8 FourthO July Hacks | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
8 FourthO July Hacks
Pixabay Photography

Nothing says 'Murica like the whiff of hotdogs on the grill in the backyard, the excited screams of children running across the lawn with water guns, and fireworks shooting overhead. As we wish America a happy birthday, here are some fun Fourth of July celebration hacks to enrich your gathering with family and friends.

1) Get creative with strawberries and blueberries

Blueberries and strawberries are the perfect Fourth of July fruits to use as toppings and ingredients for cakes, smoothies and even yummy DIY popsicles. Accompanied by whipped cream or white icing, these can make the perfect little desert or fruit salad for the occasion.

2) Use toothpicks and bamboo skewers

Burgers and hot dogs can be messy, as many of our once-white clothes now know. To help keep your sandwiches (and your life) together, try using toothpicks or bamboo skewers.

3) Keep drinks fresh with frozen 3D cubes

Instead of using ice that will alter the taste of your drink once melted, try to freeze cubes of the drink you will be serving, instead. That way, your drink will stay zesty and cold, rather than watered-down and cold. For a 3D effect, add in small pieces of fruit into the ice tray to make cool 3D cubes.

4) Make these easy, cute condiment holders

Hollow out red peppers to serve ranch and other dips or condiments in. This will reduce dishes significantly and add a nice touch to your salad or burger bar. Plus, that bright red is the perfect pop of color you need for your gathering.

5) Make your own adorable fruit bowl

Hollow out a watermelon to make an easy-to-clean up fruit bowl. Place your fruit salad inside the watermelon. Then, use the top of the watermelon that was initially carved out as a lid to keep flies away. To make a cute handle for easier access, hot glue a drawer knob to the "bowl lid" and you will have your very own adorable fruit bowl, with covering!

6) Create easy backdrops for pics

Capture pictures for memories with family and friends by making a creative backdrop for pictures. Start with a white disposable plastic table cloth and some washable kid-friendly paint, and some accessories, like glitter. Then, kids and adults can use their creativity to make a Fourth-of-July-inspired backdrop. String a line across two trees and use clothes pins or tape to secure the creative backdrop in place while you say "Cheese!"

7) Prepare for wind

With any outside gathering, there is always the possibility of breezes taking a hold of your items. To avoid wind annoyances, secure all table cloths under the table with some good 'ole duck tape, (or any tape, really). This will prevent the cloth from taking flight during a good meal. For other light-weight items, like napkins, secure a large rubber band around the stack for keeping them in place and for easy retrieval.

8) Watch fireworks from the back of a pickup

Watching fireworks from the back of a pickup can be a romantic or family-fun way to enjoy your night. Start by making the space comfortable. You can line the pickup bed with sleeping pads, yoga mats, or anything springy-soft that will encase the hard surface. Then, spread blankets, sleeping bags, or a comforter across the entire interior. Prop pillows up along the edge, and make space for your loved ones, as you all lean back and enjoy the display together.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180491
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7476
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452654
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23372
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments