Celebrate The Fourth Of July On Your Porch

Don't feel like hosting a big Fourth of July barbecue today? You can still invite a few friends over for patriotic festivities. Just have everyone come over and ring in the Fourth of July with you on your front porch. 

Set the mood with party lights, citronella candles, and paper lanterns. Keeping your porch light on is sure to do nothing but attract moths and other uninvited guests. For that reason, flip off the switch and plug in some party lights and paper lanterns. Stringing these lights is sure to add an extra ambiance to your porch. Still feeling itchy? Make sure those bugs stay away by lighting a few citronella candles.

Keep everyone well-fed with barbecued hors d'oeuvres and patriotic fruit skewers. Serving strawberries, blueberries, and bananas on a skewer will prove to be both patriotic and healthy. Try avoiding foods that require the use of utensils, since it might be difficult to balance a plate of burgers and franks on your lap. But you don't have to ignore the barbecue completely. Feature a variety of sliders and fries. Everyone will love trying and tasting your miniature sloppy Joes, fried chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and hamburgers. For dessert, whip up some of these Fourth of July treats. Feeling lazy? Ben & Jerry's has you covered with its patriotic pints of AmeriCone Dream ice cream.

Quench everyone's thirst with patriotic cocktails, mocktails, and iced teas. While thinking about what drinks to offer your guests, stick to the tried and true — red, white, and blue. Mix up some passion iced tea and red and blue berry lemonade slush to help your guests beat the heat. Want to offer your guests something that has a bit more of a kick? Experiment with some of these patriotic cocktails.

Keep everyone entertained with music, stories, and a firework display. Some of your guests may want to test their historical trivia knowledge on this American holiday, while other guests may want to stick to watching the fireworks. All of your guests are sure to appreciate a patriotic playlist, complete with the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Born in the U.S.A." 

Enjoy! All that is left is for you to lean back on your rocking chair, enjoy your neighbors' firework displays, and celebrate America.