberries
Carefully slice the watermelon into ¾ inch slices. Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out stars. Keep the leftover pieces from cutting out the stars to snack on. Repeat on the other half of the watermelon.
Patriotic Blueberry Coconut Slushies
Recipe by Kitchen Confidante
Sip the stars with this layered, icy treat — festive, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down in style this Fourth!
The ingredients are simple. For the red layer, blend lemonade, frozen strawberries (or raspberries), and agave nectar in a blender. The white layer is made with coconut milk, ice, and agave nectar. Layer the slushie mixtures in glasses and top with fresh blueberries for the blue layer. Enjoy immediately!
4th of July Cookout Menu
Recipe by Culinary Hill
Hosting or heading to a Fourth of July potluck? This sparkling recipe roundup from Culinary Hill has all the star-spangled snacks, mains, and drinks you need.
Decorations
The Party Darling
When it comes to curating a picture-perfect Fourth of July celebration, The Party Darling absolutely delivers. From star-spangled tableware to playful garlands and patriotic cake toppers, their collection is bursting with charm and chic, coordinated style. Whether you're hosting an intimate backyard supper or a full-blown BBQ bash, they’ve got all the essentials to make your tablescape pop.
We especially love their red, white, and blue plates, napkins, and drinkware — they’re festive without feeling cheesy, and give your party setup a festive lift without going over the top. Their themed balloon bundles, mini flags, and sparkly stir sticks are the kind of thoughtful extras that make everything feel Insta-worthy (and effortless).
Nephthys Illustrated Stars & Stripes Melamine Chip & Dip Platter
Your summer celebration table isn't complete without this whimsical melamine dining collection designed exclusively for Anthropologie by Nephthys Illustrated! In it, classic red and blue take a spin with stars, stripes, and all the works.
Handwoven Star Napkin Rings, Set of 3
Add a touch of festive charm to your table setting with the Handwoven Star Napkin Rings, featuring vibrant red, white, and blue stars for a patriotic accent.
Funboy - Floating Cabana Bar
If you’re hosting a poolside BBQ or lakeside bash, the Floating Cabana Bar from FUNBOY is the ultimate Fourth of July flex. Decked out in vibrant red, white, and blue, this inflatable bar brings both function and flair to your water setup. With four cup holders, a built-in cooler, and a shaded canopy for extra chill points, it’s perfect for serving up canned mocktails, sparkling sips, or fruit skewers — all while floating in total style.
Splendid Pick: Made with heavy-duty, non-toxic materials, FUNBOY's floats are as durable as they are Instagrammable — and they ship carbon-neutral!
Funboy - Vintage Lux Tube Float
For a dose of retro glam that totally fits the Fourth, the Vintage Lux Tube from FUNBOY is your pool party must-have. With its oversized shape, nautical red-and-blue stripes, and buttery soft feel, this float adds a splash of vintage Americana to any backyard bash or beach day. It’s perfect for lounging between grill sessions or floating into golden hour with your favorite mocktail in hand.
Pair this beauty with the Floating Cabana Bar for a fully styled, all-American poolside moment — effortless, elevated, and totally photo-ready.
Food & Beverages
Yes Cocktail Co.
Handcrafted in California, Yes Cocktail Co. offers all-natural mixers, syrups, and cocktail cubes made for stylish, no-fuss entertaining.
Perfect For: Seasonal faves like Blueberry Lavender, Peach Jalapeño, or Lemon Basil — all made with real botanicals and zero fake stuff.
Sophisticated and small-batch, these mixers add instant charm to your Fourth of July drinks menu — whether you’re stirring up a spritz or going zero-proof.
Boarderie
This award-winning brand ships stunning, ready-to-serve cheese and charcuterie boards nationwide. Each one arrives chilled, beautifully arranged, and party-ready — no prep required.
Perfect For: Backyard BBQ grazing tables, easy hosting, or impressing your in-laws without lifting a finger.
Luxe but laid-back. Their Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie Boards include imported cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and even the tray it comes on.
De Soi
Co-founded by Katy Perry (yes, really!) and female winemaker Morgan McLachlan, De Soi makes sparkling non-alcoholic apéritifs infused with adaptogens.
Perfect For: Backyard suppers, zero-proof toasts, or pairing with your charcuterie board.
Fizzy, herbal, and beautifully bottled — these drinks feel luxe and grown-up with no hangover in sight.
Porter Road
Porter Road delivers 100% pasture-raised meats that are sourced from small, family-owned farms. Their beef, pork, and lamb are hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and dry-aged for flavor you can taste. Perfect For: Juicy ribeyes, thick-cut pork chops, dry-aged burger patties, and BBQ-ready sausages like their chorizo, bratwurst, and kielbasa. Clean cuts, butcher-quality meat, and packaging that’s eco-conscious. You can mix & match or grab a curated grilling box for easy party prep.
Clothing
Quince - Flag Sweater
Looking for something patriotic and elevated? This Organic Cotton Flag Sweater from Quince is the perfect cozy layer for those breezy Fourth of July nights. Sustainably made with 100% organic cotton, it’s lightweight, soft, and subtly stylish — with a vintage-inspired American flag knit that feels timeless, not tacky. Whether you're watching fireworks or heading to a casual cookout, it brings just the right touch of Americana.
Berlook - Red Plaid Bikini
Channel modern pin-up meets patriotic pool day with this Red Plaid Underwire Bikini Top from Berlook. The flattering cut, vintage-inspired print, and supportive underwire design make it a stylish standout for sun-soaked celebrations.
Left On Friday - Sunday Top
Bold, supportive, and built for movement, the Sunday Top from Left on Friday is the ultimate swim staple for your Fourth of July festivities. In its rich First Place Blue, this top brings just the right pop of patriotic color without being over-the-top. With a clean square neckline and athletic-inspired fit, it’s ideal for everything from beach volleyball to lounging by the grill.
Amazon - Straw Sun Visors
Sun protection but make it chic. This handmade straw visor adds effortless charm to any Fourth of July outfit — whether you’re in a bikini, breezy sundress, or linen set. The wide brim offers full face shade (hello, no-makeup days), while the woven texture and open-top design keep things cool and breathable. It’s foldable, lightweight, and super packable — perfect for your beach tote or picnic bag.
Whether you’re firing up the grill, setting the table with star-spangled charm, or sipping on a sparkling mocktail, we hope this guide helps you throw the most memorable and meaningful Fourth of July celebration yet. From sustainable party picks to effortless recipes and brands that truly shine, your backyard bash is officially set for success.
Here’s to good food, great company, and fireworks that light up more than just the sky. 🇺🇸✨
