Fourth of July Beach Bash

The Fourth of July is a fun time to celebrate our nation's independence and have a great time with friends and family in the hot summer weather. A Fourth of July beach party is a fun idea that your guests will love. If you live near the beach, then you've got the perfect location. If you don't, you can decorate your backyard with beachy accessories and create an ambience that matches your theme. Think table centerpieces of sea shells and sand, a big sandbox for younger guests to play in and the element of water, whether it's in the form of several wading pools, one large pool, squirt guns or a sprinkler.

Invite your guests to your beach or beach themed party a few weeks in advance. Ask them to wear traditional beach wear like swimsuits, Hawaiian shirts and sandals. Sunscreen is so important in the summer, so buy a few bottles to take care of guests who don't bring their own. Food for your beach bash can include traditional cookout fare like burgers and hot dogs. Another great idea is a clambake or grilled salmon and shrimp. Offer grilled vegetables like eggplant and corn on the cob, different varieties of cold salad and of course, fresh watermelon.

If you want to serve alcohol at your party and you have a blender available, go for frozen beach drinks like daquiris, margaritas and pina coladas. You can offer non-alcoholic versions for the kids and adults who don't want to drink alcohol. Garnish your frozen drinks with fresh pineapple slices and a colorful paper umbrella.

Stock coolers with bottles of water, soft drinks, beer (if you wish) and juice boxes. You might also want to make red and blue punch for a festive touch. Decorations can include tiki torches and bunches of red, white and blue balloons. Bring your stereo outside and play beach music like the Beach Boys and Caribbean island music. Have a limbo contest and award a small prize to the winner. Invite guests to dance on the sand (or in your backyard). After dark, let off some fireworks and light sparklers.

If you want to give party favors to guests, try presenting each guest with a small glass bottle or jar filled with sand and seashells. Salt water taffy is a fun and beachy treat to hand out to kids and adults alike. With a little planning and creativity, you can host the perfect Fourth of July beach bash that might just become a beloved annual tradition!