99 Ways to Make This Your Best Fourth of July Ever!

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Hooray! July 4 is almost here, and we're all in favor of making it your family's most fun, firework-filled celebration to date. Whether you're looking for a new recipe idea with some patriotic flair, outfit ideas for your little ones, or a craft to keep the kiddos busy, it's all right here for you. Check out our 99 red, white, and blue Fourth of July ideas, and have a blast!

Bake This: Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches

Bake This: Red Velvet Ice Cream Sandwiches

The star-shaped red velvet shortbread cookies and cream cheese ice cream that make up these patriotic ice cream sandwiches could turn anyone into a patriot!

Party On! Drink Up

Party On! Drink Up

Canning jars can be easily customized with name tags for each guest to ensure that drinks aren't mixed up.

Bake These: Cupcakes on a Stick

Bake These: Cupcakes on a Stick

My Juice Cup transformed Bakerella's cake pop recipe into these mini cupcake-cake pop combos.

Source: My Juice Cup

Wear This: Crazy 8 Dress

Wear This: Crazy 8 Dress

From the sash to the straps, the polka dots on this Crazy 8 dress ($17, originally $25) are too sweet to pass up.

Wear These: Crewcuts Swim Trunks

Wear These: Crewcuts Swim Trunks

Anchors aweigh! Star-emblazened boardshorts ($48) from J.Crew are a great way to spend the Summer holiday by the sea or pool.

Bake These: On the Grill

Bake These: On the Grill

Using three lollipop sticks instead of one turns your cupcakes into minigrills! Duncan Hines's clever recipe uses Tootsie Rolls, jelly beans, Mike and Ikes, and a detailed combo of Starbursts and caramel for realistic candy "meat."

Source: Duncan Hines

Make This: Doily Fireworks

Make This: Doily Fireworks

All you need to create this sparkling firework art are glitter or shimmer paint, doilies, and paper. Easy and awesome!

Wear This: Gap Kids Shorts

Wear This: Gap Kids Shorts

The madras style of Gap's Patchwork plaid flat front shorts ($23) is a fresh take on a classic.

Bake These: Stars and Stripes

Bake These: Stars and Stripes

My Juice Cup took a creative approach to these red, white, and blue cake pops and displayed them (sans sticks) as an American flag.

Source: My Juice Cup

Wear These: Peek Star Shorts

Wear These: Peek Star Shorts

Your tot will be ready for July 4 in Peek's adorable Griffin Star Print Stretch Denim Cutoff Shorts ($45).

Wear This: Sweetheart Rose Little Girls' Polka Dot Sundress

Wear This: Sweetheart Rose Little Girls' Polka Dot Sundress

How adorable is this spirited polka-dot sundress ($20) from Sweetheart Rose?

Make This: Candy Fireworks

Make This: Candy Fireworks

Rolls of candy like Rolos, Mentos, and Sweet Tarts are transformed into fun faux fireworks in 30 Minute Crafts' cute candy fireworks craft.

Make These: Rice Krispies

Make These: Rice Krispies

Rice Krispies, marshmallow, butter, and food coloring make for a sweet set of stripes on these red, white, and blue treat bars.

Source: Lil' Luna

Make This: Pipe Cleaner Sparklers

Make This: Pipe Cleaner Sparklers

Wind together red, blue, and silver pipe cleaners to create faux "sparklers" — all the fun, without the fire.

Wear This: Carter's T-Shirt

Wear This: Carter's T-Shirt

This faded gray flag tee ($7) from Carter's is a fun and hip way to ring in the Fourth.

Make These: Fireworks Flowers

Make These: Fireworks Flowers

These paper flowers might look like exploding fireworks, but they're actually made of watercolor-painted coffee filters!

Wear This: Tommy Hilfiger Little Boys' Cruz Shirt

Wear This: Tommy Hilfiger Little Boys' Cruz Shirt

If you're headed to the beach or somewhere with a chill, keep him warm with this subtly festive Tommy Hilfiger red, white, and blue button-down ($24, originally $43).

Wear This: Fourth of July Hair Cip Set

Wear This: Fourth of July Hair Cip Set

Top off her Fourth of July ensemble with the sweetest felt flower clip ($8) from Etsy's Muffintopsandtutus.

Bake These: All Wrapped Up

Bake These: All Wrapped Up

Make cake pops an easy take-home favor by wrapping them in cellophane and displaying them near your party's exit.

Source: My Juice Cup

Bake These: Fireworks Cookies

Bake These: Fireworks Cookies

Martha Stewart's fireworks sugar cookies look a lot more complicated to make than they actually are, though it might take some practice to get the perfect firework!

Wear This: Emmerlus Designs T-Shirt

Wear This: Emmerlus Designs T-Shirt

The old-fashioned vibe of Emmerlus Designs' embroidered tee ($28) lends itself well to the patriotic holiday.

Make This: Porcupine Ball Fireworks

Make This: Porcupine Ball Fireworks

Porcupine balls, paint, and glitter turn a plain piece of paper into a crafty fireworks explosion, thanks to some imagination from Rust & Sunshine.

Bake These: Hot Off the Grill

Bake These: Hot Off the Grill

Hot Tamales and chocolate cupcakes make for a barbecue treat that's simply en fuego — from Life's a Batch.

Make These: Wow 'Em With Watermelon

Make These: Wow 'Em With Watermelon

Natalie's Cake Pops came up with the most realistic take on watermelon cake pops — right down to the chocolate chip "seeds."

Make These: Fruit Pops

Make These: Fruit Pops

Cookie cutters turn watermelon, apples, and blueberries into a healthful holiday dessert. Striped straws add to the appeal.

Make These: Vintage-Inspired Pinwheel Toppers

Make These: Vintage-Inspired Pinwheel Toppers

We love the old-school feel of these vintage-y pinwheel cupcake toppers, made from fondant by Celebrating Moments by Marcie.

Make These: Fourth of July Rockets

Make These: Fourth of July Rockets

While these paper rockets were designed as Fourth of July favor packages, they could also be filled with confetti or glitter to make for a firework-type explosion.

Make These: Glue and Sand Fireworks

Make These: Glue and Sand Fireworks

Blow diluted crafts glue through a straw onto a sheet of black foam to create starburst shapes. Then sprinkle colored sand on the glue, and voilà, you have your very own fireworks display.

Bake These: Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Bake These: Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Swapping out ice cream with a frosted cupcake is Love From the Oven's answer to the issue of the melting ice cream cone.

Make These: Red, White, and Blue Strawberries

Make These: Red, White, and Blue Strawberries

Strawberries get a sweet holiday makeover with white candy melts and blue sugar.

Wear This: American Apparel Tank

Wear This: American Apparel Tank

A classic American Apparel flag tank ($15) will easily become a wardrobe staple.

Party On! Printable Inspiration

Party On! Printable Inspiration

Get the look of this classic American BBQ with free printables!

Party On! Centerpieces

Party On! Centerpieces

Wooden planter boxes were flipped upside down to serve as a base for recycled cans-turned-vases.

Wear This: American Apparel Tee

Wear This: American Apparel Tee

No one does a basic cotton tee ($13) quite like American Apparel . . .

Decorate With This: Firework Wall Decal

Decorate With This: Firework Wall Decal

An oversize firework wall decal ($69) makes for high-flying fun, all year round!

Wear These: Dolce & Gabbana Swim Trunks

Wear These: Dolce & Gabbana Swim Trunks

Get two designer swimsuits for the price of one with Dolce & Gabbana's reversible infant swim trunks ($155)

Bake These: Bomb Pop Cupcakes

Bake These: Bomb Pop Cupcakes

Inspired by the old-school ice cream truck fave, these red, white, and blue cupcakes were reinterpreted from the classic pops by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.

Party On! Icebreakers

Party On! Icebreakers

Scattering games on the tables and around the backyard makes it easy to mix and mingle, even if not everyone at your party knows one another.

Party On! Cracker Jacks

Party On! Cracker Jacks

The retro packaging of Cracker Jacks makes them a great (and inexpensive!) favor for vintage-inspired, all-American BBQs.

Bake These: Cupcake Burgers

Bake These: Cupcake Burgers

No, we didn't accidentally include burgers in a dessert gallery. These incredibly realistic cupcake burgers are the genius product of Pardon My Crumbs and would be perfect for your Fourth of July barbecue.

Wear This: Kanu Surf Swimsuit

Wear This: Kanu Surf Swimsuit

The geometric print of this Kanu Surf bathing suit ($19) is nothing but fun.

Wear This: Hartstrings Dress

Wear This: Hartstrings Dress

The great thing about Hartstrings's denim dress ($32) is that she can wear it even after the holiday.

Wear This: Helena Red, White, and Blue Sundress

Wear This: Helena Red, White, and Blue Sundress

The color block design and pleated A-line skirt on this Helena Red, White, and Blue Sundress make it a winner! ($118).

Make These: Fireworks T-Shirts

Make These: Fireworks T-Shirts

Grab a white tee, Sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol, a small dish or cup, an eyedropper, newspaper, and an iron, and you'll have everything you need to make a fireworks t-shirt with your lil one. It's surprisingly easy, and you can get step-by-step instructions here.

Bake This: Brownie and Berries Dessert Pizza

Bake This: Brownie and Berries Dessert Pizza

This red, white, and blue brownie pizza is gluten-free.

Bake This: Flag Cake

Bake This: Flag Cake

Sugary Winzy's flag cake takes it up a notch. The outside, covered in star-shaped marshmallow fondant, is as beautiful as the inside.

Source: Sugary Winzy

Wear These: Ralph Lauren Trunks

Wear These: Ralph Lauren Trunks

There's something so classically nautical about Ralph Lauren's Sanibel Swim Trunk ($45).

Party On! A Red, White, and Blue Backdrop

Party On! A Red, White, and Blue Backdrop

Simple party accessories (and found props, like the wire baskets shown on the table here) are artfully arranged for a down-home vibe.

Wear This: Peek Sweatshirt

Wear This: Peek Sweatshirt

Peek's Freedom Rocks sweatshirt ($38) is the perfect throw-on for late-night firework watching.

Wear This: Gymboree T-Shirt

Wear This: Gymboree T-Shirt

Your American girl can showcase her style in Gymboree's sweet Sweetheart Tee ($10, originally $20).

Make These: Star-Spangled Blueberry Parfaits

Make These: Star-Spangled Blueberry Parfaits

These star-spangled blueberry parfaits are actually pretty healthy, using low-fat pound cake, jam, low-fat vanilla yogurt, and fresh blueberries.

Party On! All in the Details

Party On! All in the Details

Transferring basic condiments into glass containers makes them look extra special, and tying coordinating fabric on the wire basket makes it a perfect piece for this party.

Party On! Sweets and Treats

Party On! Sweets and Treats

An adorable "faucet" soap dish is transformed into a server for Dubble Bubble.

Party On! BBQ Beans

Party On! BBQ Beans

The printable labels on the baked bean jars are free to download.

Bake This: Flag Cake

Bake This: Flag Cake

Create your own red, white, and blue flag cake by following these instructions.

Wear These: Gymboree Swim Trunks

Wear These: Gymboree Swim Trunks

Salute your shorts in these fun Patriotic Stripe Swim Trunks ($8, originally $22) by OshKosh B'gosh.

Wear This: Ralph Lauren Sweater

Wear This: Ralph Lauren Sweater

Have plans for the Fourth that require a little more pizzazz? Ralph Lauren's American Flag Sweater ($75, originally $35) is a dressier option that he can wear into Fall.

Wear These: OshKosh Flip-Flops

Wear These: OshKosh Flip-Flops

A festive holiday like the Fourth deserves footwear to match. These Fourth of July flip-flops ($5) should do the trick!

Party On! Table Settings

Party On! Table Settings

A blue and white gingham tablecloth gives the seated table an old-fashioned picnic feel, and layered place settings add interest.

Make These: Confetti Balloons

Make These: Confetti Balloons

Confetti-filled balloons allow a big explosion without any fire. Just use a funnel to pour confetti into a balloon until it's a quarter full, then inflate it with a hand pump. You can even pop them indoors!

Wear This: Crewcuts T-Shirt

Wear This: Crewcuts T-Shirt

The fireworks won't be the only ones glowing on the Fourth! J.Crew's glow-in-the-dark tee ($27) is superfestive!

Wear This: Peek T-Shirt

Wear This: Peek T-Shirt

He can get in the all-star spirit, thanks to this sporty This Land Was Made For You and Me t-shirt ($34).

Bake This: Red, White, and Blue Cake in a Jar

Bake This: Red, White, and Blue Cake in a Jar

While the sweet staff at Babble made this cake in a jar for Memorial Day, it works equally well for the Fourth.

Source: Babble

Make These: Patriotic Pretzels

Make These: Patriotic Pretzels

Pretzel sticks dipped in CandiQuik Coating and covered with red, white, and blue sprinkles makes for a quick, inexpensive addition to your patriotic dessert table.

Source: Noble Pig

Bake This: Independence Icebox Cake

Bake This: Independence Icebox Cake

Martha Stewart's independence icebox cake is made with layers of vanilla wafers and strawberry whipped cream, topped with blueberries and raspberries.

Wear This: Old Navy Tee

Wear This: Old Navy Tee

This Old Navy graphic t-shirt ($8, originally $15) sums up all the reasons to love the Fourth of July.

Bake This: American as Apple Pie

Bake This: American as Apple Pie

Mommy Topics combines two cookout faves — pie and cupcakes — for a July 4 sweet treat that's sure to wow a crowd.

Source: Mommy Topics

Wear This: Peek Hoodie

Wear This: Peek Hoodie

If an evening of watching fireworks on the beach turns chilly, Peek's Let Freedom Ring Hoodie ($50) is a patriotic way to warm up.

Bake These: Cupcakes in a Jar

Bake These: Cupcakes in a Jar

The perfect party favor that guests can take on the go, these patriotic Cupcakes in a Jar are the brainchild of Glorious Treats and were featured on The TomKat Studio. Originally intended for a Memorial Day treat, they're perfect for any Summer holiday.

Wear This: Crazy 8 T-Shirt

Wear This: Crazy 8 T-Shirt

Rock out on the Fourth with this Land of the Free tee ($3, originally $10) — a bargain from Crazy 8.

Party On! Welcome Table

Party On! Welcome Table

A welcome table (especially one that immediately offers up good eats or drinks) is a nice way to make company feel welcome, and ready to party! For this display, a piece of indoor furniture was brought outside — we love the rustic look of red, white, and blue flowers in the partially opened dresser drawer.

Party On! Easy Eats

Party On! Easy Eats

Turn fun patterned paper into cones, and fill them with an easy snack, like chips or popcorn.

Party On! Stack Your Own Shortcakes

Party On! Stack Your Own Shortcakes

An unexpected take on the traditional sundae bar, building your own shortcakes is a nice way to incorporate fresh Summer berries into your menu. Dress up a whipped cream can in patterned fabric, and offer guests the option of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Bake This: A Dressed-Up Dessert

Bake This: A Dressed-Up Dessert

Style Me Pretty's DIY tutorial gives any dessert a charming, retro edge. These would be a great craft for kids at a Fourth of July party!

Make This: Watermelon and Feta Flag

Make This: Watermelon and Feta Flag

This blueberry, watermelon, and feta (a surprisingly awesome flavor combo) flag couldn't be easier or more perfect for the holiday.

Source: Wenderly

Wear This: Hello Kitty Tank

Wear This: Hello Kitty Tank

She'll be the most stylish tot at the barbecue in this adorable tank ($14) by Old Navy.

Bake These: Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies

Bake These: Red, White, and Blue Pinwheel Icebox Cookies

Just a Taste's red, white, and blue pinwheel icebox cookies are a great make-ahead treat. Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate, then slice and bake pre-party.

Source: Just a Taste

Party On! Buffet Table

Party On! Buffet Table

The buffet table was kept simple, and every detail was attended to. Canning (or mason) jars are a charming way to serve drinks, and condiments were transferred into coordinating serving pieces. Even the baked beans were served in mini canning jars — perfect for grab 'n go eating.

Wear This: Dolce & Gabbana Ginham Swimsuit

Wear This: Dolce & Gabbana Ginham Swimsuit

Splashing around in the pool has never been so stylish, thanks to this adorable Dolce & Gabbana Gingham Swimsuit ($140).

Wear These: Oscar de la Renta Swim Trunks

Wear These: Oscar de la Renta Swim Trunks

Traditionalists will embrace Oscar de la Renta's classic fish swim trunks ($52, originally $110) for little boys.

Wear These: O'Neill Boardshort

Wear These: O'Neill Boardshort

O'Neills's easy Santa Cruz Stripe Swimsuit ($29) are perfect for the holiday.

Party On! Super Sliders

Party On! Super Sliders

A party-perfect alternative to the full-sized burger, minisliders are easier for guests to eat while mingling.

Wear This: Children's Place Romper

Wear This: Children's Place Romper

This one-piece Children's Place romper ($10, originally $17) is an easy, no-fuss way for her to sport her spirit.

Make These: Miniparfaits

Make These: Miniparfaits

The combination of cherry-almond cookie dough and whipped cream cheese is almost explosive in these miniparfaits.

Make These: Marshmallow Pops

Make These: Marshmallow Pops

Marshmallow pops covered in chocolate, peanut butter, and sprinkles can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.

Wear This: Kohl's Tank

Wear This: Kohl's Tank

How sweet is this Jumping Beans time to sparkle tank ($7, originally $16).

Wear This: Brooks Brothers Dress

Wear This: Brooks Brothers Dress

A classic Brooks Brothers Sleeveless Smocked White Seersucker Dress ($75) is a most appropriate way to dress for the holiday.

Wear This: Carter's Skirt

Wear This: Carter's Skirt

She'll look like a star wearing this Carter's Fourth of July skirt ($6, originally $7).

Make These: Cupcake Liner Fireworks

Make These: Cupcake Liner Fireworks

Gather black construction paper, cupcake liners, markers, glitter, scissors, and glue and follow these instructions to create these cute paper fireworks.

Make This: Fireworks Centerpiece

Make This: Fireworks Centerpiece

Glittered card stock, shish kebab sticks, and straws are all you need to make this cool fireworks centerpiece, which we're betting your kids will love to pull apart and play with!

Make This: Patriotic Caramel Corn

Make This: Patriotic Caramel Corn

Caramel corn drizzled with white candy melts and red, white, and blue sprinkles turns caramel corn into a patriotic treat.

Wear These: Gap Swim Trunks

Wear These: Gap Swim Trunks

Gap's star swim trunks ($20) come in sizes for baby boys 0-24 months old.