Independence Day Fun: How To Plan A July 4th Picnic For Portable Celebrations

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To me, the 4^th of July seems to call for a backyard cookout, lakeside rendezvous or local fireworks filled with family and friends. I have many wonderful childhood memories of watching celebratory fireworks from Dreher Island State Park, on the campus of Fort Jackson or creating our own in the neighborhood cul-de-sac. While I absolutely love each of these options, both the lakeside rendezvous and local area fireworks can come at times when it can be a challenge to determine meals. Should you try to cookout and then make it through the lines to a good spot for the fireworks, or what if you have been on the lake the whole day and want to watch fireworks from the water? Well for this 4^th of July, I challenge you to try a lovely picnic. Whether you are taking a trip to the park with your family or staying out on a boat, preparing a fun filled red, white, and blue July 4th picnic can bring your holiday celebrations to wherever you are. With a little preparation beforehand, your holiday experience can become less about logistics and more about enjoying the day with those you hold dear.

Tip #1: Establish Your Menu

While cooking out is a great option for 4^th of July, it can be hard to transport all the condiments, toppings, and fixings for the perfect burger. For me, I tried to think of items that were hearty, easily transportable, and that also somewhat fit within the general red, white and blue theme. Small mason jars, glass bottles and melamine bowls can be great transporting items that double as serving pieces.

While your group might have their own preferences, these recipes were ones that I believe will transport particularly well while still being festive and delicious. These items can involve as much or as little preparation as you want and can be tailored to your favorite homemade treats or be a grab and go grocery item. The primary purpose is to enjoy the occasion with lovely company and delicious food, and certainly that can be accomplished in many ways. When I typically think of a picnic, it consists of sandwiches, chips, and fruit. While that meal is delicious, if you are looking to mix it up and create something new this holiday, hopefully the list above will encourage you to take the leap and make it your own.

Tip #2: Picnic Basket & Serving Pieces

Once you have settled your menu, you can turn your attention to your picnic basket and serving pieces. Knowing what you will serve is important to think through as it will help to determine whether you will need a cooler or some form of cold storage. If you are not taking cold sensitive items or are going to be eating fairly quickly, then you might opt for a woven basket that you already have around your home. I found this great basket to use, however it was only ideal for a picnic enjoyed soon after packing as it was not insulated. On the other hand, if you will be packing and transporting your meal for later in the day, you might opt for an insulated basket option. I personally love the design of both picnic baskets below, which also come with serving utensils, plates, and cups.

That offering brings me to the next thought… serving pieces. While both picnic baskets shown above provide utensils, plates, and cups, if you are using a basket that does not include those things (or have a larger group than 2 or 4), you might need to think about your own serve ware. To continue the festive theme, I found these adorable red, white, and blue cherry paper napkins and floral American paper plates at TJ Maxx that I then paired with melamine dishes that I already had on hand. Similarly, many of the dishes mentioned in the list above do not require serving utensils and if you make or bring along individual drinks, then those will not require any additional cups either to make for lighter packing. I have a great love for paper products as they frequently are so festive but also require no clean up, however this area again can be tailored to be as involved or not as you prefer. TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Target and even Publix can be a wonderful place to look for festive paper products in person, while My Mind’s Eye has adorable offerings online.

Tip #3: Setting the Stage

Your final piece in planning the ideal 4^th of July picnic is to set the stage of your surroundings. Just like creating a holiday tablescape, it is great to think through creating the entire experience. Whether you are opting for a simple throw, an entire picnic blanket or the whole works with cushions, florals, and pillows, setting the stage for the occasion will make your meal and experience enjoyable. If you are going to be staying to watch fireworks, you might opt for a thicker blanket or even a cushion or two, while if you are going for a mid-day treat, a thinner blanket might work well.  Whatever you bring, be aware that you might get a spill or two, so keep that in mind when choosing your preferred piece so that your nerves won’t overrule the enjoyment of the moment.

Similarly, if you are going to be waiting for the sun to set for fireworks, think of bringing along a pack of cards, a group game, or bubbles for kids. A festive picnic atmosphere can extend far beyond just the food and location.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are on a boat, at a park or perhaps even in your backyard, creating a fun 4^th of July picnic with family and friends can be a great way to celebrate the holiday of freedom. We have so many freedoms to be thankful for, so regardless of the scale, I hope you are able to celebrate this day and remember all those who not only have gone before us to make it possible, but who continue to pick up the banner in the fight for liberty.

Happy celebrating!

Chloe