Celebrating July 4th with Snap Crackle Pop!

Hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, watermelon, and cherry pie are summertime staples and icons of celebrating July 4th!

Some Americans will start celebrating early in the morning, watering down the porch or stoop, and adding in a few more flags to their flowering summer containers before heading off to a local parade.

Similarly, others will be setting outdoor buffets, seasoning salads, gearing up the grill and inflating additional pool floats. Alternatively, others will be putting together the badminton sets and softball for an afternoon filled with food and fun in the sun.

However you choose to spend your July fourth day, one thing is for certain: it’s not July fourth without fireworks!

From firecracker packs to bottle rockets and sparklers – whether in your own backyard or at the local park for the super show, fireworks on the fourth are a must!

Along with all the food, fun and celebrating July 4th with family and friends, it’s very important to remember safety when it comes to the handling of fireworks. As pretty as they are in the night sky, they are the result of a mixed chemical reaction.

Fireworks first originated in China some 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that fireworks were discovered by accident by a cook working in a field kitchen, who happened to mix charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter (commonly found in kitchens back then). The mixture burned, and when compressed, (in a bamboo tube), the mixture exploded.

Fireworks have come a long way since then: today the chemical mix is compressed in tons of paper to help minimize the explosion. You can read more about the History of Fireworks, the Chemistry of Fireworks, Fireworks Laws and more at The Fireworks University, and also read about how collecting fireworks is a hobby to many here.

Are your Fireworks Legal?

Did you know that, for some states, certain fireworks are illegal? In other words, Delaware is one of two states that bans the sale and use of any and all consumer fireworks. In addition, this ban includes sparklers. Certain fireworks restrictions may apply because of droughts and or fire season precautions. To see the most up to date laws for fireworks and usage by state have a look at the American Pyrotechnics Association.

When in doubt I usually to refer to the National Council on Fireworks Safety Tips:

Please also remember to keep your animal safe this 4th of July.

Animals are afraid of the sound of fireworks. Therefore, many pets will run away and end up in shelters.

Here are two things you can do to reduce those odds:

1. Keep pets indoors unless they are with you, either on a leash or in a fenced yard.

2. Invest in having your pet micro-chipped and purchase a tag with your address/ phone number so if they do manage to get out and get lost someone will be able to get them back to you.

Our pets depend on us to keep them safe – Let’s not let them down!

I’m not mentioning this to scare you, but just make you aware.

Safe Fireworks when celebrating July 4th?

Nowadays, firework inspired displays can be created and displayed all day long. You can use firecracker cakes, to fruity sparkler beverages. In addition, you can even create explosive tablescape decor and crafts – all to commemorate our Independence Day – the 4th of July!

Here are a few patriotic craft and recipe ideas to inspire you – along with common sense fireworks safety tips for your family, including your pet.

Fireworks without the Explosion

If you are worried about the fire in fireworks what about paper sparkers for celebrating July 4th? Terrific for toddlers and people of all ages. They are fun and easy to make as a family.

Firework Crafts

Speaking of spending time with family, what about firework crafts? All you need is scrap wood, paint, vinyl lettering. In addition, you need a paintbrush and saw to create Snap, Crackle, and Pop.

Stencils, paint, straws, and cardboard is all you need to make this simple 4th of July fireworks wall decor.

Embellish the basics with Free Printables at Tip Junkie. For more inspirational crafts you can make with your children have a look at 4th of July Fireworks crafts inspiration.

Get crafty whilst celebrating July 4th with this 4th of July sparkler serving.

Do you enjoy tie-dying? How about following this guide to tie-dye and create your own firework napkins.

Above all our imagination is the limit with the 4th of July crafts and decorations as can be seen by this Explosive July 4th Mailbox Decor.

Tasty ways to celebrate July 4th?

I love to get creative with crafts on Independence Day and when celebrating July 4th. What about 4th of July Desserts? Cakes, cookies, and cupcakes can all be beautiful ways to showcase the 4th of July spirit.

How about creating a red, white and blue 4th of July Fireworks Cake?

Strawberries and blueberries are a great addition to a 4th of July Sparkler Cake with Butter Cream Frosting. Yum!

Love strawberries? Love blueberries? What about a Red, Blue and White Berry Truffle? In addition, you can substitute raspberries for strawberries if you prefer.

Cupcakes and the Stars and Stripes

July 4th cupcakes can be a great treat to kids and adults alike. In addition, if you are low on time you can even substitute the cupcake recipe for your favorite pre-made cupcakes.

Love cupcakes? Love Twizzlers? How about combining your two favorites in Twizzler Firecracker Cupcakes?

Try these Vanilla Bean Frosting – Sparkler Cupcakes – with or without the fire they taste delicious!

Add your love for berries and get creative with cupcakes by creating a Flag Cake. Add sparklers or sparkler candles as a finishing touch.

Thirst Quenching ways to celebrate July 4th

Don’t just stop at tasty desserts on your 4th of July celebrations. It is usually hot and a 4th of July drink can be the perfect party treat. Therefore, enjoy these 4th of July mocktail’s and cocktails which are not only tasty but also patriotic. Above all, remember to drink responsibly.

Have you ever wondered how to make those pretty layered drinks? Katrina’s Kitchen explains the best way to layer drinks.