| Celebrating Fourth of July has been a long-standing | | | | "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "The Stars and |
| tradition in our country. Not only do we respect | | | | Stripes Forever."o Serve food with American |
| America by throwing a party in her honor, it is | | | | origins such as hot dogs, grilled burgers, corn on |
| also a great time to bond with family and friends. | | | | the cob, lemonade, and apple pie. You can even |
| What better way to take pride in being an | | | | use food coloring on desserts such as cupcakes |
| American than by having an Independence Day | | | | and pastries to continue the colors of red, white, |
| barbecue in your own backyard? | | | | and blue. Decorate with miniature American flags |
| Here are tips for you on how to throw that | | | | on toothpicks. Also, consider your guests diet, if |
| perfect Fourth of July party:o Think of who you | | | | any. Have a vegetarian dish ready just in case.o |
| are going to invite first and how big a crowd you | | | | Make sure you do not run out of drinks. Have |
| can handle. As soon as you have a list, send out | | | | soda and beer available for the adults. You can |
| the invitations at least a month prior to the | | | | also make pitchers of ice cool lemonade, as this is |
| celebrations. To make it truly special, have the | | | | always a favorite among the younger set.o |
| invites in red, white, and blue.o Decorate your | | | | Energize your party by having games and |
| place with a patriotic theme in mind. Hang | | | | activities. You can play American sports like |
| American flags around the house. Have a red, | | | | baseball, football, or basketball. Capture the Flag |
| white, and blue tablecloth, and even buy similarly | | | | and croquet will also yield hours of fun. Some |
| colored plates, cups, and napkins.oAsk your | | | | other games you can have are potato sack race, |
| friends and family to wear outfits that either have | | | | bean bag toss, or even swimming.o After the |
| patriotic designs or to follow the red, white, and | | | | barbeque, you can either have your own |
| blue color scheme. It would be even more fun if | | | | fireworks or go to a nearby park where you can |
| they can come as their favorite American | | | | catch a fireworks show. If you are buying your |
| celebrity or icon.o Play only American music and | | | | own, be extra careful and make sure that the |
| songs by American artists. Include in your playlist | | | | kids are in a safe distance from all the explosions. |
| American classics such as "America the Beautiful," | | | | |