Guest Blog – Cheryl Sousan: Patriotic Party Décor, Games and Recipes

The 4th of July is just a few short days away, and is the height of summertime entertaining. No matter where your party is, you can celebrate freedom with friends and family with these great star-spangled party decorations, games and festive red, white and blue recipes! Patriotic Decorations and Printables: Tissue Fan Fireworks with Clip-Art Medallions from Martha Stewart Red White and Blue Rocket Favors at Martha Stewart Patriotic Cupcake Toppers from Bella Grace Party Designs Sparkler Cards from Twig & Thistle Patriotic Paper Flowers at Live Laugh Rowe 4th of July Pinwheel FREE Printable at Nifty Thrifty Things 4th of July Party Printables at Family Fresh Cooking Rocket Wreath at Tatertots and Jello   4th of July Games: Flag Tag Relay at Disney Family Fun Watermelon seed spitting contest Watermelon is a 4th of July tradition tradition that never goes out of style. Make it a focal point of your party with a watermelon seed spitting contest. Mark a line for kids or adults to stand on. See who can spit their watermelon seeds furthest. Have a tape measure on hand so you can accurately measure the distance of the spitted seeds. Water-balloon Dodge Ball Form two equal groups. Fill lots of balloons with water place in several buckets or bins on each side of the playing field. Participants can throw the balloons at each other. If you get hit, you are out of the game. The last one standing is the water-balloon dodge ball champ. Squirt Tag Kick up the old game of tag a notch with water! One participant is armed with a spray bottle or a water gun. The first person squirted, becomes “it” and take over the sprayer. Last dry one standing wins!   Patriotic Desserts and Treats Red, White and Blue Star Cookie Towers at Bake at 350 Patriotic Panna Cotta at Sprinkle Bakes Patriotic Candy Buttons at The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle Red White and Blue Candy Apples from TidyMom Red White and Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries at Food For My Family Patriotic Marshmallow Pops at Living Locurto Yellow Cake Pie with Chocolate Mousse and Berries at Foodie Crush 4th of July Tye Died Fudge at Taste and Tell Patriotic Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches at TidyMom Patriotic Fruit Pops at Nestle Kitchens Red Velvet Shortbread Stars & Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwiches at A Farmgirl’s Dabbles Firecracker Red White and Blue Cake at Betty Crocker   How will you enjoy the wonderful celebration of our nation’s independence and embrace the quintessential summertime?