Independence Day is just days away! How do you plan to celebrate our nation’s birthday? While the tried-and-true traditions of fireworks and backyard barbecues are always popular and draw a great crowd, try stepping out of the “same old, same old.” Liven things up a little to turn your Independence Day party into a Fourth of July extravaganza, and make it one that will be the talk of the neighborhood for weeks to come! They might even ask you to host the party again next year!

Here are some great ideas for taking your Fourth of July extravaganza off the beaten path and giving it some pizazz that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Patriotic Potluck

Have your guests bring a food item that has a patriotic theme, even if they just use food coloring to get a red, white, and blue look on their cupcake frosting. Here’s a great idea to try yourself—patriotic kabobs, using blueberries, cherries, and apple chunks on toothpicks. These are quick and easy to make—and a refreshing treat on a hot summer afternoon.

Egg Hunt

This is a great way to keep the kids occupied while you and your friends tend to the food preparations. Use red, white, and blue plastic eggs and put patriotic-themed items inside them, like colorful candies, stickers, or other small items, then hide them all over the yard or picnic area. You can also use real eggs and dye them with food coloring after they’ve been boiled, and serve them up as snacks or whip up a quick and easy side dish of egg salad or deviled eggs after the kids have found them all!

Costume Party

Another great idea for putting a spin on your Fourth of July extravaganza is hosting a costume party. Ask your guests to arrive dressed as a character from our country’s historic beginnings, such as George Washington, Betsy Ross, or Paul Revere.

Beach Party Ideas

If you are having your party at the beach, how about a patriotic sand-castle building contest? Give the participants plenty of party favors like small flags, streamers, and pinwheels to use for outfitting their castles, and let them get to work!

Melon Kabobs

Here’s a great way to jazz up your table settings—you can make melon kabobs without much fuss at all. Cut a watermelon in half and set it on end, then use kabob skewers to hold an assortment of colorful melon pieces. Not only is this idea eye-catching, it’s also healthy and delicious!

Whatever idea you choose to make your party stand out, you’re sure to be a hit with your Fourth of July extravaganza this year, so get out of the rut and put a new spin on an old idea. Try out some of these ideas or come up with your own, and prepare to have an Independence Day that will knock your guests’ socks off!