MAKE IT CUTE

What’s red, white and blue all over? Your next slumber party, of course! Invite your fellow patriots over for a night of celebrating the USA and a night filled with lots of fun with your BFFs. Here's what you need to throw a sleepover bash everyone will remember.

All-American munchies
We all know food can make or break a party, but for Independence Day, it’s essential to go all-American. If Mom or Dad is willing, ask them to grill up chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, ribs—whatever you’re in the mood for. Don’t forget the watermelon and corn on the cob!

Baby, you’re a firework!
A lot of towns stagger various fireworks displays so there aren’t, say, 20 happening on one night. Check your local newspaper or town website to see if there’s any rockets being shot off the night of your sleepover, or plan around a fireworks display.

Get crafty
Stock your living room with some inexpensive, plain white T-shirts and a pile of fabric paint and markers. Scribble out patriotic quotes from our nation’s founders, American-themed song lyrics or whatever else tickles your fancy. Don’t forget to don them on Independence Day!

Belt it out
Who doesn’t love a good karaoke sesh? Pick an array of USA-themed songs and take turns singing your hearts out. We’re loving Katy Perry’s “Firework,” “American Girl” by Tom Petty, “God Bless The U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood, “American Pie” by Don McLean and Miley’s “Party in the U.S.A.”

Do a good deed
Take some time to write letters and cards to the soldiers currently deployed abroad. Whether or not you agree with the causes they support, there’s no reason to turn our backs on the men and women who give so selflessly to our country. Write a letter and show them you care, OK?

Are you throwing a sleepover this weekend? What are your plans?

by GL | 2/1/2016