Inspiration for an Unforgettable 4th of July Picnic

What are your 4th of July party plans looking like this year? If you are like me, you’ve been looking at ideas for weeks now! After all, it’s no secret that I love holidays. 

And, more than that, I love any excuse to plan a party. Hosting—whether it be for small or large get-togethers—is such a unique opportunity to create lasting memories and to make people feel special and inspired.

One of my favorite holidays to plan a soiree around is the 4th of July. I mean, the food, the fireworks, the cookouts, and the colorful decor…what is there not to love about this holiday?

And what says 4th of July more than a good, old-fashion picnic? 

So, let’s talk about hosting a fun, relaxed picnic, eating delightful food, and spending time with your closest people. I have loads of ideas for your next 4th of July party.

My Ideas for a 4th of July Party Under the Open Sky

This was the vision I had in mind when I created this year’s 4th of July themed party—simple, refined, and tastefully patriotic. I saw people gathered under the open sky, laughing, eating, and, hopefully, catching a fireworks display as they lounged on plush pillows.

When I designed this intimate party, I obviously wanted to incorporate red, white, and blue, because, without a doubt, this is an absolute must when planning any 4th of July event. But I wanted to do so in a way that was elegant and refined, with no gimmicky trinkets or throw-away decor.

I sought decor that was subtle enough to be reused in everyday life but bold enough to add to the patriotic theme. Some of my favorite finds were these pillows and table from World Market. The table adds character and a touch of comfort to the dining setup. The blanket—borrowed from a friend—brings a very earthy, natural feel to the entire picnic spread.

To bring a little frivolity and fun to the decor, I included these plates from Forty-Four Rental and Design, as well as the hobnail-textured glassware. Basic red linens, also from World Market, were tied in a simple napkin knot to finish the look.

And what party would be complete without florals? I just adore this bouquet of China roses, dwarf pincushions, and Spanish bluebells created by Habitat Floral Studio. Plus, the simple garnish of blackberries and raspberries added a festive—and delicious—touch, especially in these cute little bowls found in Target’s dollar section.

Now, the question begs to be asked – is the 4th of July really the 4th of July if you don’t have cupcakes?

I say probably not, so make sure you take the opportunity to add a bit of fun to the menu with some over-the-top cupcakes. These were from Cakes in the Zoo and they did not disappoint. I thought that the firecracker toppers were a marvelous addition and they were, of course, so good to eat.

Plan Your Own 4th of July Picnic With These Ideas

Now, how exactly do you start planning your own 4th of July picnic party?

It may seem overwhelming at first, but trust me when I say, simple is best. Keep decor minimal and look mostly for understated, classic decor, like my pillows, but add in a few more frivolous and fun pieces, such as the plates and bowls that I chose. Less is truly more when going for a classic look.

The great part about planning a 4th of July picnic is that a lot of the decor can be probably be sourced from what you already own. Red, white, and blue are very common colors and you probably already own more than you realize.

And if you don’t already own it, you can surely find a place for it after your picnic is through.

The other nice part about a picnic is that it is meant to be taken anywhere. This setup can easily be taken wherever you want to celebrate your holiday – the mountains, the beach, or your local park. Likewise, you can easily make it larger or smaller, depending on your crowd.

So tell me, what are some of your unique 4th of July ideas for a party this year?

Vendor Source List

Planner: Brittany Newman with Soiree 99 Events

Photos: Stella K Photography

Rentals: Forty-Four Rental and Design

Decor: World Market & Target

Cupcake: Cakes in the Zoo

Florals: Habitat Floral Studio

Brittany Newman is a highly-regarded wedding and event planner. Located in Missoula, Montana but available for travel worldwide, Brittany lives for planning one-of-a-kind, heart-centered events. Make sure you sign up for her newsletter for more hosting inspiration.