There were some great ideas suggested on a TV program recently. Fill large glass apothecaries with old fashioned candies such as buttons, Mary Janes, coke bottles, sugar straws or red, white and blue gumballs for display and munching.

If there will be children at your get-together, sand pails (red, white & blue, of course) filled with small toys such as yo-yos, paddle balls, small frisbees, etc are cute for decoration, and then keeps the kids busy.

Decorate a red wagon with streamers and small flags, fill with ice and keep beverages in there. Have an 'Uncle Sam' read a 4th poem or funny story where each guest is referred to.

Have a wonderful and safe 4th!!!

July 4th is time for friends to head to my house on the
lake and have dinner and fireworks.
I decorate with buntings on deck railings, wreath on front
porch, flags in planters filled with RW&B flowers.
I usually have my florist do flowers for the tables.
If we eat outside then the flower containers that fit
around the umbrellas are filled with RW&B
flowers. All the RW&B dishes come out of storage as well as
the stars and stripes serving dishes.

I use lanterns decorated with RW&B ribbons with streamers
to light the path to the lake for the fireworks. We take
turns with our neighbors shooting fireworks, applauding
each other's display. I usually have patriotic music playing.

I try to do different food dishes with the patriotic theme
in mind.
Usually the dessert is a cake made to look like a flag,
along with homemade ice cream.

Party favors are fun. One year it was RW&B fans and once it
was RW&B sunvisors.

I have a framed copy of The Doclaration of Independence
that is displayed.

It is a fun time and a good time is had by all.