How to Host a Summer Party: 4th of July Edition

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The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and if you’re entertaining guests, it’s time to start prepping! Team SN is dishing up our best entertaining advice, including everything you need for the perfect Independence Day celebration—from sourcing the prettiest cocktail glasses to curating the perfect outfit for you—ahead.

What You'll Need.

So you're having people over, and you're overwhelmed—don't panic! Let's start with the basics. For starters, instead of utilizing the fancy serving platter passed down from your grandmother, you can't go wrong with a raffia serving tray. (Need inspo? We're obsessed with this tray from Aerin.) As for drinks, we love the idea of a patriotic cocktail napkin and while just about any drinkware will do, if you want to take it to the next level, the Vietri Rainbow Sapphire Wine Glasses are so on-theme.

Another good idea? Utilize a beverage dispenser full of a non-alcoholic beverage (fruit-infused water, perhaps?) to keep guests hydrated. (This one from Pottery Barn is bound to earn you so many compliments from guests.) Finally, if the thought of paper plates in an overtly thematic design isn't your style, maybe consider investing in a more subtle alternative like the Santorini Assorted 12-Piece Collection by Vietri, which you'll enjoy using on so many occasions beyond Independence Day.

Image via @fredmarcusstudio

That Extra Touch.

Once you’ve established everything you need, it’s time to think about the *extra* touches. We love a place setting and these engraved place cards bring flavorful fun to any tablescape. Want to keep going? Spruce things up with a blue gingham vase and throw on a chic floral table cloth and you'll be ready for your dinner part in no time!

If you’re a Polaroid fanatic, you can never go wrong with a DIY photo booth. All you really need is an Instant camera and a fun backdrop. If you aren't feeling the whole red, white, and blue thing, opt for gold stars. (After all, it's the perfect day for stars and stripes, right?) Your guests will have a blast snapping pics—just don't forget to scoop up a few extra packets of Polaroid film!

Image via Global Kitchen Travels

The Signature Drink.

Looking for inspo when it comes to a signature drink? Consider putting your own twist on the below Watermelon Margarita, by Chef Mireille of Global Kitchen Travels

Ingredients:

  • Ice cubes or crushed ice 

  • Watermelon puree 

  • Don Julio Tequila 

  • Orange Liqueur 

  • Fresh Lime Juice

  • Blackberries

  • Salt for the rim

Directions:

  1. Make blackberry ice by inputting a few blackberries into each cavity of a jumbo ice cube tray. 

  2. Fill it with water and put it in the freezer until it is completely frozen (ideally, the day before you plan to make the margaritas).

  3. Rim the glasses with salt.

  4. To make the drink, add crushed ice or small ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. 

  5. Add strained watermelon juice to the shaker. 

  6. Add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice to the shaker and shake vigorously.

  7. Add one of the blackberry ice cubes to each glass. 

  8. Pour the margaritas into the prepared glasses and enjoy!

Courtesy of Chef Mireille

The Perfect Look.

The final step in dreaming up your Fourth of July party is perfecting your look. We can’t help but feel like the Something Navy Embroidered Halter Top and matching Tiered Maxi Skirt would be a head-turn-worthy look. Not only is it such a stunning summer ‘fit, but the patriotic colors are also on-point for the holiday—without being over-the-top, of course. 

We’d pair the skirt set with a raffia shoulder bag and these Crystal-Embellished Leather Sandals. And since the look is a statement, we’re going all out with jewelry—we've got our eye on one of Arielle's favorite accessories: Deepa Gurnani's Jody Beaded Fringe Drop Earrings.