13 Brilliant Ideas for a 4th of July Barbecue

The first day of summer is only days away, and we’re already dreaming of backyard barbecues! From a creative ice cream float display to the cutest kid’s table, we’re loving these genius ideas by Jamie of Sweet Jelly Parties for a 4th of July barbecue or Father’s Day […]

 

The first day of summer is only days away, and we’re already dreaming of backyard barbecues! From a creative ice cream float display to the cutest kid’s table, we’re loving these genius ideas by Jamie of Sweet Jelly Parties for a 4th of July barbecue or Father’s Day cookout. Keep scrolling and pin your favorites you’d love to use this summer!

1. A Rustic Food Table

Start by setting up a table to display all food and drinks so guests can easily help themselves.

DIY Tip: Place a gingham table runner on top of a rustic dresser for a chic presentation!Food Table |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties

2. A Tower of Watermelon

Nothing says summer quite like fresh watermelon! Cut up wedges of watermelon and display them in a tiered tin cupcake stand.

Sliced Watermelon Tower |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties3. Good Eats

A barbecue is all about the food. This lovely hostess served up classic barbecue food such as apple cider smoked pork ribs, homemade fried potatoes, bacon ranch macaroni salad, and corn on the cob.

Ribs on the Grill | Sweet Jelly Parties

Grilled Corn on the Cob | Sweet Jelly Parties

4. A Pretty Drink Station

Guests sipped on sweet tea in mason jars wrapped in brown paper bags, and water bottles were decorated with stickers from Lillian Hope Designs and tiny spatula charms from gingham favor boxes.

Sweet Tea and Water Bottles |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly PartiesWater bottle labels are great for dressing up water bottles or sodas!

Water Bottles |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties5. Simple Place Settings

The table decor was elevated with succulents in vintage tins, a red and white gingham table runner, and barbecue sauce served in mason jars with a brush.

Succulent in Vintage Tin |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly PartiesPicnic Table Settings |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties6. Lots of Baskets

One easy way to serve food buffet style: place it in baskets! Line wire and wood baskets with kraft paper and gingham cloth napkins for a charming look.

French Fries |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties

Cookies in a Basket | Sweet Jelly Parties

7. Cute Signs

Label food or feature fun sayings with mini red and white gingham frames.

Pig Out Sign Kate Aspen Gingham Frame |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly PartiesA chalkboard “Hog Heaven” sign added some character to this table!

Pig Chalkboard Sign |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties8. A “Three Little Piggies” Kid’s Table

If kids are in attendance, create an area to keep them entertained! Jaime set up a “3 Little Piggies” station where kids could color on their own placemats. She filled adorable favor bags with crayons and gingham favor boxes with treats.

Kid's Table |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly PartiesCrayons in Kate Aspen Favor Bags |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties

9. Grab-and-Go Drinks

Fill a large bucket with ice to keep drinks nice and cold. It’s perfect for grab-and-go drinks for the kids!

Drink Bucket | Sweet Jelly Parties

10. An Ice Cream Float Station

DIY an easy ice cream float station in a grill! Pre-scoop vanilla ice cream into mason jars and pair them with root beer and different sodas so guests can make their own float. Place them inside a camping grill with ice, and they’ll stay cold all day!

Ice Cream Float Display in Grill |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties11. Crafty Desserts

Don’t forget the desserts! Serve up individual mini mason jars with jello and add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Here the hostess placed cupcakes in leftover pails from a previous party and added tiny spatula charms from favor boxes as a sweet touch.

Red Jello in Mini Mason Jars |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly PartiesRed Velvet Cupcakes in Mini Pails | Sweet Jelly Parties12. Easy Cleanup

Make it easy for guests to clean up in between bites with convenient hand wipes. Sanitary Hand Wipes |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties

13. Take-Home Favors

Thank your guests for coming with little candies or barbecue seasoning in favor boxes and favor bags!

Red and White Gingham Favor Boxes by Kate Aspen |  Fourth of July Barbecue | Sweet Jelly Parties Kate Aspen Favor Bags | Sweet Jelly Parties

Vendors

Photography & Styling: Sweet Jelly Parties | Favor Bags, Favor Boxes and Gingham Frames: Kate Aspen | Printables: Lillian Hope Designs