It wouldn’t be summer without some fireworks—a sentiment that rings even more true when July 4th rolls around. Perhaps no one knows that better than event planner andADspecial projects editorBronson van Wyck．“作为一个孩子我们总是花了the Fourth of July at my grandparents’ resort, The Red Apple Inn, on Eden Isle, in Arkansas. We’d take a boat out to one of the rocky islets in the lake there and shoot off an arsenal’s worth of rockets, firecrackers, and smoke bombs,” he remembers. “I think parents today would have their kids taken away from them for allowing them to do what we did then, but we all survived relatively unscathed.” Here, Van Wyck shares his tips and ideas for hosting anIndependence Day shindigto remember, complete with nostalgic touches, guest-friendly suggestions, and one iconic color palette. Try some or all of them at your upcoming Fourth of July party—then sit back and enjoy your own personal slice of America the Beautiful.
Embrace the holiday.“I always love blue and white, especially in warmer months. Dress your table or buffet with a blue and white theme, and add subtle pops of red with the glassware or flowers. If you are feeling particularly patriotic—it is an election year, after all—incorporate our flag as part of your decorations. Draped over an old fence or along the side of the house, an old weathered flag provides an instant backdrop and a flash of our proud colors.”
Add some sparkle(rs).“Sparklers are some of my favorite celebratory fireworks. They look fantastic when photographed and are fun for the whole family—extra-long ones for adults and short ones for kiddos. If you are city-bound, they make small candle-size sparklers for cakes or brownies that are more fire-department friendly.”
Don’t sweat the small stuff.“There is no bigger buzzkill than a warm drink or a nagging gnat. Be sure to have plenty of ice on hand and bug spray at the ready. Since July 4th is a national holiday, many specialty grocers and liquor stores may be closed. Ensure that you stock up on all of your provisions in advance—this year, that means Saturday!”
Beat the heat.“With El Niño in full force this year, you can’t forget that no matter where you celebrate, it will likely be hot, hot, hot. Give your guests a respite from the heat with plenty of shaded areas to relax. Create a welcoming lounge area under trees with pillows, poufs, and picnic blankets,” Van Wyck says. For people with swimming pools or beach access, he adds, “Stock up on beach towels and even a few cheap swim trunks for a forgetful guest.”
Be easy.“The Fourth of July is a family holiday, so you want your decorations to feel comfortable. You can find a lot of fantastic dinnerware in melamine these days that will elevate a casual look from a traditional paper plate. To me, it’s always about the mix of high and low. Wrap your sterling flatware in a linen napkin, and tie it with twine or raffia. I also love a mix of patterns: Incorporate a classic red-and-white stripe with a blue toile or blue floral print for an unexpected use of patriotic colors. Late night (or after several rounds of cocktails), pass out foam Lady Liberty hats and inspire a social media post or three.”
Set the table.“塔克卡的地方在你的本地罚款t fruits at each setting— heirloom tomatoes, a fresh juicy strawberry or a shiny red apple for a bit of color and a refreshing bite.”
Get creative.“Raid the garage for something old and red: Prop up the kids’ Radio Flyer wagon on the buffet and stick old pails of ice and beer in it for an easy self-serve bar. I like a smattering of bric-a-brac—Moroccan star lanterns can double as table objets for some texture, or I might even decorate my niece’s tricycle in red, white, and blue and throw it up on the table for height. Mix in some arrangements of red flowers like peonies, dahlias, daisies, or blue hydrangeas for softness.”
