What could be more fun for kids than the Fourth of July? The weather is usually warm, there’s often a parade to attend and the day ends with fireworks.
Get them even more excited by hosting an Independence Day bash. Here are some ideas for July 4th invitations you could send to announce the party.
Make Your Own July 4th Invitations
The invitations could be as simple as stars cut from red and blue cardstock with the party details written on back.
Or how about creating a flag puzzle that the kids have to piece together? Print out a picture of a U.S. flag, have your children color it and write the party details on back. Then have them cut out each stripe and the block of stars. Place the pieces in an envelope, send it off and let the guests put the information back together.
Sometimes it’s fun to deliver invitations the old-fashioned way: in person. Bake a batch of cookies shaped like a map of the U.S. or shaped like a flag. Place each cookie in small box with the party information printed and pasted to the inside of the lid. Tie the boxes with a red, white and blue ribbons and drop them off on friends' front porches.
You could also deliver small American flags rolled inside a scroll that details the party information. Somewhere on the invite, tell the guests to bring their flags to the party to wave with pride.
Another idea is to make traditional Christmas crackers, which pop when you open them. Color the crackers red, white and blue rather than red and green, though, and insert a piece of paper with the party information inside.
If you plan to make the invitations on your computer, consider downloading one of the patriotic fonts or images recommended by About.com’s Guide to Desktop Publishing.
Invitations on Etsy
Etsy is a great resource for 4th of July party supplies made by graphic designers, many of whom are parents that work from home.
Check out these printable tablescape supplies from Paper & Cake.
This 4th of July invitation from Designs by Delphie is customizable, as is this classically-styled invitation from Man vs. George.
Do a search on Etsy for "4th of July" and you'll be amazed by what pops up.
Invitation Wording
When it comes time to write the invitation, don’t forget the basic information:
- On what date and day will the party be held?
- What time?
- Where? Include the address and directions or a map.
- R.S.V.P. It’s important to know how many people are planning to attend so you have enough food, drinks and favors for everyone. Offer both a phone number and e-mail address to make it easy for everyone to respond.
- If you’re asking guests to bring a side dish, beverage or their own meat to grill, say so on the invitations.
Consider starting the invitation with words that fit the holiday, such as:
- “Red, white, blue and YOU. The perfect ingredients for a Fourth of July party.”
- “Crack! Sizzle! Pop! Let’s celebrate Independence Day with a BANG!”
- “She’s a grand old flag … and we’re throwing a grand old party.”
- “O, say can you see … if you can come to our 4th of July party?”
- “Sweet land of liberty! Let’s have a July 4th party!”
- “We want YOU to come to our party” (with an image of Uncle Sam)
- “Give us your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free … and bring them to our 4th of July party!”
In this day and age, it’s tempting to just pick up the phone or shoot of an e-mail to announce a celebration. But invitations are a good way to set the tone for a 4th of July party--or any party, for that matter. Besides, especially when they’re addressed to kids, they’re always fun to receive.