Red, white and wow!

Celebrate Independence Day with a fun-filled gathering right in your backyard! Simple flourishes, sunny blooms and tasty fare make this party just as easy to throw together as it is to enjoy

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Spark joy with ‘lanterns’

Enhance ambiance and ward off pests with this sweet double-duty candle! To do: Fill the bottom of a jar with mint leaves; place a candle on top. (The heat from the flame will release the mint's oils, a natural insect deterrent.) Tie a gingham ribbon around top of jar.

Serve up tasty sliders

Tangy-sweet barbecue sauce makes these chicken sliders irresistible! The night before, cover boneless skinless chicken thighs (which are the perfect size for slider buns) in your go-to marinade; pop in fridge. Right before your party, grill thighs and brush with BBQ sauce. Serve on rolls; add cute toothpicks.

Set the mood for fun!

Kick off July Fourth festivities with a chic yet festive tabletop, like this one styled by party pro Jacquelyn Kazas of Beijos Events. To get the look, first create a backdrop by affixing paper medallions or fans to a fence with double-stick mounting tape. Place a long tableau in front of the backdrop. Top table with blue-and-white floral bunches, classic soda bottles and patriotic paper place settings.

Sweeten the day with a beautiful berry-kissed cake