Americana / 4th of July Party Ideas

On the 4th of July, 1776, The United States of America declared independence from Great Britain by adopting the Declaration of Independence. Traditionally the holiday celebrates America becoming an independent nation, but today it's more commonly just a celebration of being American and of all things American. For expats, it can be a chance to indulge in shared memories.

Americana / 4th of July Party Products

• Parties Online - Sydney-based party products store in operation since 1991, they specialise in tableware, balloons, costumes and more. See their 4th of July - American Independence Day section for balloons, tableware, cutouts, streamers, wigs and hats.
   
• Party Products Australia - With over 6000 party products, this is your one stop shop for all things celebratory. Based in Brisbane, Queensland, with flat rate shipping Australia wide. See their 4th of July page for red white and blue decorations and party blowouts.
   
• BalloonShop.com.au - Delivery Australia-wide. See their American Patriotic theme for American flags, stars to scatter, party hats, blowouts, and star balloons.
  

Americana / 4th of July Party Costumes

Overseas costume shops with international delivery

• Buy Costumes (US store) - Heaps of Independence Day products including hats, costumes, catering supplies and decorations. Based in the US, ships to Australia. See their extensive range of American patriotic costumes.
   
• Angels Fancy Dress (UK store) - Incredible range of fancy dress costumes and accessories for every occasion. Flat rate international delivery. Search for American to find costumes, wigs and hats. 

Americana / 4th of July Food Ideas

• American sweets! Moo-Lolly-Bar is based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and offers American Chocolate, Jelly Bellys, Pop Tarts and more. Fast Track & Trace Delivery to any residential, business or PO Box address in Australia. Check out their
  • USA Candy
  • USA Sodas
  • Jelly Bellys
  • Pop-Tarts
     

• Banana splits are an easy to make American favorite. Peel a banana and slice it in half lengthwise, placing the two halves spread apart in a bowl. Add a few scoops of ice cream in between the banana halves, decoratively pour/drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream and garnish with whipped cream and a cherry or three.

• Have a BBQ. Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, devilled eggs, corn on the cob, watermelon, freshly squeezed lemonade and apple pie are some "all-American" foods to include.
   
• Don't want to BBQ? Then just make chili dogs. Cook some hot dogs and place them in buns, pour on some hot chili (Stagg's canned chili works well) and top with tasty cheese.
   
• Make an American flag cake. You can use food colouring or, for a slightly healthier option, strawberries and blueberries on white icing.
   

• If you can get your hands on some root beer then root beer floats are a must! Just put a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream into glasses of root beer and top with whipped cream to make this American classic.

• Add some red and blue food colouring to some water and make red, white (clear) and blue ice cubes to add to drinks.

Americana / 4th of July Party Ideas

• Traditionally, fireworks have played a big part in 4th of July celebrations in America. However, fireworks are illegal in Australia, so we have to find our fun in other ways. Throw streamers or confetti, and use noise makers like party blowouts and party poppers (available from Party Products Australia.)
   
• Give the kids some sparklers and glow sticks to run around with.
   
• Instead of hosting a party AND making all of the food, have a potluck. Ask everyone who attends in advance to bring one of their favorite dishes to go with your American dishes. 
   
• Celebrate American popular culture by watching American shows or movies - you could choose your favourite and make it the theme.
   
• Play American music. For example, The American National Anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner), God Bless America, The 1812 Overture (associated with 4th of July thanks to the Boston Pops), Stars and Stripes Forever, Yankee Doodle.

Other Patriotic American Party Dates

Of course there are many occasions other than the 4th of July to celebrate all things American

• Third Monday of January - Martin Luther King Jr Day.
• 20 January - Inauguration Day, every fourth year at the beginning of each new presidential term.
• First Sunday in February - Super Bowl Sunday.
• Third Monday in February - Presidents' Day, in honour of George Washington's birthday on 22 February.
• 2 February - Groundhog Day.
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day for members of the US armed forces.
• 19 June - Juneteenth, marking the abolition of slavery in Texas.
• First Monday in September - Labor Day, usually marked by a local parade and barbecues or picnics.
• 17 September - Citizenship Day or Constitution Day, to celebrate the adoption of the US Constitution.
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day, marking the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas.
• Fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving.