#30Seconds In-Depth: Fun Ideas for a Festive July 4th With Holly Budde! by Renee

Are you looking for fun activities and all things patriotic to celebrate July 4th? This week, 30Seconds contributor Holly Budde joined us as our #30Seconds Twitter chat guest! Holly is a Texas-based mom of two daughters, real estate agent, writer and lover of life. Holly’s tip and creative ideas will help make this your best July 4th ever!

Q: Where are some of your favorite places to go for July 4th?

• Cool off in the water! Take a road trip to the beach or lake with your family.
• It’s a great time to get outdoors and visit places you have never been before. It is also a good time to experience different cultures and celebrations.
• It’s fun to pick a direction, drive two to three hours and see what happens! My family is always surprised by what we find.
• Local parks, museums, city festivals, parades and firework shows are all fun! Search for local July 4th community events online. Many are free!

Every year we go downtown to Festival on the 4th! It's a tradition now! Started when I was 7 months pregnant with my son and been going every year! #30seconds

— Ana (@mommyana1) June 28, 2018

Q: What are some of your ideas to celebrate if staying at home? 

• Staycations are great! Get creative! Make it a game day, PJ party, create an outdoor movie or have a field day with your family.
• Invite a few of yours and your kids’ friends over. It doesn’t have to be formal to be fun!
• I’m home this year myself. We’ve decided to rent a water slide and have a small party.

Water balloons work too? I'm going to try it #30Seconds https://t.co/NbkQ8qGOOJ

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) June 28, 2018

Q: Speaking of party, share with us your July 4th party ideas!

• Food and decorations at your July 4th party does not have to be all red, white and blue! Use what you have and make it say “summer!”
• I decorate outside with flags Inside, a few items on the dinner table. I even used baseballs. Nothing says summer like baseball!
• If you don’t have a pool or waterslide to cool off, don’t sweat! Use the sprinkler or water balloons and make a special play area for kids.
• Encourage activities with your guests! I’ve created a bucket of volleyballs, badminton, softballs, ring toss, etc., for the patio. I think I’ll keep that out all summer!

here’s a quick snapshot of me using baseballs in the dining room for a #summer #4thofJuly decoration. #30Seconds pic.twitter.com/rZ1HH1uFOu

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) June 28, 2018

Q: What are some of your favorite Fourth of July party foods?

• I keep party food simple. It’s easy to get red, white and blue with fruits. Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries. etc. Use fresh produce to add flare and cut calories!
• Make firecracker hot dogs by wrapping the hot dog with pretzel dough, chicken strips on sticks or dress up a burger by making a hamburger bar!
• Bite-size cupcakes or cheesecakes are easy to decorate for July 4th with fruits and candy.
• Cocktails and mocktails are easy to transform into the Fourth of July spirit with garnishes or red, white and blue ice cubes.
• Lemonade and iced tea are simple crowd pleasers, too!

How easy is this? add twizzlers for a "firecracker fee" #30seconds pic.twitter.com/rhNZ0knkeU

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) June 28, 2018

A4: Lemonade and iced tea are simple crowd pleasers too! #30seconds pic.twitter.com/A78OaTcVs9

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) June 28, 2018

Be sure to follow @tweenspot, like her on Facebook and read her 30Seconds tips!

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