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Easy All-American 4th of July Party Menu
Sharing my ultimate 4th of July party menu—plus simple entertaining tips and tricks to make your summer gathering the best one yet! Below you’ll find a festive and effortless menu with cocktails (and mocktails!), fun appetizers, fresh summer salads, and my favorite go-to summer desserts. This menu is meant to be fun and easy—exactly what we’re all craving this time of year!
Happy Friday before the 4th of July! I’m so excited to be bringing you another entertaining post—this time with easy ideas and recipes for your 4th of July celebrations. Can you believe it’s just a week away?
Since the 4th is truly the summer holiday, I wanted to keep things super relaxed and festive. Instead of a sit-down dinner, I’ve created a menu filled with party-ready drinks, apps, summery salads, and sweet treats—everything that’s easy to prep and easy to enjoy. I had the best time putting this one together!
The Party – An All-American 4th of July
invites
I use Canva to create digital invites. It’s so easy and they have amazing templates, plus so many are free! You can access my template here and edit it for your party.
The party menu
drinks
Spicy Pickle Margarita (with or without alcohol) – sharing soon!
Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé
Make the Drinks Ahead of Time
Both drinks can be prepped in advance to make your life easier. The margarita can be mixed up ahead and stored in the fridge—just pour over ice when you’re ready to serve. The Watermelon Frosé is also make-ahead friendly! Blend it up and stash it in the freezer. Just give it a quick spin in the blender before serving, then pour it pitcher-style for easy pouring.
Keep It Cool
It’s the 4th of July—it’s going to be hot (and hopefully sunny!). Be sure to set out coolers or big buckets filled with ice and stocked with drinks. Think sparkling waters, seltzers, beers—whatever you and your guests love.
Want to Make It Even Easier?
Skip the mixing and simply offer a variety of beers, red, white, and rosé wines, and a mix of fun seltzers. Or keep things chill and low-key by going with a big-batch summer sangria! There’s also this fun punch (try swapping the cider for watermelon or peach juice and the apple butter for peach jam—that sounds so good!).
appetizers/snacks
mini cheeseburger sliders (use warm trays or a hot plate to keep them warm)
Watermelon Stars with Strawberries and Feta
Mexican Street Corn Dip (serve with 2-3 bowls of tortilla chips arranged around the dip)
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata (serve with crackers/crostini)
Charcuterie Board (use summer fruits/jams)
Tip: You can prep all of these yourself—or make it easy and assign each guest an appetizer to bring. If you are making everything, prepare as much as possible ahead of time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the party. That way your 4th of July can be stress-free and fun!
Add to the Menu: Ask guests to bring their favorite summer appetizer to help bulk up the menu. It’s always fun to try something new—and bonus, it gives you fresh recipe ideas!
dessert
Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake
Holiday Chex Mix (use red, white, and blue M&M’s)
assorted mini pies – from a local bakery
assorted cookies – from a local bakery
My Best Advice: Don’t feel like you need to make everything from scratch—pick up a few fun desserts from your local bakery or market. I grabbed mini pies and cookies from Round Swamp Farm in the Hamptons and they were a hit!
Add to the Menu: Stock a cooler (or your freezer) with frozen treats like ice cream bars, popsicles, and ice cream sandwiches. It’s festive, nostalgic, and so easy!
Another Fun Idea: Set up a DIY s’mores bar with graham crackers, marshmallows, classic Hershey’s chocolate, and a few fun toppings or spreads. It’s a very 4th of July moment!
Or: Bake a batch of this week’s Toasted Marshmallow K-Bars—they’re a cozy crowd-pleaser and super easy to prep ahead.
Party Favors
I picked up assorted jams and cookies for guests to take home. Keep the cookies fresh by placing each cookie in a cookie bag sealed with cute paper clips or ribbon.
Set the Table
pulled the pieces I used + additional pieces I love!
serving
What to Wear
Keep it casual and have fun. The 4th of July is not meant to be overdone! Some ideas for you below!
Photos by Kelsey Cherry
Lastly, if you’ve enjoy this Easy All American 4th of July Party Menu, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!