Tips for a Fun and Creative 4th of July Party

Do you need some ideas for your Fourth of July party? If you are planning a 4th of July party, you can easily add the following festive foods and activities.

Decorate Eggs. Egg decorating does not have to be limited to Easter. Pull the kids away from the video games and let them help. If you cannot find a kit for decorating eggs, do not despair; crayons or non-toxic markers will do. You can draw little flags on the eggs and discuss the stars and stripes. It is easy to sneak in a history lesson when the little ones are involved in a creative activity.

Other festive food ideas:

Make strawberry shortcake and add blue berries on top. Many grocery stores carry pre-made strawberry shortcake cups. Wash and chop some strawberries, fill the shortcake with the strawberries, top with whipped cream and blueberries; now you have an attractive and healthy Fourth of July-themed party snack for adults and children alike.

Make red, white, and blue gelatin. Gelatin is easy and inexpensive. You can make the colors separately then cube and toss into a bowl, or you can get fancy and arrange the cubes in a stars and stripes pattern after it has set solid. For extra firm gelatin, try sticking it in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes after it has already firmed up a bit.

If you have a lot of extra time on your hands, you can create an American flag from gelatin strips. One way to do this is to let the white gelatin (the clear gelatin or whatever is available--just make sure it is pleasantly flavored) firm up in a rectangular casserole dish. Meanwhile the other gelatins should be firming in separate containers. When the gelatins are firm, cut out a square section of blue gelatin and arrange on top of the clear gelatin for the star background. (You can use whipped cream or powdered sugar for the stars). Make sure the red gelatin is very firm so that you will be able to cut out red stripes to place on your gelatin flag.

If the gelatin flag sounds like too much work, no need to worry. Cookies are always a big hit and are very easy to prepare. Add festive candy sprinkles in red, white and blue, to sugar cookies and you will have an instant hit.

If kids are at the party, you can sneak in some more history lessons. Trivia is fun and easy and small prizes will make the kids eager to answer (be sure to have condolence prizes on hand as well).

Here are some sample trivia questions and the answers:

What does the 4th of July celebrate?

Answer: The independence of the U.S. from Great Britain

What do the stars on the flag represent?

Answer: The 50 states

What do the stripes on the flag represent?

Answer: The 13 Original colonies

Who wrote The Star Spangled Banner?

Answer: Francis Scott Key

Are there really creatures from outer space living among us?

Answer: Yes. They pose as certain celebrities such as Paris Hilton. Although she lacks any real talent, she has risen to celebrity status-- a sure sign she wields alien powers.

Enjoy the holiday and please remember to keep pets indoorsduring the fireworks!