With an increasing number of individuals receiving the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the U.S. and infection rates dropping more and more each day, it is far safer for individuals to gather for events and holidays. President Biden made it a goal that vaccinated Americans would be able to safely gather with small groups for the 4th of July, and—according to CDC guidance— that will indeed be possible.
If you are planning on hosting a small gathering with vaccinated friends and family in your apartment this 4th of July, here are some ways to safely do so:
1. Serve Individual Portions
Instead of guests putting their hands in the snack bowl, try to give everyone an individual plate or bowl when they arrive. Additionally, try to include large serving spoons in bowls of chips, pretzels, etc., and advise that guests use the spoons to scoop servings onto their plates. This will eliminate guests using their hands to scoop snacks out of the bowl (and will also make it harder for guests to drop chips on the floor!).
2. Send Out Festive Invitations
No party is complete without fun invitations, right? Etsy has some great design options if you want to mail physical invites, and Paperless Post has many fun digital invitations to send via email.
3. Keep the Cocktails & Mocktails Flowin’
Although we love a great cocktail, be sure to offer mocktail options for those who are pregnant or not drinking. Mocktails are also great if there are younger kids at the party. While we found several cocktail options provided below, we advise choosing one of these and making that the party’s signature drink.
Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire party playing bartender rather than mingling with your guests. If patriotic cocktails aren’t your thing, you can also opt for spiked strawberry lemonade or a rum punch to serve guests something light and refreshing. And be sure to stock your fridge with tons of beer, wine, and spiked seltzers for those who prefer not to drink a cocktail. Here are some cocktails to choose from:
- Boozy Snow Cones
Purchase an affordable snow cone maker from Wal-Mart or Amazon, which retails for about $20 to $40. Set up a station where guests can make their own snow cone and provide different syrup and liquor options. After making the snow cone with the machine, guests can top the ice with syrup and a spirit of their choosing. A snow cone station is also great for kids! - Watermelon Sangria
If you decide to opt for sangria, rum punch, or margaritas, it may be best to place pitchers around the apartment rather than having one large canister in a designated area. This will help to keep guests spread out and will also eliminate too many individuals touching the same canister when pouring drinks. This watermelon sangria recipe is a bit of a spin on traditional sangria and is just as refreshing. - Red, White & Blue Jell-O Shots
You can’t get much more American than Jell-O, right? These Fourth of July Jell-O shots are easy to make, taste delicious, and can easily be made without alcohol for the kids or those who aren’t drinking. - Red, White & Blue Margaritas
This great recipe combines Seagram’s Escapes Strawberry Daiquiri to create a patriotic margarita with a red, white, and blue finish. - Strawberry & Blueberry Soda
Incredibly easy to make, this drink recipe involves combining sprite (or seltzer for less sugar), strawberries, blueberries, and a splash of vodka. Without the vodka, this is a great mocktail.
4. Fill the Apartment with Tons of Festive Décor
These decorations will add a colorful pop to your apartment and get your guests in the 4th of July spirit.
- Star-Themed Tumblers
If you don’t want to go all out with the red, white, and blue but still want to add a festive touch, opt for star-themed tumblers such as these. In addition to being festive for the Fourth of July, they’re also elegant to use all year. - Confetti Balloons
In addition to scattering red, white, and blue balloons around the apartment, weave these clear, confetti-filled balloons into the décor as well. They’re simple, understated, and great for photos. - Red, White, and Blue Flowers
Flowers can be expensive, so no need to go crazy here. Instead, buy a few red, white, and blue wildflowers and fill vases with tons of leafy greens, using a few flowers here and there for added color. - Easy-to-Make Firework Centerpieces
These easy-to-make centerpieces look like fireworks and only involve threading a piece of string or wire through paper straws. - Paper Tissue Garland
Also easy to DIY, this pretty tassel garland adds a splash of color to the apartment and simply involves twisting paper tissue onto a piece of ribbon.
5. Make Some Yummy Treats
Since you’ll be in an apartment, grilling probably isn’t a possibility, but that doesn’t mean you can’t serve other patriotic bites. It is also advised to have some vegan, vegetarian, and nut-free options depending on your guests’ dietary needs, and be sure to label the dishes if you can. Here are some additional options to wow your guests:
- Pasta With Roasted Summer Vegetables and Ricotta: This summery pasta dish is easy to eat for guests who are moving around the party. It’s also an excellent vegetarian option for those who don’t eat meat.
- Melon Prosciutto Skewers: Sweet and salty with a balsamic glaze, these skewers will be devoured the minute they’re served.
- Pillowy Pigs in a Blanket: You may not be able to make hot dogs on the grill, but you can still serve the true crowd-pleaser: pigs in a blanket!
- Patriotic Oreo Pops: The only ingredients needed to make these yummy Oreo pops are candy, sprinkles, and – of course – Oreos. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Red, White, and Blue Mini Cupcakes: Mini cupcakes are easier for guests to eat and don’t typically make as much of a crumbly mess if there are little ones at the party. These easy Funfetti cupcakes are fun, festive, and taste as good as they look.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Nothing says America more than an ice cream sundae. Set up a sundae station for guests to put together their own ice cream creations.
6. Bring the Party Outdoors
Draper and Kramer’s buildings offer tons of outdoor amenities that are ideal for hosting gatherings. You can safely gather with friends and families outdoors while enjoying Draper and Kramer’s private terraces, cabanas, swimming pools, and grilling stations. The shared roof decks are especially ideal for watching fireworks this summer.
Visit our website for additional information about our luxury apartment properties and incredible amenities.
