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Make the 4th of July festive Great ideas for decorating during the 4th of July Shape invitations into flags, sprinkle with red/white/blue glitter, cover with contact paper then adhere actual invitation over Pack beach lunches in sand buckets that can then be used to build sand castles or collect treasures Use flag toothpicks threw burgers Cut off large flower heads such as sunflowers, and place down the runner of a table Stock up on mason jars to use when serving lemonade and iced tea Terra cotta pots to hold silverware outside, tie with a colorful ribbon Dress up a plain glass votive holder with ribbon. Use hot glue to secure blue grosgrain ribbon (about 1 1/2 inches wide) to the glass, then tie a narrow red ribbon around it. Put one votive at each place setting (see photograph from Better Homes and Gardens) To create place cards, use a Polaroid camera and take pictures of a bright blue sky and white clouds. Use a permanant marker to write a name on the bottom white section (see photograph from Better Homes and Gardens) Try using natural flavors to kick up a boring pitcher of water. Float raspberries, blueberries, and scented geranium leaves or other herbs in water for a fragrant, nonalcoholic drink For an afternoon get together, try to serve things that don't require a plate. For example, if you are serving chicken wings, place a large roll of paper towels on the table instead For a brunch, bring the toaster right into the dining room with a big platter of sliced bagels. This way everyone can help themselves without disrupting the flow of conversation Not enough pitchers around for water? Wash out an old wine or juice bottle, hold under hot water to loosen the label and fill them up When making salsa from scratch, always make a double batch. Add the mixture to mashed avocado for instant guacamole When you serving a buffet where people are standing up, make sure everything is bite sized; this way no one has to balance a plate, fork and knife When serving a party larger than normal, and you don't have enough serving dishes, use anything around the house. A perfect solution for bread is standing it up in a clear vase. Making meatballs is the perfect way to involve kids in the kitchen. They love to work with their hands and they will want to follow your directional example. Use a colorful tile to protect your table from a hot dish. Make sure that the top is totally flat to ensure that the pot will stay stable. A great way to start a conversation is to walk around with an open wine bottle to engage all your guests. It is a great way to let everyone talk to the host. Instead of switching from cocktails to a fancier glass of wine at the table, try starting off with wine and allowing your guests to bring their glasses to the table. See more in Holidays & Special Occasions