Each month, my craft group gets together for a themed dinner party—and we’ve earned the nickname “The Overachievers” for good reason. We go all in. This month it was my turn to host, and after a few calendar changes, the date landed on July 1. Originally, I planned a garden party in soft blues and yellows, but with the shift, I embraced a full Fourth of July dinner party theme instead—and I’m so glad I did!
The red, white, and blue theme came together beautifully with a mix of Amazon finds, Trader Joe’s treasures, and a few viral treats from Costco. While politics may be divisive, I feel a deep and abiding pride in this country. I believe in the Constitution and the values of liberty and service—values lived out by our parents and grandparents who served in World War II. That legacy is ingrained in our family, and this party was a small but heartfelt celebration of that heritage.
The Details: Fourth of July Dinner Party
Despite having bins of holiday decor, I realized I had surprisingly little for the 4th of July. So off to Amazon I went, hunting for bold stripes, festive tableware, and affordable touches that would bring my red, white, and blue vision to life.
The July 4th Dinner Party Amazon Finds
To bring my patriotic party vision to life, I layered a navy and white striped runner over a crisp white tablecloth and added red gingham placemats for a true Americana vibe. Each setting included:
- A red charger plate
- White scalloped dinnerware
- A neatly folded napkin tied with a bold blue ribbon
- Vintage-style silver flatware
- White hobnail goblets for that extra touch of charm
The center of the table featured clay pots from the dollar store planted with daisies from my garden. I added DIY mini flag arrangements—two small American flags hot glued to wooden skewers, inserted into white Amazon straws, then tied with red or blue ribbon plus long patriotic ribbon tails. The skewers gave them just enough height to stick securely into the soil.
Table Favors & Viral Treats
Each guest received a favor of Trader Joe’s Tart Cherry Fruit Spread—in the perfect deep red color. When I picked them up, the cashier told me that employees wait all year for this to come in; she had already bought five jars for herself that morning!
On the dessert table, I set out two kinds of Dubai chocolates (currently all the rage online):
- Milk Chocolate Pistachio Kadaif
- Strawberry Pistachio Truffle Bites
Both from Costco, and both dangerously delicious.
The Menu
The food was a true team effort, and everything was summer perfection:
And Karen brought homemade rolls that disappeared fast
Joe grilled his famous tri-tip—the star of the show
Jackie brought a strawberry, spinach, and mozzarella ball salad with a fruity balsamic dressing
Brenda made her classic coleslaw
We added a couple of wonderful watermelon salads.
As a backdrop, my blooming white hydrangeas and green garden created a dreamy summer setting. The weather couldn’t have been better. It was one of those nights where everything came together—beautiful food, even better company, and a setting that felt like a page from a magazine.
If you’re looking to host your own Fourth of July celebration, I’ve linked everything I used from Amazon below to help you pull it off without a hitch.
Why I Host
These gatherings are about more than decorations and desserts. They’re about connection, hospitality, and creating beauty and joy in our everyday lives. I believe hosting is a form of service—inviting people in, making space for them, and celebrating what matters.
If you’re thinking of planning your own Fourth of July celebration or patriotic dinner party, I’ve linked all my favorite Amazon finds below so you can easily recreate this look.
Fourth of July Dinner Party Hosting Tip:
Start with a neutral base (white tablecloth or stripes), and build color through layers—chargers, florals, ribbon, and flags go a long way in creating a cohesive patriotic tablescape.
Stay tuned for more party ideas, Amazon finds, and garden-to-table hosting inspiration! -Laura
