Everything You Need to Host an Epic Fourth of July Party

Jennifer Causey

With July 4th just around the corner, the time is ripe to start planning the evening's festivities. Sparks are guaranteed to fly when you throw a fête bursting with stars, stripes, and explosive color (red, white, and blue, natch). From dazzling desserts (two words: sprinkle cake) to tasty take-homes, we've got all your party preparations covered. Read on below, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the fireworks.

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FESTIVE INVITES

Courtesy Paperless Post

Straight from the Brooklyn letterpress studio Linda and Harriet, this bold note, available on paper or digitally (from 25¢/online invitation; paperlesspost.com/instyle), is the perfect announcement for a stars-and-stripes celebration.

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Colorful Décor

Jennifer Causey

Embrace the red, white, and blue palette of the holiday with a festive tablescape. This setup calls for color-splashed cool items that are bold enough to stand on their own, and easy enough to put together that you'll be able to enjoy a stress-free evening. Get the full breakdown here.

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DELICIOUS COCKTAILS

Jennifer Causey

Try serving up some fizzy fun with a cocktail that has a zingy, gingery bite. The aptly named Star-Spangled Smash, dreamed up by Steven Escobar, beverage director at The Regal, Brooklyn's elegant diner-slash-mixology bar, is the perfect drink for the evening. Get the recipe here.

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ADORABLE HORS D'OEUVRES

Jennifer Causey

These delicious mini lobster rolls, brainchild of chef Marc Forgione, owner of the eponymous restaurant in downtown N.Y.C. and the recently opened Lobster Press in Penn Station's new food hall, The Pennsy, are the perfect bite-sized munchies to serve al fresco with a cold pitcher of beer. Get the recipe here.

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A SHOWSTOPPING DESSERT

Jennifer Causey

Add a little sparkle and a whole lot of fun at your Fourth of July bash this year with this whimsical cake dreamed up by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, the two founders of the adored Brooklyn bakery Baked. Here, layers of vanilla cake laced with colorful sprinkles are stacked, frosted, and then covered with red, white, and blue sprinkles in honor of the upcoming holiday. Watch the how-to here.

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SWEET TREATS

Jennifer Causey

Two desserts are always better than one. The classic ice cream sandwich gets a brand-new look thanks to red velvet shortbread and celestial cookie molds. Get the recipe here.

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YUMMY PARTY FAVORS

Jennifer Causey

Crisp cookies meet pop-infused pyrotechnics with these festive desserts from N.Y.C. cookie haven Eleni’s Bakery ($10/2; elenis.com). Pack each one into a cellophane bag cinched with a thin ribbon, offerings guests something sweet to crunch on during the ride home. Get the recipe here. 

For more July 4th entertaining tips, pick up the July issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now.

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