4th of July Picnic Ideas
If you are planning a 4th of July picnic this year, you don’t have to try very hard to make it a success. Just a few easy steps and you will be on your way to total picnic perfection with a limited amount of time, effort, and money spent.
The space
Before you get started on anything else, do you know where you will be having the picnic? The space is what will help you determine the things you need for the picnic. If there is a large shade tree, for example, you will not need to get an umbrella. If there is a large open field, you may want to consider bringing something for shade or to keep you cool as you have the picnic. Determine the perfect spot for the picnic you imagine, and always have a backup plan.
The set up
Next, determine who will be attending. Will it just be your family, or will you invite people? Whatever the case, make sure all blankets used match or coordinate in some way. Try using one white, one red, and one blue blanket, or use a few with matching patterns and colors. If you have people attending, try to place a central food station in the middle or where it can be gotten to easily without disturbing other picnickers. Another way to set up a picnic that has multiple blankets is to have one very large blanket in the middle as the centerpiece, and then have smaller blankets on the outside surrounding the larger one, leaving enough space in between to walk easily.
The “extras”
Don’t just stop at blankets, though! You also need to have “extras” to make it cozy and nice. Add in some throw pillows, a centerpiece of flowers, and other such items to make your picnic stand out. Use a glass or a vase to display sparklers to use when the sun sets (I used popcorn to hold the sparklers). If you are having guests, make sure their spaces are just as nice as your space. Anything patriotic and matches your style is in! Bring the indoors outside to make the picnic space feel like a dining experience and not just eating outside on a blanket. The best idea for a 4th of July picnic, though, is to have one where fireworks can be seen while dining. And don’t forget the music!
The Food
Finger foods were always the go-to for picnics, but not anymore! You can really do it up at picnics and serve three-course meals, or just a regular family-style dinner. If people are attending, make it a potluck. Try out lighter foods, pasta, vegetables, and fruits for lunchtime or evening picnics, but for night time picnics you can do fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, and all those good “American” style foods that make you think of home. How about a patriotic fruit salad? Use apples, raspberries and blueberries to create this delish salad!
- 2 red apples
- 1 large package of blueberries
- 1 large package of raspberries
- 2 tbls Olive Oil
- 4 packets Splenda (or Truvia or any sugar substitute)
- 3 tbls Lime Juice
- Combine olive oil, lime juice and splenda packets in a large bowl.
- Mix until Splenda is disolved
- Rinse and drain fruit.
- Cut apples to small pieces, leaving on the skin
- Combine fruit in bowl with olive oil mixture.
- Gently toss until combined.
What are you doing for the 4th?
I love the sparkler centerpiece!
I love the fruit salad. The unique combination of fruit and olive oil sounds really healthy.
Great ideas, and the simple touches make all the difference. great salad, that will be a hit!
Something as simple as a fruit salad and centerpiece can totally pull the theme together. Great ideas.
I might your patriotic salad a try this weekend. I know my family would enjoy it. Such great ideas, thanks!
I’ve never had fruit salad with olive oil it (that I know of). Sounds interesting!
I woukd love o make that for the 4th. Very pretty and yummy fruit salad.
What great ideas. I am making a few for our holiday celebration. Thanks for sharing.
For us the food is always #1 when we start planning the 4th of July celebrations. I love that fruit salad! It looks like so much fun!
That’s such a cute centerpiece! I love the finishing touches of gatherings!
Oh my goodness, I love these ideas, especially that patriotic fruit salad… sounds amazing and I love the star bowl! Thanks for sharing
That fruit salad is perfect for any picnic or cookout this week!
The Patriotic Fruit Salad looks really good. Your dish is perfect for the occasion.
I love patriotic recipes that are also healthy. This fruit salad fits the bill.
Looks fun! Great 4th of July idea!
I love these recipes. It’s always nice to be able to prepare fun, simple recipes for the family. It means more quality time together.
Mmmm, this looks delicious!! 🙂 I totally want to make this this weekend.
I love the sparklers centerpiece, so great for the holiday.
Very cute ideas and tips. Fruit salad is always a hit!
Love the fruit salad. We are going to my parents house for a cookout.
I love that Sparkler Centerpiece. It looks gorgeous. I also really like the patriotic fruit salad and am going to try making it this weekend.