4th of July Checklist: How to Prepare

In the midst of COVID-19, it’s hard to believe Independence Day is just around the corner. It’s safe to say that things might look a bit different this year. While the world has felt chaotic and uneasy, we hope that friends and families are able to practice safe social distancing and lift each other’s spirits on Independence Day. Whether you’re planning a neighborhood get together or a small gathering at the house, here are a few essentials you’ll need to account for.

1. Storage. Having a reliable, sturdy cooler is a staple for any summer event. Make sure you have one that is easy/lightweight to transport, nicely insulated, and can fit a large number of drinks. We love coolers that have a handlebar and/or wheels on the bottom for easy transport.
   
   
2. Drinks. Independence Day is the perfect holiday to get creative with drink ideas. Search “4th of July drink ideas” in Pinterest and you’ll have endless options! But above all, make sure you’re drinking enough water. It’s easy to forget to hydrate, especially when you’re in the water all day. We highly recommend a thermos or tumbler to keep your water (or any other beverage) cool all day long. If using bottle openers or wine openers, make sure you have disinfectant wipes to wipe them down before each use. And In light of COVID-19, please be aware of sharing cups!
    
3. Food. Ahh, we can almost smell the aromas of hamburgers and hot dogs. Due to COVID-19, we’d like to remind everyone to handle food as safely as possible. If you’re cooking for a group, make sure you’re wearing a mask to avoid spreading germs to the food. Refrain from sharing utensils or eating after one another, and try to avoid buffet style. And don’t forget to wash your hands before and after eating! To avoid unwanted bugs, we also recommend purchasing extra tupperware containers, foil, and saran wrap to cover the food. In addition, make sure you have plenty of trash bags and a waste bin.
   
   
4. Apparel. When it comes to apparel, material matters on Independence Day! Because you’re dealing with heat and sweat, you’ll want clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and non-irritant. You’ll also need something to protect your face, like sunglasses or a hat. Try avoiding dark colors like black or navy blue, as those are the colors that get the hottest. If you plan to stay out after dark, we recommend covering your skin well to avoid bug bites. It might be a bit toasty, but you’ll be glad you didn’t wake up in a scratching fit!
   
   
5. Seating. If you’re going to be outside, make sure you have enough areas to sit. Amazon has very affordable lawn chairs, or you can pick some up at your local Target, Walmart, etc. We recommend ones buying chairs with cup holders, and avoid buying dark colored chairs as the same principle for clothing applies here.
   
   
6. Decor. This is one of our favorite parts of Independence Day! Whether you love DIY or purchasing goods, this is a fun time to let your creativity shine through. Banners, streamers, table cloths, signage, balloons, table toppers, and drink/food accessories are all good places to start.
   
   
7. Games & Activities. In addition to fireworks, having different activities to do will keep friends and family preoccupied all day long! For adults, we recommend purchasing some fun party/card games, and physical games like corn hole, beer pong, ladder golf, bocce ball, etc. If there are kids around, make sure they have activities to do as well such chalk art, coloring/painting, etc.
   
   
8. Protection. Independence Day is typically a scorcher, which means it’s extra important to bring your protective gear. Bring plenty of sunscreen, and apply every few hours. Also bring bug spray if you’re in more of a wooded area, and consider bringing umbrellas if you need a break from the sun. And in light of COVID-19, don’t forget to bring your biggest piece of protective clothing — your mask!

If you’re planning an Independence Day event, you might find some helpful ideas on our website! We have a variety of different accessories, bags, apparel, and drinkware that you can customize or buy as is.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! For any questions or concerns, please give us a call at (410) 879-8401 or contact us online for more info.