Make Your 4th of July a Blast For Less

America’s Independence Day is a favorite celebration for many – fireworks, food, family, friends, a long weekend and the warm weather makes it the ideal holiday for a summer get-together. With everything that goes into an awesome 4^th of July party and activities, it’s fairly easy for the budget to explode. Here’s a few tips so that you can have a blast this July 4^th, for less:

Make it a potluck

Having a cookout where guests are expected to bring a dish can be a lot of fun! Get the fan-favorites, of course, but encourage your guests to put a holiday spin on it. Think: red, white, and blue pasta salad or salsa with white and blue tortilla chips. Take it a step further with desserts like yogurt topped with blueberries and strawberries and “shirley temples” for kids. Plus, a potluck takes the pressure of preparing food and paying for it all, too, off your hands.

Don’t overdo the décor

Decorations can add up, especially with the elaborate bunting, banners, and large flags that are associated with the 4^th of July. Save big on decorations by going the simple, classy route. Head to the dollar store and purchase several small flags to scatter around your backyard and flower beds. Head to your storage bins and grab some red, white, and blue Christmas lights to light up the patio at night. You know what they say – less is more!

Forget the fireworks

Fireworks are fun, but the large-scale bundles can be ridiculously expensive (and dangerous). To save money (and some peace of mind), opt for sparklers instead. This low-cost alternative is fun for all ages and can get all your party guests involved, too. If you are a firework fanatic, look up firework shows in your area. You could head there for the evening, or you could luck out and view from the comfort of your home!

Search for deals and borrow what you need

If you’re planning to host just one get-together this summer, don’t burn up your budget by purchasing everything you need. Ask your guests to bring chairs, coolers, or even tables – they’ll be happy to do so. If someone you know has a corn hole set or a volleyball net, tell them to throw it in the car. If you have a few kids attending, search for bulk deals on water guns to keep them busy (and cool) for hours.

And when it’s all over, head to the store and stock up on discounted merchandise for next year. With these tips and tricks, it’s possible to have a special and memorable 4^th of July on budget. Happy 4^th of July from us at Penn Community Bank!