We’re not sure how, but the Fourth of July is officially a week away!

Whether you’re celebrating America’s birthday with the same neighborhood crew, are heading down to the shore for a weekend of sunshine or are keeping it lowkey with a family backyard get-together, there are some things so integral for an epic July 4th party you must never forget.

Below, we’ve laid out everything you need for the perfect soirée, from grill recipes to patriotic decor to the best backyard games. 

1. Set the stage with home decor

What’s a party without a few decorations? Set the tone for the holiday with a number of red, white and blue home decor pieces. From candles to pillows to, yes, even patriotic wreaths, these affordable finds will help spice up any outdoor space. 

Fourth of July decor

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  Citronella Candle, $4

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  Blue Star and Red Striped Plates, Prices Vary

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  Printed Stars Pillow, $20.49

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  Fireworks Wreath, $19.99

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  Citronella Candles Set of 3, $5.60

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2. Dress the part 

Red, white and blue attire is all part of the fun of celebrating the holiday. And no, we’re not talking about a simple, American flag t-shirt. Instead, show off your patriotism with chic rompers, star earrings and bright accessories. 

36 PHOTOSRed, white and blue pieces we loveSee GalleryRed, white and blue pieces we love

Quiz Royal Blue Polka Dot Crop Top, $32 

Quiz Royal Blue Polka Dot Frill Shorts, $36

DSTLD Womens Mid Rise Skinny Jeans, $85

1901 Cotton Blend Tank Top, $29

Dolce Vita NOLES HEELS IN WHITE, $120

Onzie CROPPED CREW – HEATHER GRAY, $88

ASTR RAMONA MIDI DRESS, $110

DL1961 Hannah Romper, $199

Swarovski white gold plated earrings, $49.50 (orig. $99)

NIKE Dri-FIT Breathe USA Stadium Home Women’s Soccer Jersey, $90

Faithful The Brand JEANNE PRINT – CHERRY – GENEVIEVE DRESS, $159

1901 Hot Dogs S’mores Fireworks Graphic Cotton Blend Tee, $35

Mikoh KALAHEO MINI DRESS, $148

Vans COMFYCUSH TWO-TONE OLD SKOOL, $70

Andie Swim The Ibiza, $95

Fossil CAMILLA CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK, $118.80 (orig. $198)

House of CB ‘CECILIE’ WHITE BRODERIE ANGLAIS CROPPED TOP, $89

LELET NY Sea Foam Pearl Barrette Set Of 2, $88

Koolaburra Saige, $69.99

AFRM Isadora Corset Top, $46.80 (orig. $78)

Brahmin MARLEY MELBOURNE, $125

& Other Stories Floral Cotton Puff Sleeve Blouse, $69

Pretty Little Thing BLUE STAR PRINT FRILL DETAIL SHIFT DRESS, $28

Lack of Color Juno Boater, $159

Addison Bay Stripe Tee, $47.50

Madewell Denim Jacket, $118

JCPenney MSK Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $49.99 (orig. $74)

Lele Sadoughi ATLANTIC TIE-DYE HEADBAND, $65

VINEYARD VINES Americana Stripe Popover Hoodie, $108

Vitamin A Bella Bikini Top, $99

Vitamin A Elle Bikini Bottoms, $96

TOPSHOP Ripped Mom Shorts, $60

Naked Wardrobe SNATCHED TO THE T shirt, $34

The Wolfgang Beaumont Circle Belt Bag, $114 (orig. $228)

RAILS Taylor Star Stripe Shirt, $94.80 (orig. $158)

PUMA Cali Sneaker, $80

 

Mignonne Gavigan Palmer Earrings, $175

Harlyn Sleeveless Tapered Leg Jumpsuit, $148

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3. Top it off in a red, white and blue swimsuit 

No matter if you’re celebrating at the pool, at the beach or with a DIY-waterpark in your backyard, make sure to go full out with these patriotic swimsuits — cute one-pieces included! Bonus points if you surprise your guests with one of these Instagramable pool floats. 

Patriotic swimsuits

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  Tipsy Elves American Flag One Piece Swimsuit

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  Polo Ralph Lauren Flag Suit Tall Triangle Swimsuit

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  Made in the USA Swimsuit

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  Women's Plus Size USA Scoop Back One Piece Swimsuit

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  Ralph Lauren Pin Dot Twist Front Halter Swimsuit

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  4th of July Swimsuit USA All Day

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  Boden Santorini Swimsuit – Navy/Ivory Spot

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  Milos Cup-Size Bikini Top – Oceanside Colourblock

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  Trina Turk Off the Shoulder Bandeau Bikini Top

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  Rip Curl Women's Rising Star Americana Ombre One Piece Swimsuit

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  4th of July Let's Get Lit Swimsuit

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  Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Dot Cocktail Over The Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit

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  Volcom Simply Seamless One-Piece Swimsuit

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  Lauren Ralph Lauren Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Polka Dot One Piece Swimsuit

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  Women's Stars and Stripes Push Up Bikini

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  Boden Mykonos Bikini Top

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  Boden Santorini Swimsuit – Red/Navy Stripe

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  Billabong Sunny Rib One-Piece Swimsuit

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  Billabong x Sincerely Jules Dos Palmas One-Piece Swimsuit

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  Lauren Ralph Lauren Bel Air Color Block Underwire One Piece Shaping Swimsuit

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  Polo Ralph Lauren Pique Stripe Lace Back Mio One Piece Swimsuit

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  Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Mix Halter One Piece Swimsuit

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  Gianni Bini Stripe Mesh Inset Plunging V-Neck One Piece Swimsuit

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4. Cook up the perfect Fourth of July menu

Whether you’re in charge of appetizers, have been nominated as the night’s mixologist or are manning the grill, food and drinks are the heart of any summer party. From watermelon feta skewers to patriotic cocktails to the ultimate burger, these recipes are sure to impress your guests. Because nothing says “America” like a lick-your-fingers sloppy joe… 

11 PHOTOS10 Fourth of July Recipes You Can't ResistSee Gallery10 Fourth of July Recipes You Can't Resist

Read on for Fourth of July recipes you don’t want to miss!

Apple Cole Slaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

You could make regular coleslaw, or you could make this easy version from Kitchen Joy with Granny Smith apples.

Get the recipe: Apple Cole Slaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

Roasted Veggie Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a way to make your potato salad a little different this year, try this one from An Edible Mosaic. The potatoes are livened up with bell peppers and corn, and the dressing includes Dijon mustard and honey.

Get the recipe: Roasted Veggie Potato Salad

Black Bean & Quinoa Veggie Burgers

These meat-free burgers from The Foodie Physician are filling, so carnivores won’t go hungry (and your vegetarian friends will be grateful).

Get the recipe: Black Bean & Quinoa Veggie Burgers

Pigs in a Blanket

Most people love pigs in a blanket as an appetizer at a barbecue. While many versions aren’t the healthiest, Eating Made Easy has some simple tips to make yours more natural. This one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Get the recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Extra Spicy Honey-Sriracha Chicken Wings

These chicken wings from Hip Foodie Mom are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with a honey-sriracha galze that contains chili pepper flakes and soy sauce.

Get the recipe: Extra Spicy Honey-Sriracha Chicken Wings

Fresh Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad

This salad with grilled corn on the cob from This Silly Girl’s Life can be made in advance, so if you’re planning a party or bringing a dish, you don’t have to rush!

Get the recipe: Fresh Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad

Smoky Beef Ribs with Sriracha BBQ Beer Sauce

These smoky, crispy, sweet and juicy ribs from Drool-Worthy are bound to make your guests totally happy. They’re the perfect barbecue food!

Get the recipe: Smoky Beef Ribs with Sriracha BBQ Beer Sauce

Mixed Berry Wine Spritzer

Looking for a fresh July 4th cocktail idea? This fun take on a wine spritzer from Fork and Beans is made festive with the addition of blueberries and raspberries.

Get the recipe: Mixed Berry Wine Spritzer

Apple Raisin Pies in Jars

Apple pie is a go-to dessert for Independence Day, and Jelly Toast has a great idea to make yours a hit. Add raisins, and serve it in adorable mason jars!

Get the recipe: Apple Raisin Pies in Jars

Triple Berry Crumble Pie

Here’s another patriotic-looking dessert from Ragamuffin Recipes. The berries make this crumble (and your table) look super festive!

Get the recipe: Triple Berry Crumble Pie

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5. Challenge your friends to some outdoor games

From classic games like bocce and Uno to newer games like Kan Jam, these backyard games will be the life of any party. Check out some of our favorite games below:

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  Spikeball 4 Ball Sports Game Set,

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  Sports Festival Giant Wooden Toppling Tumbling Timbers Tower

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  Yard Games Giant 4 Connect in a Row

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  AmazonBasics Bocce Ball Set with Soft Carry Case

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  Cardinal Giant Uno Giant Game

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  BucketBall Beach Edition

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  GoSports Indoor/Outdoor Ladder Toss Game Set

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  Kan Jam Ultimate Disc Game

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  Triumph 2-in-1 3 Hole Bags and Washer Toss Combo

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  Pevor Paddle Tennis Toy Ball Toss and Catch

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  Multiflex Designs Jumbo Checker Rug Game

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  Ring Toss Games

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  Hey! Play! Lawn Bowling Game/Skittle Ball

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  Funsparks Lawn Darts – Glow in the Dark Set

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For more Fourth of July inspiration, check out the video above! 

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