10 Tips for the Best 4th of July Celebration

Patriotic Board Charcuterie set in square serving tray (triangular cut watermelon slices, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, cheese, deli meats set on blue painted table

Happy 250th Birthday, America! Red, white and blue never looked so good.

Let’s celebrate with friends, family, fireworks and a whole lot of yummy summer food. For the hosts, the party-goers and the stay-at-homers, we’ve got the tips you need to make this holiday a happy one!

1. Serve a Simple Snack
Sorry not sorry, we had to start with the obvious. We think it’s safe to say watermelon is the symbol of summer. Because let’s be real, is there anything more American than biting into a chin-dribbling slice of juicy watermelon on a hot afternoon?

Girls serving themselves watermelon at a block party

2. Build a Board
It’s time to take your charcuterie to the next level. This board looks beautifully patriotic but is not hard to recreate. We chose watermelon, apples, berries, cashews, salami and cheese for that red, white and blue effect. Customize with your own (or your guests’) favorites!

Patriotic Board Charcuterie set in square serving tray (triangular cut watermelon slices, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, cheese, deli meats set on blue painted table

Recreate it

3. Stay Hydrated
A hydration station is a must for any bash! Simple infused watermelon water is an instant upgrade. Some of our perfect pairings include basil, mint and lime, but you can mix and match with other herbs and fruits.

Watermelon Infused Water in pitcher filled with fruit (watermelon balls, blueberries, mint garnish. Clear glasses filled with crushed ice in background, also watermelon wedge in background. Set on red and white thin striped tablecloth Save the Recipe

4. Cut Down on Prep
You want to spend time where the people are, not working in the kitchen! Prep fruit in advance with this quick-cutting hack.

Watermelon wedges cut from rind on cutting board with knife

Watch the How-To Video

5. Serve Light Summer Sides
This Caprese summer salad is red, white and bursting with flavor. Best of all? It’s easy to make! The American dream.

Watermelon Caprese Salad topped with basil and pepper on a platter with a blue and white striped napkin.

Get the Recipe

6. Make Food the Centerpiece
Need a quick tip on decorating your space? Let the food do the work. This American flag comes together simply with only 3 ingredients: watermelon, angel-food cake and berries. As a plus, the skewers make it shareable!

Make this Flag “Cake”

7. Drink Up
No party is complete without a watermelon keg. Trust us.

Watermelon carved into a keg containing fresh watermelon punch on a tablescape with pitcher and glasses of watermelon juice

Watermelon Keg Directions

8. Use Up Every Ingredient
When you’re cooking for a large party, you might find yourself stuck with tons of extra groceries and uneaten food. Make these patriotic parfaits for or after your event using your leftover berries, watermelon and whipped topping!

Three clear short glasses set in white serving tray. Glasses filled with layered blueberries, yogurt and diced watermelon topped with whipped cream and decorative toothpicks. Watermelon halves and wedges in background.

Red, White & Blue Fruit Parfait

9. Strike While It’s Hot
Already got the grill out for burgers and dogs? Expand the menu with these grilling recipes.

Pork and Watermelon Kebobs