Fourth of July weekend plans at home can create meaningful, lasting memories with your family and friends this year. Invite your loved ones to the backyard for a day of celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday with a red, white and blue event.

With a little planning you can create a memorable Fourth of July picnic that honors our nation’s accomplishments and brings a little summer joy to your family and friends. Fire up the grill, display patriotic decorations, and enjoy a festive backyard celebration filled with delicious food and fun.

For an All-American menu, choose classic favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans. Don’t forget refreshing beverages and popsicles to keep everyone cool.

Be sure to plan some outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy. You could put together a scavenger hunt for the children to look for tiny flags hidden all over the yard, paint tiny clay flower pots in red, white and blue and plant seeds in them or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company with some good old-fashioned conversation and a patriotic American song playlist.

Most importantly, you can celebrate the United States’ 250 years. Set up a memory table where guests share photos, memories, and stories celebrating past Independence Days with family and friends. End the day from a vantage point where you can see your city’s local fireworks display!