Host a 4th of July party

Honor America with a celebration filled with patriotic spirit! With a sweet buffet of treats and red, white and blue decor, this party will get everyone in the mood for fun and fireworks!

Set out a star-spangled spread

This dazzling help-yourself dessert buffet created by Misha Perritt (Alovelydesign.com) means you’ll spend less time hosting and more time celebrating! Simply set a table in front of a wall decorated with patriotic tissue flowers, medallions and a craft-store banner. Top the table with cupcakes, white chocolate– dipped strawberries (dip in blue sugar for a patriotic pop of color) and other treats. The finishing touch: a festive bouquet! Set a vase of red and white tulips in a larger glass vase and pour layers of red and white sand between the vases.

Serve up a surprise with savory-sweet snack pails

Serving individual portions of popcorn is less messy than having guests serve themselves from a big bowl. To make the treat even tastier, portion it into mini pails (like Metal Buckets, $ 4 for 4, Hobbylobby.com), then drizzle with melted white chocolate– flavored candy wafers in red and sprinkle on blue sugar. The sweet chocolate contrasts the salty popcorn for a delicious taste sensation!

Refresh everyone with fruity “red rocket” cocktails

A bit sweet, a bit fruity, this fun red cocktail is perfect for July 4th! The night before your party, freeze a bunch of raspberries on a baking sheet. Then before guests arrive, place 10 berries in a bottle (like Clear Glass Milk Bottles, $13 for 12, Orientaltrading.com) and add 1 oz. of vodka (opt for blueberry vodka to enhance the berry flavor). Fill to the top with cranberry juice; add a mint sprig and a blue straw. The berries will keep the drink icy cold without diluting it, plus add more fruity flavor.

Add ambiance with leaf-wrapped twinklers

Creating mini lanterns showcasing summer’s beautiful greenery adds a sophisticated touch to your table. To make them, pick up a bunch of Swiss chard at the grocery store— the inexpensive lettucelike veggie has large leaves that are hearty enough to stand up to a hot day without wilting. Stretch a rubber band around each jar, then tuck in leaves until the glass is covered. Finish by wrapping twine around the rubber band and placing a candle inside each jar.