This Is How to Host the Easiest Fourth of July Party

Hosting a party requires lots of prep, so putting together a shopping list — plus any other special instructions — is a must. Treat it like a business meeting and set deadlines on your phone along with calendar updates so you are in good shape on the day of the party.

Put a muffin tin to good use and fill it with cupcake liners and easy-to-grab snacks like carrots, hummus, and even drinks. Fill serving trays with crisp chips and leave out containers of your favorite salsas or dips. This way everyone knows what they're digging into and you aren't stuck filling little dishes every couple of minutes. Plus they're easy to pick up and move around.

Hit up your favorite grocery store and lean on the deli department for your party spread. Load up on containers of fruit salad, coleslaw, and potato salad, which are everyone's favorites. Give each a fresh spin by adding unique custom ingredients. Chop mint for topping the fruit salad along with lots of vibrant lime, thinly slice roma tomatoes and cucumbers and add to coleslaw, and top premade potato salad with scallions and cracked black pepper. Serve in beautiful bowls and everything looks delish — plus it really makes it look like it's all homemade.

Most of the items you'll be serving will probably be coming straight from the grill, but that doesn't mean it should all end up on a paper plate! Pick up cutting boards that are pretty bases for whatever you're serving. Put out alongside serving utensils and lots of different toppings so guests can personalize whatever they grab.

The best bet is to go with foods that won't go bad as the day runs on. Think about setting up a serving table indoors away from direct sunlight so your spread stands the test of time. Leaving out plates and silverware lets guests help themselves without needing your assistance.

Cupcakes are the perfect party-friendly dessert. Surround them with sweets in cute candy dishes alongside plates so everyone can indulge, and elevate your baked goods with a cake stand. Sticking with the red, white, and blue theme is an easy decor tip that coordinates the entire party from start to finish.