America's birthday has always been about celebrating the red, white, and blue over cookout fare and holiday-appropriate desserts. And this year there's a lot to celebrate as restrictions ease—and, in some cases, fully lift—throughout the country. So why not use the opportunity to have that party you've been dreaming about for more than a year?

1. PATRIOTIC BURLAP BANNER
Whether you hang it along the fence in your front yard or on your backyard playset, this DIY project will give your bash a rustic touch. The key to nailing the look is using stencils and tape to get the painted stars and stripes just right.

2. EASY DIY PATRIOTIC TABLE CENTERPIECES
Odds are you have everything you need to make these simple decorations. If you have multiple small tables set up for your guests to eat at, put one in the middle of each. If everyone's eating at one big table, consider starting with a wider vase and filling it with extra tissue paper and pinwheels accordingly.

3. Bandana Flower Pots
Group together bandana-covered flower pots in various shades of blue for a 4th of July centerpiece that will last all summer long. To make: Use Mod Podge to attach a bandana to the outside of desired-size clay pots, folding fabric one inch over the top rim and cutting off extra fabric as needed. Once dry, fill with seasonal blooms or ferns.

4.WORK ON PATRIOTIC CRAFTS AND MANIS
If it's just you and your fam this year, fill the day with a bunch of projects that the kids will love. Start by trying your hand at a few red-white-and-blue manicures (you can even let the kids paint your nails in return…just be sure to put down lots of newspaper first). Then, hook everyone up with festive face paint designs, like a bald eagle, American flag or fireworks.

Summer is officially underway, and we can't wait to hang with our friends and family. Needless to say, we intend to bring the fireworks for this year's 4th of July party.