Last month, we shared our guide to throwing an incredible 4th of July party this summer, including some fun places to go and enjoy the fireworks in the evening. But if you get caught off-guard by a fast-approaching holiday, or if you unexpectedly and suddenly find yourself hosting the entire extended family, you may need something a little faster and easier to throw together.
Luckily for you, we’ve got some creative party ideas to help you throw an Independence Day celebration so star-spangled, no one will be the wiser that you planned it in a pinch! As always, your Fun Services friends are here to help!
1. Head to the Dollar Store
Don’t underestimate the impact that a collection of dollar store red, white, and blue decorations can make! They may be inexpensive, but you only need them for one day. Your local dollar store will likely have a huge selection of patriotic decorations, paper plates, napkins, balloons, and more to help you deck out the house or backyard in style!
2. Order Catering or Pre-made Platters
Trying to prepare all the food yourself is a lot of work! And standing at a hot stove during the heat and humidity of July doesn’t sound appealing! Look for local caterers who can help you prepare a menu last minute. Having your desserts catered can save you a ton of time, bringing you delicious on-theme cupcakes, cakes, or pastries your guests will be obsessed with.
If catering is out of your price range, head to the grocery store for pre-made platters of veggies, fruit, or meat and cheese. If you want your food to pack more of a protein punch, snag some frozen burgers and hot dogs to toss on the grill.
Looking for an extra-fun touch to level up your smorgasbord? Rent one of our concessions to take your food selection from drab to fab! We have all of your favorites, from cotton candy to shaved ice to a classic popcorn machine, and these rentals come with everything you need to get the party started!
3. Make It a Potluck
Looking for an even more hands-off solution to feeding your guests? Make them do the work and turn your 4th of July party into a potluck! Just be sure to ask guests what they plan to bring, or else you’ll end up with one container of cookies, nothing to drink, and about a dozen bags of chips.
4. Think of the Children
If you’re throwing a 4th of July party, odds are you’ll have at least a few children in attendance. Even when the kiddos don’t make up the majority of the guests, it’s important to make sure they feel valued and entertained as well!
Our recommendation for a good time that will keep the little ones busy all the way until the fireworks show? A moonwalk, of course! Any of these will easily match a red, white, and blue color scheme:
5. Throw a Pool-less Pool Party
Pop quiz! What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day at an outdoor party? Water! And we don’t just mean drinking it—we mean actually getting wet. Even if you don’t have a pool at home, you can still bring some splish-splashing fun to entertain your guests and keep them refreshed at your 4th of July party.
Here are a few ways to create a pool party without a pool in your backyard:
- Turn on the sprinkler and play games that involve dodging or running through it.
- Make it a BYOSS (Bring Your Own Super Soaker!) party and let the games begin!
- Snag a bag of balloons and fill them with water for a water balloon fight.
- Rent an inflatable wet/dry slide from your favorite Kansas City party rental company, Fun Services!
6. Rent Extra Tables and Seating
Especially if you weren’t planning on hosting a big event, you may not have enough outdoor seating to accommodate your guest list. Rather than dragging your dining room table and chairs outside, rent the essentials from us! Our event extras will cover all the practical essentials you need to host everyone comfortably. And don’t forget tents for shade! On a hot July day, the shade can make a big difference.
Celebrate Our Nation with FUN!
Our beautiful country and the freedom we have here are well worth celebrating—and celebrations are meant to be exciting and fun! We call ourselves “Fun Services” because we’re all about servicing your fun with quirky concessions, gregarious games, indulgent inflatables, and every essential you need to make it a party to remember. Let us help take your 4th of July party ideas and make them a reality! Contact us today to book your last-minute party rentals before they’re gone!
