Easy 4th of July Entertaining Tips

Easy 4th of July Entertaining Tips: These tips can help you throw together a simple, last-minute 4th of July gathering that looks both festive and classy!

I’ve always been a 4th of July person. There’s just something seemingly magical about the day. Maybe it’s the fireworks, or maybe it’s the food. Or, maybe it’s the fact that the day is usually spent relaxing with friends and family while enjoying the sun, fun, and freedom to do so.

I’m also a firm believer that a party spread, whether specifically for the 4th or for another event, does not need to be complicated to be both pretty and practical.

The key to it all? Simplicity.

Here are my tips for putting together an easy dessert/drink table for the 4th:

Party Tips:

1. Welcome Sign

Thanks to the rustic, shabby chic style that has come back into play, parties can be casually elegant with just a few items, such as a chalkboard welcome sign. It’s a great way to introduce the party while also adding a whimsical touch (while I would love to say I crafted that whole “welcome” sign together, a family friend designed the colorful part on top).

2.  Utensils

Tie your utensils and napkins together with a piece of twine. Not only is it festive, it’s also handy for guests, because everything they need is in one neat package. Plus, if your table is outside, you don’t have to spend the afternoon chasing down stray napkins (the wind can play cruel jokes).

3. Drinks

While a lot of people love variety, when it comes to drinks, I’m quick to grab just one or two types of soda and some water. As you can see, Dr. Pepper® is a real crowd pleaser, especially their limited edition flavors of Dr. Pepper Cherry® and Dr. Pepper Vanilla Float®.

Mason jars, 9 times out of 10, fit the bill for party decor. To festive-ize them, I added “God Bless the USA” tags to each glass, which can be done easily with some twine and a homemade or store bought tag.

Lastly, when it comes to the drink portion, I love adding simple touches like a bowl of maraschino cherries to add to your glasses of Dr. Pepper Cherry®, or lemon wedges for water. It’s a little something extra that takes little effort.

4. Dessert

What’s a party without dessert? A sad, sad party.

Since dessert is a must around here, when it comes to parties, I want no-fuss desserts that please a crowd yet hold up to a long day of fun. I went for my Dr. Pepper Cherry® Cheesecake Cookie Cups (a ridiculously long name, but so, so worth it) and a set up of s’mores. For a 4th of July touch, I covered the chocolate bars with blue and white paper.

Some other great dessert recipes are:

S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Classic Lemon Bars

Cake Batter Cookie Brownies (use red, white, and blue sprinkles!)

Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies

5. Decor

When it comes to decorating, look for classy pieces that could work again and again. Additionally, a lot of my decor, such as the white crates, wood trays, utensil holder, and cookie jar, are pieces that not only fit for the 4th, but fit for any event.

These amazing Dr. Pepper® flavors are here for the summer, so head on over to your local Albertsons or Safeway to grab them before they’re gone! 🙂

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. The opinions and text are all mine.