Happy Birthday Dear U-S-A

Put your party hats on, because the United States is turning 234 this July 4th!  Even if you’re like my parents and hardly stay up for parties and national holidays, the delayed summer sunset should be ample motivation to get out and celebrate—at least until the fireworks are over.

Normally I’m the queen of planning parties, but this year I’m the one visiting a friend for the Fourth.  I’ll be in the nation’s capitol, picnicking on the Mall and watching the fireworks over the Washington Monument!  The planning I’m leaving to my host.

Last year though, my roommates and I hosted a great BBQ, where we watched the local fireworks from our house’s garage roof.  The party was a hit—how could cold beer, delicious food, amazing weather and fireworks not spell a good time?—and I got a lot of compliments about the way I personalized everything from the invitations to the decorations.

For the invitations I dressed up my dog Lucy in a patriotic bandana (she wouldn’t allow anything more frilly) and designed the cards with her photo online at Minted.com.  Everyone responded to the uniqueness of it all—who needs another generic invitation, anyway?  Personalizing it with a photo or an inside joke shows your guests that you’ve thought of every detail yourself.

From Shindigz.com, I decked out the house in red, white and blue, plus gave everyone an Uncle Sam hat and personalized 4th of July chocolate bar as party favors.  Whoever said we were too old for party favors clearly needed to see the way my friends’ faces lit up as they were presented with the goodies.  A little—as long as it’s creative and fun—goes a long way when planning something special for the Fourth.  The rest of the day—by nature of the holiday itself—is guaranteed to be a success.

I can’t wait to see what my friend has in store for me this year.  If it’s possible, she’s even more into the 4th of July than I am!  For that reason alone I know I’ll have a good time.

Planning your own 4th of July event this year?  Head over to 58Coupons.com to save with Minted coupons and ShindigZ discounts.

Good luck party planners and Happy 4th!