I happen to live in a suburb of San Francisco that oozes of small-town charm, and when you’re amid its rolling hills and tree-lined streets, it’s easy to imagine those laid-back days when life was simple and neighbors celebrated holidays together in Norman Rockwell fashion. If you visit on the Fourth of July, you will be charmed by the rows of chairs that line the flag-draped streets, as everyone comes out to stake out the perfect spot to wave their flags and cheer on friends marching in the parade. The crowds become a sea of red, white and blue, and it’s hard not to want to get into the spirit!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering with family and friends, packing a picnic to head to the beach or lining your streets to watch a parade and fireworks, here are five fun ways to go red, white and blue crazy for Independence Day!
1. Berry Fourth Kabobs
Take advantage of summer berries with these easy mini-kabobs! Skewers of alternating blueberries and raspberries are not only simple to assemble, they make sweet treats that are kid friendly. Plus, they’re an easy way to eat on the go — no worries about messy, dirty hands! Note, you can use kabobs that are already decorated with a red bead or thread on your own!
2. Red, White and Blue Origami Star Streamers
Origami is fun for the whole family, and these, too, are simple to make. All you need are a bit of pretty paper, string and some folding skills. For that, visit Homemade Gifts Made Easy for a tutorial on the 5-Pointed Origami Star. I made mine in some patriotic origami paper, punched tiny holes and strung it with pretty ribbon for a simple, homemade decoration!
3. White Chocolate Berry Bowls
Two words: edible bowls. All you need are some mini balloons to act as a mold (water balloons are perfect, plus it’s a super fun way to cool off!) and melted white chocolate. To assemble, simply melt white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, dip the balloons to coat the lower half in chocolate, and let it cool on a parchment-lined tray until hardened. Then pop the balloon molds, remove all the pieces, and you’ll have the most adorable edible white-chocolate bowls! Fill them with whipped cream, raspberries and blueberries, and you’ve created the easiest dessert!
4. Red, White and Blue Sand Votives
These are a cute way to dress up a picnic table! Placing them in clusters throughout your party makes your setup patriotic and twinkly! Find decorative sand in red, white and blue at your local craft store, along with votives and tea lights. All you need to do is layer them up, and you’re all set!
5. Fourth of July Phyllo Bites
Mini phyllo creations are always a hit — they’re bite-size and sweet but good for you, too! Fill up store-bought phyllo bites with your favorite Greek yogurt using a mini–ice cream scoop, top with fresh berries, and you’re good to go. Best of all, you can make this in advance and keep it fresh in the fridge until you are ready.
This post is part of a collaboration between Aquafresh® Toothpaste and SheKnows.
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