Happy Fourth of July

The USA will be 236 years old this Fourth of July. I’ve rounded up some quick and easy ways to celebrate our country’s birthday in old-fashioned flag-waving style. Most of them are super simple, so declare your own independence and put the kids to work.

• Decorate your home inside and out with stuff you probably already have around the house.
• Find 10 ideas for wreathes using household objects and recyclables.
• Craft a festive Fourth of July garland with crepe paper streamers and cupcake liners.
• Get bright ideas for homemade table toppers and faux firecracker party favors.
• Here are nine centerpieces, including several you can eat, using everyday objects.
• Sunset Magazine has a slide show filled with novel decorations for tables and yards along with do-it-yourself instructions.
• These colorful luminaries made from water balloons and paraffin are simple and beautiful, but there’s hot wax involved so adult supervision is required.
• It’s not the Fourth without a parade. Get ideas for decorating bikes, trikes, wagons and scooters.
• What will you wear to the parade or party? Find easy-to-make costume ideas here along with outdoor games, crafts and recipes.
• Whether you’re marching in the parade or cheering from the sidewalk, you’re going to need something red, white and blue to wave.  Get easy instructions to make your own pinwheels here.
• Even little kids can help craft these Independence Day noisemakers using empty water bottles, dried lima beans, paint and ribbon.
• This is the cleverest idea! Kids can create their own safe underwater fireworks using oil, water and food coloring in recycled jars.
• Have a sing-along. Get the lyrics to 9 popular patriotic songs.
• Fly Old Glory. Learn how to display the American flag properly.

How do you plan to celebrate the Fourth of July?