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.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

386
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15318
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3129
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments