Take a cue from Uncle Sam, and host a county fair-themed Fourth of July party complete with vintage inspired decor and throwbacks to classic American foods.

Fourth of July festivities practically beg for vintage decor, so put favorite nostalgic items to use. Old cheese boxes and blue Mason jars provide storage for forks, knives and spoons.

Keep this holiday's iconic color palette chic by sticking to a simple color palette of primarily white and blue and displaying items like linen napkins in vintage containers.

Punch a small hole in our free downloadable printable, and secure with string around a napkin to wish guests a "Happy Fourth of July" in a festive way.

Mason jars make perfect containers when adorned with vintage trimmings. Simply wrap thick ribbon or fabric around a jar, and secure with double-sided tape before adding a layer of bakers twine.

No Fourth of July party is complete without burgers. Serve bite-sized sliders in lieu of large sandwiches so guests have plenty of room to eat all the other delicious food available. Try our bacon beef burger recipe>>

Mini fruit pies are a necessity when hosting summer's most popular holiday. Try our champagne-glazed fruit tart recipe>>

Put a healthy spin on dessert by filling a small ramekin with fresh juicy berries and star-shaped sugar cookies.

As a nod to the American flag, top the miniature pies with cookie dough cut into star shapes. Use your favorite cookie recipe or a classic sugar cookie recipe.

Serve frozen watermelon slices on decorative sticks to help guests cool off.

Keep everyone hydrated by serving a refreshing signature drink like mint and lemon-infused iced tea, or make our cardamom berry smash drink>>

Challenge guests of all ages to a game of ring toss. Everyone will be excited for a throwback to childhood. Download our free Americana-themed printables, and make your own ring toss game with our easy instructions.

Play it safe with the little ones! In lieu of handing out sparklers, hand out favor bags filled with star-shaped confetti, and toss in the air to celebrate our great country.

Send guests home with kettle popcorn party favors as a thank you for joining the fun. Get the instructions here>>

These colorful ice pops layered with raspberry, blueberry and yogurt will serve as the perfect party favors for any patriotic gathering.

Put a tropical twist on everyone's favorite summer dessert. With a few simple layers and some clever presentation, this cute little banana pudding jar will have kids (and adults) wanting more!

There is no better way to cool off during the middle of summer than with some homemade ice cream, so whip up some of this rich and creamy peanut butter dessert to wow your party guests.

Panna cotta shooters will surely cool you and your Fourth of July guests off. Give the shooters an American-inspired spin by layering them in red, white and blue.

Add a little extra color to your party palette with some of these adorable and cheesy heirloom tomato crostinis.

No outdoor party is complete without a bowl of potato salad, so add a spoonful of this delightful dish on the side of your burgers or hot dogs to complete your perfect Fourth of July menu.

This sparkling sangria will make the perfect signature cocktail for any outdoor party! Packed with bright summery flavors, this sangria will have your guests' taste buds singing.

Spices, lime juice and cotija cheese bring extra Mexican-inspired flavor to this quick and easy classic that will fit right in at any outdoor barbecue.

Help your guests cool off with this refreshing frozen treat during the heat of the day. Go the extra mile and use the clementine shells as bowls for a truly spectacular presentation.

These parfaits are sure to be a hit with the grown-ups and kids alike. Layers of red and blue berries with vanilla pudding add the perfect Fourth of July flare to this quick and simple dish.

Nothing says summer barbecue like stuffed potato skins. Top these skins with bacon, beans and guacamole to keep your guests full and happy.

Throw a little twist in this All-American favorite by adding in some coffee liqueur for the perfect creamy cool-down.

Add a dash of blue gel food coloring to classic red velvet cake to show your true American spirit. Top it off with a star-shaped cake piece to really make it a special Fourth of July treat.

Combine creamy goat cheese with zesty guacamole to create an added refreshing spin on this classic crowd favorite.

Go back to your childhood with a cocktail that tastes just like a cherry slushy. To make, combine 1-1/2 ounces cherry bourbon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 pitted cherries, 3 ounces Coke and one cup of ice in a blender. Blend until it forms a slushy consistency. Pour in a glass, and garnish with cherries.

Put an additional spin on the fan-favorite cookie cake by adding a layer of peanut butter, caramel and marshmallows to create a rich and fluffy dessert your guests will rave about.

Throw some fruit on the barbecue for the perfect summer dish that is packed with flavor. Pair yogurt with riotta cheese for an unexpected heat.

This punch recipe takes the classic lemonade recipe to the next level. The addition of beer and Canadian whiskey will have your guests coming back for more.

Give your guests a refreshing surprise with this "cake" that is actually just fresh watermelon, covered in fluffy whipped cream and topped with sliced almonds and bright fresh fruit.

Use this summery salsa as a refreshing topping for chicken or seafood, or just serve it with some classic tortilla chips.

Nothing says outdoor party like homemade blondie ice cream sandwiches, packed with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

This deliciously festive red, white and blue sangria is the perfect colorful cocktail for any Fourth of July get together. With adorable star-staped fruit, the presentation is almost as satisfying as the taste.

What's better than a burger with bacon on top? A burger with bacon inside. This twist on the classic cookout favorite calls for half ground beef and half ground bacon to create a flavor that's sure to pack a punch.

For those guests that desire something beyond the usual barbecue food, assemble these tasty mini tacos that everyone is sure to enjoy. Completing the quick and easy preparation process the night before will relieve some extra stress come the day of the party.

This bright red bellini will add the perfect amount of patriotic flare to any table setting. It can be served both with and without alcohol so kids and parents alike can join the fun.

This healthy twist on classic salsa features field peas and fresh tomatos and is the perfect side dish for any summer party.

There is nothing more American than a bit of homemade pie, so whip up some of these miniature pie pops to give your guests a real Fourth of July treat that everyone is guaranteed to love.

Ditch the store-bought mix and prepare a classic margarita from scratch with some summery, tropical flare.

Ditch the store-bought mix and prepare a classic margarita from scratch with some summery, tropical flare.

Topped with a layer of bright red and blue berries, this lemon tart is the perfect dessert for your holiday party. Light and refreshing, the lemon curd paired with the fluffy layer of whipped cream serves as a perfect summer treat.

This blackberry and cardamom concoction is the perfect way to add a refreshing kick to any hot summer day. Its purply red hue will serve as the perfect complement to your festive decor.

These bright confections are made with Limoncello, a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur, adding an extra tough of citrus flavor. Top it with lemon candy and pair with classic lemonade to give it that perfect summertime feel.

Sweet caramelized onions and plenty of fresh thyme add bold flavor to brighten this hearty dip, inspired by French onion soup. Serve with cheesy baguette as the traditional soup garnish and endive for some pleasantly-bitter contrast to the richness. Get the recipe>>

Keep ravenous guests at bay with this warm and creamy starter that features the fresh flavors of crab, corn and three different cheeses. Get the recipe>>

This hearty dip has the works: pepperoni, onions and bell peppers stirred into a thick tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Serve in a skillet and let your guests pile their baguette slices high with toppings, deep-dish style. Get the recipe>>

The big flavor in this bright dip comes from spicy Sriracha, fresh ginger and coconut. Get the recipe>>

Everyone will love this savory Kalamata olive and feta cheese dip on crunchy, toasted crostinis that you can whip up in just a few minutes. Get the recipe>>

This savory dip (flavored with stout beer) is a great option for a St. Patrick's Day party, but we like it any time of the year! Get the recipe>>

This one is even easier than you might think when you use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Get the recipe>>

For a no-fail recipe that is bound to please even the pickiest guest, give Alton Brown's guacamole a try. Get the recipe>>

This tangy potato dip is loosely based on the classic Greek skordalia and gets zip from a hefty dose of blanched garlic and fresh lemon juice. A quick roasted red pepper sauce is spooned into the middle of the potatoes to add even more flavor to this crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get the recipe>>

Cook 6 chopped bacon slices in a saucepan; remove, leave the drippings. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with the drippings. Add 1/4 cup flour and cook over medium heat, stirring, 2 minutes. Add 1 cup each cream and beer, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cups grated cheddar until melted. Serve topped with chopped scallions and bacon.

Want to impress your guests even though you only have 10 minutes before your party starts? You can with this super simple ricotta spread. Get the recipe>> 

Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn., shares a Smoky Mountain-style recipe for pimento cheese fritters, ideal for serving at casual get-togethers or large dinner parties. Get the recipe>>   

Definitely big enough to feed a crowd, this savory spinach and artichoke dip is chock-full of cheesy goodness. Get the recipe>>

Three is not a crowd in this flavorful assortment of hummus. Using the same base for all three makes this an easy way to create variety. Just stir in different toppings right before serving. Whether your guests like their dip spicy, earthy or traditional, there will be something for everyone. Get the recipes>>

For a little something extra, try your hand at this tasty hummus flavored with sauteed red peppers. Get the recipe>>

This savory dip features the classic combo of earthy broccoli and rich, tangy cheddar. Like most cheese dips it's best devoured immediately after it's prepared, while the sauce is piping hot. Be sure to use mild cheddar in this recipe since sharp cheddars tend to get grainy when cooked in this type of sauce. Get the recipe>>

Cheese, beer, chorizo, yum. This warm party dip is so delicious, you might consider doubling up. Get the recipe>>

Layer fresh Greek salad toppings over a cool yogurt dip with sweet cucumber and creamy feta cheese for a refreshing, lighter-tasting option at parties. Get the recipe>>

This delicious fondue is served in a bowl that you can also eat once the fondue is gone. For heartier fare, serve the fondue with pieces of cooked bratwurst as well as the bread and fruit. Get the recipe>>

A lighter take on traditional bean dip, white bean dip is a great alternative for summer parties. Get the recipe>>

Cheese stars in this spicy, beer-blasted dip, and grating your own makes all the difference. This dish is best served hot and fresh (not reheated), so wait until your guests have all arrived before popping it under the broiler. Get the recipe>> 

Pair flatbreads and pitas with our savory Mediterranean-inspired dip that's served hot fresh out of the oven. Get the recipe>>

This tangy and spicy cheese dip gets its kick from horseradish sauce. Serve it with pretzels or on toasted crostinis. Get the recipe>>

Creamy and smooth with just a hint of heat, this queso blanco is a definite crowd pleaser. Get the recipe>>

Our twist on the classic gin and tonic combines muddled mint, fresh pink grapefruit and sweet elderflower liqueur for a refreshing summer brew that will prove to be a major party pleaser. 

Make This: Grapefruit Gin and Tonic

Made from coconut vodka, coconut water, pineapple puree, fresh-squeezed lime juice and a splash of cherry-lime sparkling water, this refreshing big batch cocktail is a summery twist on the classic vodka soda.

Make This: Lime in the Coconut Cocktail 

Not too sweet — but not too spicy — a blend of jalapeño, mango and coconut milk is a winning combination. You can make it in 10 minutes from start to finish, and no need for a high-powered blender because the recipe uses frozen mango cubes in lieu of ice cubes. 

Make This: Coconut Mango Margarita

Fresh, ripe berries + whiskey + tart lemonade = a not-too-sweet cocktail that's sure to please a crowd.

Make This: Boozy Berry Lemonade

This refreshing punch can be made in a large glass jug and placed in a pail of ice for your summertime gathering. Place additional fruit and ice in glasses for a fun, decorative touch.

Make This: Coastal Citrus Punch

Hibiscus tea, pineapple juice, rum and ginger simple syrup are the perfect mix of sweet, spicy and refreshing.

Make This: Pineapple Hibiscus Punch

Blend fresh honeydew melon with ice and add it to green tea for a new fruity-flavored drink. 

Make This: Honeydew Green Tea

The flavors of this festive punch will bring you back to your childhood. Perfect for an outdoor gathering, bridal shower or Sunday brunch, this sunny concoction is easily doubled and great for a crowd. 

Make This: Oranges-and-Cream Punch

Make a big batch of your favorite watermelon sip then turn the shell into a party serving vessel. Sweet!

Make This: Watermelon Keg

Adorn this tart and bubbly punch with pretty, yet simple to make, floating ice flowers.

Make This: Sparkling Sunshine Punch

This beer punch couldn't be easier to whip up, and its light, lemony flavor helps cool down hot summer days. Careful, though: The Canadian whiskey packs a punch. 

Make This: Lemonade-Beer Punch

Sparkling rosè and cranberry juice give this lemony punch its blush-pink hue, making it perfect for a summer picnic or bridal or baby shower. 

Make This: Sparkling Rosè Punch

Dress up white wine and Prosecco with summer's freshest fruit and herbs. To keep the mixture cool, freeze the fruit unitl your party begins. 

Make This: Sparkling Summer Sangria

For a patriotic take on sangria, decorate your pitcher with cookie-cutter fruit shapes in red, white and blue. 

Make This: Red, White and Blue Sangria 

This Southern spin on sangria features thick-skinned muscadine grapes, lime and white wine. 

Make This: Muscadine Sangria 

Top off the evening with something sweet and chic, like this creamy Italian custard. Your guests will enjoy digging in to each of the three delicious layers — dark chocolate, praline and vanilla. Get the recipe.

Topped with a toasty meringue, these tangy citrus treats are the perfect not-too-sweet ending to any meal. Get the recipe.

Take advantage of in-season blood oranges to make this irresistible dessert that's sure to impress your dinner guests. Sweet-tart oranges and pomegranates pair perfectly with creamy mascarpone cheese. Get the recipe.

This chocolate brownie pudding is the ultimate sinful treat. One part brownie and one part molten lava cake, it's 100 percent delicious. Get the recipe.

These bite-size nibbles are the perfect light ending to a heavy meal. Glaze the mini tarts with leftover Champagne or sparkling wine for a sweet finishing touch. Get the recipe.

Kids may be tempted to dive right in to this take on the fire-side favorite but a heavy dose of bourbon makes this boozy, chocolate dessert adults only. Get the recipe.

This Italian trifle layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone custard. Marsala wine, Grand Marnier and Kahlua give this traditional confection a sophisticated twist. Get the recipe.

We promise: You can't eat just one. Super-crunchy, salty, kettle-fried potato chips are the perfect canvas for a thick coating of chocolate. A thin layer of caramel and chopped nuts ensures this treat will satisfy all your cravings at once. Get the recipe.

Dress up basic sugar cookies with chopped cashews, cinnamon and creamy dulce de leche for a new spin on a classic. Get the recipe.

Top moist pumpkin-and-spice cake layers with rich mascarpone cream and crunchy amaretti cookies for a seasonal dessert your guests won't soon forget. Get the recipe.

Savory hints of ginger and rosemary add an unexpected flavor to this fresh and fruity dessert while the homemade nut crust is the just-right crunchy contrast to the smooth pastry cream. Get the recipe.

Sweet and tart, these sandwich cookies combine two favorite seasonal flavors and taste just as good as they look. Get the recipe.

Send your guests off on a citrus-sweet note by topping light and fluffy cream cheese cupcakes with a homemade limoncello buttercream. Get the recipe.

These traditional French cookies are the just-right treat to serve at any fall get-together. They're also the not-too-sweet complement to a cup of tea and party of one. Get the recipe.

Tangy lemon curd combined with fresh whipped cream, a homemade pie crust and gorgeous berries make this tart one for the record books. The pie crust is super easy to make, so don't fear. And the lemon curd filling will have you licking the bowl. Get the recipe.

This flaky, nutty, layered dessert is easier to make than you might think. Add a homemade Nutella glaze for a chocolatey twist. Get the recipe.

This impressive, towering dessert combines the flavors of cranberries and almonds with a decadent white chocolate mousse layered between homemade meringues. Make the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to really wow your guests. Get the recipe.

Take the traditional taste of toffee up a notch with the addition of real maple syrup. Topped with a layer of semisweet chocolate, it's hard to resist snacking on just one more piece. Get the recipe.

Maple syrup adds a warm flavor to this nutty, bite-size dinner party classic. Get the recipe.

Layers of creamy pumpkin mousse, crunchy graham cracker streusel and dense maple-ginger cake combine to create this delicious after-dinner treat. Get the recipe.

Treat your guests to rich cheesecake with the indulgent flavors of chocolate brownies and two kinds of chocolate chips. Get the recipe.

This iced cookie recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic cake. Best of all, you can spread the homemade cream cheese icing on top of each cookie or layer them to create a sandwich cookie. Get the recipe.

Pecan pie is a can't-miss treat. Our twist turns them into mini hand-held tartlets, perfect for treating your guests to a dessert buffet or serving after a large meal when just a few bites are all you need. Get the recipe.

Top dense, moist chocolate brownies with a gooey salted caramel layer for a decadent dessert worthy of a special occasion. Get the recipe.

The pilgrims were onto something — dense, spicy pumpkin pie is a tried-and-true crowd pleaser. Our recipe adds a dash of sea salt to bring out the pumpkin's mild sweetness. Get the recipe.

Host a Fourth of July backyard celebration with a few simple ideas that will make your party really shine. This gallery is full of recipes for unusual grilled treats, fresh drinks and icy goodness. Click through, get inspired and craft your perfect outdoor party.

Chances are you're used to barbecuing and eating watermelon during the warm summer months, but if you've never combined the two then now might be the perfect time. Grilled watermelon loses a bit of its sweetness, but keeps that signature watermelon flavor. So pull out the salt, pepper and olive oil and slap that melon on the grill.

Before grilling your watermelon, cut it into triangular slices, coat both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill each side on high heat until grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with pepper. Add a leaf of fresh basil and a slice of goat cheese to each slice and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve warm as is, or slice up for a yummy salad.

Sun tea is an easy and refreshing drink to serve your guests during a backyard party. Place a tea bag in each clean and sterile Mason jar you plan to use for tea. (Prepare the jars just like you would before canning.) Fill with cold water and let the jars sit in the sun and steep for 2-4 hours. Remove the tea bag and place the jars in the fridge or on ice until ready to serve.

You can add extra flavors to your sun tea by adding herbs, fruits and berries from the garden. In keeping with our Fourth of July theme, we used strawberries and blueberries! Wash the berries before placing them in the tea. Strawberries and basil work well together, and blueberries and mint are a tasty combo! Both work well with green tea.

If the grill is already warm, go ahead and make dessert there too. Pull out the skewers, the berries and the pound cake and serve everyone grilled strawberry shortcake. We added blackberries to ours for a festive touch, and you can add any and all of your favorite berries.

To prepare for grilling your dessert, cut the tops off of the strawberries and use a cookie cutter to cut stars out of slices of pound cake. Place pieces of pound cake and berries alternately on the skewers until they are full. Grill over medium heat until your pound cake is lightly toasted and the berries are just beginning to soften. Cream together 4 ounces of softened butter and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Serve with fresh-off-the-grill cake and berries.

These ginger, mint and lime popsicles are a deliciously refreshing treat for a hot summer day. Sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries look beautiful and add the perfect pop of fruit.

Boil 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in a packed half cup of fresh mint leaves. Let the syrup cool and strain out the leaves and ginger pieces. Add the juice of 6 medium limes and 1 quart of sparkling water. Fill popsicle molds with blueberries and strawberry slices and pour the ginger mint mixture over them. Freeze for 8 hours and enjoy.

It's quick and easy to make beautiful pinwheels out of your favorite fabric. You can find more colors and textures with fabric than with paper, and your pinwheels will look more sophisticated than the average plastic one. Simply use fabric glue to attach two squares of starched fabric together. Use 5" squares for an average sized pinwheel. Then cut diagonally from each corner towards the center, leaving an inch radius around the center uncut. Fold the left corner of each triangle in towards the center and stitch or glue in place. If you want your pinwheels to spin, use pinwheel centers from your local craft store.

Looking for a cute craft for the kids or a fun party favor for guests? Make mini pinwheels and stitch or glue them to a festive ribbon. Tie the ribbon in a bow around your wrist for a charming bracelet.

You can make lovely fabric rockets by covering an empty toilet paper roll with fabric. Cut a cone out of paper, or use a cone-shaped paper cup and cover with fabric for the top. Hot glue the pieces together, and glue some ribbons to the bottom of your rocket. You can decorate with more ribbons, fabric or paint, or leave them as is. Line the walkway to your party with little rockets, or hang them from the trees and let them blow in the wind.

Welcome your guests with a festive Fourth of July wreath by attaching your rockets and pinwheels to an empty wreath form. Include small, medium and large pinwheels to fill it in and add variety.

Your rockets and pinwheels will also look amazing as part of a flower arrangement. Rather than going all red, white and blue, try using cream, pink and purple flowers. It will feel patriotic with a decorative touch. This arrangement of peonies and chive blossoms works perfectly with our pink, blue and purple pinwheels and rockets.

If you don't have a lot of space for flowers, try a tall arrangement instead of a wide one. These chrysanthemum blooms and blue false indigo are anchored by the peonies, but their height make the rocket look like it's about to soar into the clouds.

When the sun starts to set, you may want a little extra light while you wait for fireworks. Create these glowing star jars by placing star stickers on the outside of a clean mason jar. Use a sponge to apply white acrylic paint in a thin, even layer over the whole jar. Once dry, peel off the stickers to reveal the clear stars underneath. Light a candle in the jar and enjoy a mason jar full of twinkling stars!