4TH OF JULY FOOD IDEAS FOR THE BEST PATRIOTIC PICNIC
There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a star-spangled picnic party. For a festive 4th of July picnic, you'll need patriotic decor, classic BBQ foods like hot dogs and berry desserts, and lots of red, white, and blue tableware.
We can’t wait to party in the USA, and so, we’re sharing our party supplies must-haves to throw the best Fourth of July party on the block. And for this fête, we’ve decided that stars, stripes, and gingham is the way to go! So read on for all of our tips and tricks, and get ready to celebrate the US of Yay!
The perfect patriotic picnic starts with a scenic backdrop. From there, build your setup with a small table draped in a festive tablecloth. We suggest using your surroundings as inspiration for your decor, pulling in coordinating colors and playful details. Then, bring everything to life with fresh florals and seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries.
Red and white floral arrangements, particularly those that include poppies, are perfect for this 4th of July party theme. So, we recommend picking up a bouquet, placing it in a vintage mason jar, and adding a couple of American flags for an effortless picnic table centerpiece.
Alternatively, use a picnic basket as your vessel and display a simple arrangement of crisp white flowers. Complete the look with a scattering of fresh cherries for an extra touch of vintage charm!
Three cheers for red, white, and balloon bows! We’re obsessed with this unique 4th of July balloon garland done by our talented friends at Pop Park City. Balloons are always great for outdoor celebrations, but if you want something simpler, a hanging flag decoration or patriotic bunting is a wonderful alternative.
Another of our favorite 4th of July party decorations is this pennant flag banner. We love draping ours along the picnic table, but it would look just as festive hanging on a mantle or banister. As far as other patriotic decor goes, anything with a vintage Americana feel aligns perfectly with this theme!
Gingham is a longtime picnic classic, so be sure to include elements of it in your 4th of July spread. To achieve a chic, farm-fresh feel, line a few wooden fruit crates with red gingham tea towels, then fill them with ruby-red strawberries and crisp apples. If you’re leaning towards blue accents for your celebration, you can't go wrong with these Hamptons-inspired gingham trays.
A patriotic picnic just isn’t a patriotic picnic unless you’re munching on red and blue fruits. We suggest serving your cherries, blueberries, and strawberries in easy-to-grab portions with festive food cups!
While we’re on the topic of Fourth of July foods, let’s talk about our menu must-haves. If you're hosting a 4th of July BBQ, be sure to bring the hot dogs! A classic 4th of July party food, we suggest serving them in the shape of the American flag complete with blue tortilla chips and star-shaped cheese wedges.
If you’re feeling extra this Independence Day, we suggest going all out with a red, white, and BBQ theme. Decorate with hot dog and hamburger balloons, picnic style tableware, and lots of festive food, of course.
For tableware, we recommend layering these eco-friendly cream plates with some red gingham ones. For that something blue, add blue and white striped cups and napkins.
If cooking isn’t in the cards for you, we suggest snagging a pre-made food basket from Harry & David. They have a variety of delicious 4th of July snacks and desserts that are perfect for any patriotic party. Add on a floral arrangement from 1800 Flowers, and you’ll have a stylish (and simple) star-spangled soirée!
Complete your 4th of July party menu with a brimming beverage selection. We suggest adding a “berry” cute touch to your drinks by serving ice cubes with a patriotic twist!
To make these, simply wash and prep a few raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Then, fill an ice cube tray 3/4 full with the berries and set it aside (but not too far, we're not done with it yet!).
Next, pour distilled water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Cool it down, then bring it back up to a boil. After it's cooled to room temp, it's ready to join the berries in the tray. Pop it in the freezer for about 6 hours, and voila! The cutest, coldest, most compliment-worthy ice cubes you've ever seen!
Don't forget the cake! Fruit-topped desserts are perfect for this fête, so we recommend using any leftover berries as edible accent pieces.
This strawberry 4th of July cake was a fabulous addition to our tablescape. We completed the look by bringing out the pink and red hues with our Gingham Apple Plates and Guest Towels.
The most important detail for any picnic is the tableware, of course. So, be sure to choose party supplies that complement your theme and aesthetic.
We love mixing and matching patterns, and it works especially well for this eclectic picnic tablescape. To recreate it, simply layer some floral plates over star-patterned plates. Then, pair them with a red and white napkin, cutlery, and a gold-trimmed cup. Finally, finish it off with a showstopping napkin!
If you’re looking for an alternative set-up with similar floral feels, this modern Americana tablescape idea is stunning! Start with this floral table runner, then layer a large blue plate with this scalloped floral plate. Tie it all together with the coordinating napkin and some red cutlery for another perfectly patriotic place setting!
That just about wraps up our patriotic picnic party ideas. We hope you’ve found some inspiration and are just as excited as we are to let freedom ring! For more Independence Day party ideas, check out the rest of our star spangled selection. From our fête to yours, Happy Fourth of July!
