Many Fourth of July Parties involve the whole family, if you’re the host it can be a challenge to entertain the children. Let them have time to just have fun and be kids, but if they’re looking bored you can plan some activities, foods, and beverages just for them. Here are a few ideas to help you out.

4th of July crafts for kids
4th of July activities for kids
Fireworks safety
Pretzel Sparklers

4th of July drink for kids
Fun 4th of July cake and cupcake ideas
The most important thing is to keep it simple, and let the kids have time to just be kids …read more

Today I have a trio of cocktails for your 4th of July or patriotic celebration from Tommy Bahama, one in red, one in white, and one in blue. Rum is a part of American history, so why not make it a part of your celebration. Let your guests say a toast to history in red white and blue.

Bahama Basil Smash (red)
2 ½ parts Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum
2 parts sour mix
3 fresh blackberries
4 basil leaves
4 slices of ginger
¼ part lemon-lime soda
Muddle blackberries, basil and ginger in a mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients, shake well and strain into a mixing …read more

Yesterday I shared some 4th of July party ideas, today I have some more red white and blue party decorating ideas for your 4th of July or patriotic party.
I love this Stars and Stripes Collection from Williams-Sonoma.

Dress up your wine with these red white and blue Wine Totes from Cooking.com.

Or this 4th of July tableware from Shindigz.
Give each guest one of these 4th of July Soapsicles from Etsy as a party favor to remember your party.
Fun stuff! Are you ready for your 4th of July celebration?

Are you planning a 4th of July party, or backyard barbecue? I looked at the calendar today, and July 4th is coming up quick. I thought I’d share a few 4th of July party planning ideas here today.
Starting with the invitation, here’s a cute one from Pingg.

Here’s a list of 4th of July party resources to help you plan:
Patriotic Party Cocktails
4th Of July Dessert Ideas
4th of July Party Decorations

4th of July Crafts for Kids
4th of July Barbecue Tips
Independence Day Favorite Recipes
4th of July Party Favors
What do you have planned for your July 4th celebration this year?

We have a great resource here at She Knows Parties for planning your Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Summer party. From drinks to decorations, here are a few of my favorite recipes, cocktails, decorating ideas, and tips to help you plan a wonderful summer celebration.
Summer Party Food and Recipes
It’s time to break out the grill, and enjoy those fresh in-season fruits and vegetables. Marinated or rubbed, chilled or grilled here are some recipes to get you started on your summer party planning.

Carlo’s Grilled Swordfish Kabobs
60 Barbecue Recipes
Beef Rubs and Marinades
Teriyaki Pork Kabobs
Chipotle Dijon Barbecue Short Ribs
Healthy Barbecue Survival Guide
Miller …read more

One of my favorite summer cocktail flavors is watermelon. There’s just something about a cold fruity drink during the summer that just hits the spot. Hornitos Tequila has a unique new summery-spin on the classic Mojito.

Watermelon Hornijo
Ingredients:
2 oz Hornitos Reposado
2 tsp sugar
6-8 mint leaves
Club soda
1 lime, halved
4 ounces fresh watermelon
Mint sprig for garnish
Directions: In a large glass, combine mint, lime, and sugar. Using a muddler, mash together mint and lime until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon, and muddle until broken down. Stir in Hornitos Reposado and ice cubes, and garnish with mint sprig.
Enjoy!

Korbel California Champagne is the official champagne of the Inaugural Luncheon, and they’ve been kind enough to share some cocktail recipes so you can recreate your own Inaugural inspired Champagne Cocktails.
If you plan on throwing an Inaugural party or just simply want to toast the new president, here are a few Inaugural Inspired Champagne Cocktails from Korbel California Champagne.
 Stars-and-Stripes 2 oz Korbel Brut or Extra Dry2 oz Cranberry JuicePour Korbel into large champagne flute. Slowly stir in cranberry juice. Garnish with frozen cranberries.
Chief’s Cocktail
(This is what President Obama and guests at the Inaugural luncheon will be toasting …read more

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July. Stop back here later and let us know how your 4th of July celebration went.
Image (c) Linette
Technorati Tags: 4th of July,4th of July celebration

While the writers of the b5media Lifestyles Channel may be scattered about globally, one thing we all have in common is a celebration of fireworks.  Whether it’s the U.S. and our Fourth of July – or a very different kind of holiday in Perth – we all know the unique smell that penetrates the air and the sense of freedom the mere sound of them instill.  There is truly something so divine about a celebration of fireworks – they do create some of the most treasured memories.
Chloe of Tangled Thread shares a few festive fireworks and needlework patterns.
Kerri and …read more

  For as long as I can remember we’ve always had some type of family gathering on the 4th of July. Some of my favorite summertime memories are from playing with my cousins on the 4th of July.
When I was growing up my uncle lived on a lake, and we always went there for an Independence Day celebration. Everyone brought their favorite dish, and we grilled out in the back yard. The kids swam, and played volleyball all afternoon. In the evening we watched fireworks over the lake.
I think that’s why I’ve had a blast putting together 4th …read more