Backyard Party Ideas
Get party ideas, patriotic decorating tips and classic American recipes for a summer celebration with family and friends.
Throw a Patriotic Party
Serve and display classic American foods for your Fourth of July party. Create a buffet of hot dogs, apple pie and soda pop. Top off the table with American flags and an apple garland.
Make Festive Panna Cotta Shooters
This Fourth of July cocktail will help you and your guests chill out. Give the shooters an American-inspired spin by layering them in red, white and blue topped with stars. Recipe for Panna Cotta Shooters, Courtesy of HGTV.com>>
Throw a Backyard BBQ
One of the best ways to get friends and family together is over BBQ and beer in the backyard. Take a cue from Great American Country’s Junk Gypsies cast (like Jolie Sikes' husband Todd Smith shown here) and fire up the grill! Junk Gypsies Family Album>>
Grill Cheeseburger Sliders
Give your cheeseburgers a little twist by making these mini bacon and ranch cheeseburgers. Recipe, Courtesy of HGTV.com>>
Just Brew It
Ever thought about brewing homemade hard cider? See how to create a custom flavor you’ll love. Brew Your Own, Courtesy of Made + Remade>>
Serve Adults-Only Ice Cream
See how to make tipsy homemade ice cream, "drunken" gummy bears, and spiked whipped cream for a party your guests won’t soon forget — unless they indulge too much. Tipsy Ice Cream Social Ideas, Courtesy of Made + Remade>>
Throw a Wine-Tasting Party
Impress your friends with an interactive, sophisticated party complete with wine bottle decor, chalkboard signs and wine primers. Wine Tasting Party Tips, Courtesy of DIY Network>>
Host a Beer-Tasting Party
Not a wine fan? Host a fun, casual beer-tasting party. Serve different types of beer in small glasses. Then, ask guests to share their observations and try to guess the brand on tasting cards. Download Beer Tasting Cards>>
Make Southern Hot-Dipped Chicken
Try Kimberly Schlapman’s sizzling menu for your next backyard party, featuring southern recipes for hot-dipped chicken, cool cucumber salad and Georgia caviar. You’re sure to please the crowd at your next summer gathering with these recipes. Get the Recipes>>
Bake Pie Pops
Make this classic American dessert the center of attention. Place the sticks in floral foam, and display the miniature pies in a basket for an easy, portable treat. Pie Pops Recipe, Courtesy of HGTV>>
Make Star Velvet Cupcakes
Top your red (or blue!) velvet cupcakes with star-shaped cake pieces for a sweet treat on July 4th. Get the Recipe, Courtesy of HGTV>>
Cool Off With Homemade Pops
The icy sweet treats are perfect for an outdoor summer soiree. You can make your own Fourth-of-July-style pops by pouring red or blue fruit juices into freezer trays.
Create a Flag Banner
Colorful bunting is a simple way to decorate for your summer party. Download and print the template onto sheets of colorful card stock, cut and connect each one with brads. Downloadable Flag Template>>
Mix up a Mellow Melon Margarita
Get the recipe for this classic summer cocktail with a twist. The watermelon margarita will leave your guests refreshed and feeling mellow. Melon Margarita Recipe, Courtesy of HGTV>>
Add Outdoor Lighting
Illuminate your party space with strings of lights on an umbrella or tree. Outdoor lighting adds instant ambiance to any backyard party. Get 11 Outdoor Lighting Ideas, from HGTV.com>>
Red solo cup lights
These clever DIY red solo cup lights are super-easy to make. Simply cut an X through the bottom of the cup with a utility knife, then pull the small bulbs of the string of lights through the hole.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
It’s easy to make delicious summer entrees, like pull-apart pork sandwiches from Kimberly’s Simply Southern. Recipes From the Show>>
Bring the Beach To You
Bring the beach to your own backyard by hosting a coastal-themed party. Use beach decor like starfish, seashells, coral and driftwood. Don’t forget to serve up shrimp cocktail! Soon you’ll be hearing the waves. Clambake Party Ideas, from HGTV.com>>
Freeze Fruity Ice Cubes
Fill an ice cube tray with water, and then drop in raspberries and slices of lemon, lime and orange. Once frozen, the infused cubes are perfect for adding flavor to a glass of water or fresh-squeezed lemonade. Camille Styles’ Stress-Free Party Tips, Courtesy of HGTV.com>>
Twist Up a Frozen Texas Twister
They say everything is bigger in Texas, including this Lone-Star State drink. Blend limeade, lime juice and ice with tequila, beer, Grand Marnier and wine for a dangerously frozen concoction. Recipe If You Dare, Courtesy of HGTV>>
Go Vintage With a Varsity Party
Host a sports throwback party indoors or out, with vintage athletic gear, memorabilia and simple school supplies.
Set Your Table With Summer Style
For a classic summer backyard party, add seasonal flowers, glass vases at varying heights, customized menu cards, and a bright-colored, striped tablecloth. Balance fresh summer style with a rustic outdoor location. More Stylish Table Setting Ideas, Courtesy of HGTV>>
