How to Celebrate the 4th of July

Instructions Step 1: Display flag Display an American flag. The flag is a powerful symbol of our country that represents strength, unity, and freedom. Step 2: Read a book Read a book about John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, or one of the other Founding Fathers. Step 3: Write a letter Write a letter to …

Instructions Step 1: Go to local farmers’ market Head to your local farmers’ market to purchase locally-grown or organic produce. Step 2: Choose organic meat Choose organic hot dogs, and free range meats and poultry for your barbecue feast. Step 3: Buy tableware Purchase biodegradable cups, recycled paper or plastic dishware, and recycled cutlery. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Tour the city the days before Take guided tours of the city’s historic spots over the days leading up to the Fourth of July to get into the spirit. TIP: Grab a subway map: taking the subway is the cheapest and quickest way to navigate the city. Step 2: Visit Ground Zero …

Instructions Step 1: Attend opening ceremony Start Boston’s week of celebration with the opening ceremony to get yourself in the mood. It takes place a few days before the Fourth of July at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. TIP: Make sure you grab a schedule of events because there are a ton of events going on …

Instructions : Don’t drink unless you’re of legal age. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive. Step 1: Make a traditional Firecracker shot Make a traditional Firecracker shot. Pour the tequila, Rumple Minze — a strong peppermint schnapps — and Goldschlager — a cinnamon schnapps with gold flakes in it — over ice into the …

Instructions Step 1: Declare your independence Read the Declaration of Independence, which announced the colonists’ rebellion against the British monarchy. Focus on the second sentence, which embodies the American spirit. TIP: Learn more about the nation’s founders by holding a fantasy draft for a Second Continental Congress All-Star Team. Step 2: Light up Put two …

Instructions Step 1: Bake vanilla cupcakes Bake cupcakes according to your favorite recipe or with a cake mix. Step 2: Make vanilla frosting While the cupcakes are cooling, combine the sugar, butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl; then add the milk. Beat until very well blended and fluffy, adding more milk if necessary. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Cook the marshmallow treats Cook the marshmallow treats according to the package directions and allow them to cool. Step 2: Bake the cake Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, pour the batter into the star-shaped pan, bake it according to package directions, and set it aside to cool. TIP: …

Instructions Step 1: Trace a circle Trace the outline of a plate on white foam board and cut it out with the craft knife to make the brim. Step 2: Make the brim Place the oatmeal container in the center of your foam board brim and trace around it. Step 3: Put brim on Slip …

Instructions Step 1: Make a sand centerpiece Make sure the vase is clean and dry, and layer red, white, and blue sand in it. TIP: Shake the vase after each layer to level the sand. Step 2: Add flowers Arrange the red, white, and blue flowers in the sand. Step 3: Add the flag Stick …

Instructions Step 1: Cut the band Cut 2 1/2 inches from the rim of one of the paper plates. TIP: Measure with a ruler before cutting. Step 2: Cut out the center Cut out the center of the plate, leaving about a 2 1/2 inch round band. TIP: Place the plate on the child’s head …

Instructions Step 1: Melt chocolate Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Step 2: Coat marshmallow Coat each marshmallow in the melted chocolate. TIP: Completely cover the marshmallows so the coconut sticks. Step 3: Roll the marshmallow Roll the coated marshmallows in the shredded coconut, leaving one end of each marshmallow uncovered. Step 4: Place on …

Instructions Step 1: Remove your pet from hoopla Bring your pet inside and close all the doors, windows, and curtains to help muffle the sounds. Turn on the television or radio as well to help drown out the noise. Step 2: Be a calming presence Stay with your pet whenever possible and comfort them by …

Instructions Step 1: Create flag Make the flag on an index card using markers, crayons, colored paper, glitter glue, and stickers. Step 2: Glue flag Glue the flag onto the popsicle stick to create a flag pole. Step 3: Write party information Write your event details on the back of the flag. TIP: Tape the …

Instructions Step 1: Draw stars Draw the outlines of stars on one side of one sheet of the card stock and color around them with the blue marker. TIP: You can glue silver glitter inside the stars for added pizzazz. Step 2: Outline stripes Use your straightedge and the red marker to draw and color …

Instructions Step 1: Paint sticks Spread out the wax paper on a work surface to prevent sticking. Paint five popsicle sticks red and paint four white. Step 2: Align Align the painted sticks horizontally, one under the other, and glue their edges so that they form a rectangle. TIP: Alternate red and white sticks, starting …

Instructions Step 1: Bake a sheet cake Bake a sheet cake using your favorite recipe or cake mix. While the cake bakes, hull and slice the strawberries, if you’re using them. Step 2: Transfer cake When the cake is done and cooled, transfer it to your serving plate. Put wax or parchment paper under the …

Instructions Step 1: Mix ingredients Pour the first three ingredients into a bowl, stir briskly with ice until the sugar is dissolved, and then strain into a punch bowl. Step 2: Stir in the water Stir in the water. Step 3: Float the port Float the port on top. TIP: Substituted sweet sherry for port. …

Instructions Step 1: Prep your drinks In separate containers, pour one batch each of your favorite red, clear, and blue powdered or premixed drinks or juices. Step 2: Start with red Fill your popsicle molds a third of the way full with the red liquid. Freeze the molds for a couple of hours, until the …

Instructions : Fireworks can be incredibly dangerous. Never let kids play with or light fireworks. Step 1: Make sure it’s legal Make sure that setting off fireworks is legal in your area. Your local police precinct or firehouse will be able to tell you. Step 2: Buy only legitimate fireworks Buy only legal fireworks from …

Instructions Step 1: Start with good meat Get a butcher to grind chuck beef for you with a 15% fat content. (More fat and it will just drip off the meat and cause fire flare-ups; less and your burger will be dry.) If possible, buy the meat the day you’re going to cook it. TIP: …