DIY DECOR

Create instant Independence Day pizzazz with these fun and festive touches.

Whip up a set of colorful table toppers in less than five minutes using some paint and paper maché letters from your local craft store.

Or go for florals and instantly transform white flowers into a patriotic centerpiece trio. Use small, clear vases – mason jars will do in a pinch - and mix a few drops of food coloring into the water before adding your flowers.

Set your table with bandana napkins. A twine bow finishes the look and holds them together for easy stacking.

For the finishing touch, give your patio a starry glow with DIY luminaries.

Use a star-shaped hole punch on red and blue disposable cups. Punch an additional hole in the base of the cup to fit over your string light bulb.

YOUR FOURTH OF JULY MENU

Beat the heat and savor the day with these crowd-pleasing recipes.

If you're looking to serve a fresh and simple snack, then these Watermelon-Blueberry fruit skewers have got you covered. All you need is chilled fruit, a star-shaped cookie cutter and bamboo skewers.

Pair these Firecracker Dogs with a side of Southwest Salad and a glass of Beringer Main & Vine Red Crush for a star-spangled cookout.

Dip ice cream sandwiches in a plate of red, white & blue sprinkles - because ice cream and sprinkles are always Better Together!

For the last-minute party planner, try a sparkling cake! Dress up a store-bought cake with sparklers to make it party-ready in a snap.

If you have more time to spare, make the most of peak berry season with Blackberry Cobbler Crumble, or individual Berry Cheesecake Parfaits.

Don't forget the sangria! Stay cool with a fruity drink - see our list of wine-and-fruit combinations to mix a batch with your favorite varietal.

GAMES

A lawn game to play with friends and family, this DIY hoop toss can be made with only a few materials. We used glow-in-the-dark bracelets to keep the fun going after dark, and red, white & blue Main & Vine bottles to add some Fourth of July flair.

Prefer tabletop gaming? Transform wooden stacking blocks into a patriotic party game with a quick coat of paint.

Lightly spray blocks with 1-2 coats of red and blue spray paint – the trick is to give them plenty of time to dry before stacking.

MENU PLANNING

• Create the menu for your party first and use it as a guide to building your shopping list
• Include a list of contributions from individual guests so you can keep track of who is bringing any dishes—And who is bringing the Beringer Main & Vine wine.
• Look to see if there are any items that you can prep or make ahead to save time the day of your party
• Create a prep schedule for your menu that lists the times items need to be thawed or placed in the oven in order to be ready on time

HOUSE PREPARATION

• Create a cleaning schedule for the days leading up to the party
• Determine if any rearranging needs to be done for extra seating or floor space
• Gather extra tables or clear surfaces to create serving stations

TAKE INVENTORY

• Determine what serving pieces/utensils will be needed for each menu item
• Decide what cookware will be used and assess if additional items are needed
• Clean and set aside any tableware that will be used

RSVPS

• Create a list of who’s invited and their response status to the invite
• Keep a headcount tally needed for menu items

PARTY PLANNING BUDGET

• When creating a budget for your party, determine up-front what items are essential and what can be removed, if needed
• Collect all receipts in an envelope to keep an organized, running total of party expenses

• Add branches and flowers from your own yard to give your table a rustic feel.
• Mix napkins and placemats of different patterns for a fresh and fun look. Stick with one color scheme to keep it balanced.
• Make it personal by creating handwritten note cards to label foods or place settings.
• Repurpose empty Beringer Main & Vine wine bottles by spray painting and adding fresh flowers.
• Fill a vase or bowl with lemons or limes to brighten your table.

MORE TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING YOUR MENU:

• Set aside any favorite recipes you’ve tried, so when it’s time to plan you’ll have some delicious options to inspire your menu.
• Ask your guests ahead of time if they have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Check the forecast and make sure your menu matches the weather. Cold day? Plan for a savory dish that’s as warm and inviting as your home and pair with Beringer Main & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
• Watch for ingredients from your menu to go on sale so you can cook more for less.
• Organize your menu around a theme and then let your guests get creative with what they’d like to bring.
• Keep it simple! Party guests enjoy snacks and foods that aren’t too messy and can be eaten easily with one hand, while they hold their drinks.

Remember, the most important ingredient of any dinner party is enjoying each other’s company. Your guests won’t even notice if you forgot to put out appetizer picks!

Tips to make your guests feel at ease and welcome:

CREATE A WELCOMING ENTRYWAY.

Once your party is in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in your hosting tasks and miss the arrival of the occasional guest. To make sure everyone feels right at home, put an easel sign or seasonal wreath on the door with a special, welcoming message.

In case you aren’t there to take their coats and bags at the door, set up a rolling rack with hangers or a bench where people can place their things.

OFFER A DRINK WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH.

Have a tray of Beringer Main & Vine Sauvignon Blanc ready when guests walk through the door – it immediately encourages mingling. Add a little extra touch to make it memorable, like frozen raspberries to keep the wine cool.

Whether it’s a non-alcoholic punch or a Sparkling White Wine Mojito cocktail, serving a unique signature drink creates a great topic of conversation and can potentially help keep beverage costs within budget. Add a sign to let guests know to help themselves and give it a fun name – get creative!

MAKE INTRODUCTIONS EASY.

Find creative ways to encourage your guests to mingle with someone they may not know. Set up a magnetic board at the door and tack up guests’ names along with an icebreaker question listed on the back. Whether the task is to seek out a familiar face or someone they don’t know, guests will learn something new about other party-goers and will never be at a loss for conversation!