I frequently end up having get-togethers for holidays and special occasions at the last minute, because of erratic schedules. Because of this fact, I have learned to pull things together quickly, without time for detailed shopping and without a lot of planning.
I may not be Martha Stewart, but I hope you will like some of these simple, low cost, last minute ideas for Fourth of July:
Decorations
Even if you only have time for a quick trip to the grocery store, you can still gather a few decorations. Many stores have at least a few offerings, but even those that don’t should at least have rolls of colored streamers like those used for birthday parties. Grab some red, white, and blue (or any of these) and some tape, and you can quickly give your home or patio a more festive feel for just a few dollars.
Easy Accessories
For a quick way to add some spirit to your table, grab a jar and cover it with red, white, and blue paper or print a design from your computer and wrap it around the jar. Glue or tape in place, and fill the jar with silverware or plastic flatware. Another idea is to print smaller designs, cut them out, and wrap them around rolled napkins like paper napkin rings. You can also tie white napkins with red or blue curling ribbon.
Cold and Colorful Beverages
Mix up some red and blue Kool-Aid or other instant soft drink mix to add patriotic color. Serve over ice, or throw some ice in the blender and make colorful snow cones for a fun treat. You can use paper cups instead of cones. Another idea is to add a drop or two of red or blue food coloring to clear soda, such as lemon lime.
Food
If you have a blue bowl or container, lay a clean, white tea towel inside it and fill it will tomatoes or red apples. You can also make a quick Jell-O cake. Just bake a white cake mix and prepare red and blue gelatin (do not allow to gel). Poke small holes in the cooled cake with a straw and gently pour gelatin, alternating red and blue. Ice with Cool Whip or your favorite store brand whipped topping. Keep chilled.