Last-Minute Essentials For a 4th of July Party You Won't Forget

A group gathering celebrating the Fourth of July

If you're in need of an unforgettable 4th of July celebration without having to spend a lot of time and effort on planning, then look no further! As experienced (and lazy) party planners ourselves, we have gathered the ultimate last-minute essentials for your upcoming patriotic bash. Whether you want to spice it up with some boozy cocktails or just play lawn games with friends, these tips will make sure that everyone has a great time without any stress. So get ready for some summer fun — all you need is here and will arrive just in time if you order right now!

4th of July Decoration Patriotic Mini Lights: $11.99 (was $13.99)

Themed string lights might just be the easiest way to look like you put in a ton of effort while not actually doing so. The super affordable set includes 100 incandescent mini bulbs on white wire, with a total length of 26.7 feet and equal spacing of 3 inches between each bulb. The 20-inch lead wire and 3-inch end connector make it easy to install and connect end to end for streamlined decorating.

These red, white, and blue string lights will look beautiful for your last-minute 4th of July party and can be repurposed for anything from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Whether you place them on trees, vines, porches, or balconies, these 360° sparkling waterproof string lights can provide attractive lighting effects while creating a romantic festive atmosphere.

See it on Amazon

Fourth of July Patriotic Decorations Set: $14.99

If red, white, and blue lights just weren’t enough American flair for you, this extravagant decoration kit will be right up your alley. This set includes 6 different sizes of paper fans, 8 paper pom poms in the colors red, white, and blue, 12 hanging swirls in the same colors, a USA flag banner, a red-blue-silver star banner, and a package of red-blue-white stars in 3 sizes.

These decorations can be easily hung up with the self-sealing sticker or with paperclips if you would like to reuse them for future parties. To assemble the pom poms, you should ensure that the ribbon is in the middle of each one and open them like a fan before tearing apart the layers and creating a more rounded shape.

With these decorations, you can easily add color, texture, and glamour to any room or outdoor space, making them a perfect way to spice up your patriotic party.

See it on Amazon

Patriotic American Flag Party Supplies Tableware Set: $26.95

If you’re having a lot of people over this 4th, you most likely don’t have enough plates at your house already — that’s why paper plates are a must-have. (They also mean super easy clean up!) Sure, you could choose plain white ones, but why not choose a patriotic, American flag-themed set to fit the theme?

This set includes fifty 9-inch dinner plates, fifty 7-inch dessert plates, and one hundred luncheon napkins for a total of fifty guests. The party set features a bright red, white, and blue American flag with stars and stripes on all items, adding dimension and charm to any gathering.

See it on Amazon

SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards Gift Set: $39.99 (was $49.99)

The best way to elevate an ordinary gathering to a fancy one has to be a charcuterie board. This set combines an elegant large charcuterie board with a bamboo cheese board and accompanying accessories, providing plenty of space to display a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, vegetables, fruit, and other delicious delectables. The included ceramic serving bowls are great for sauces and dips, while the magnetic holder keeps four knives and utensils upright and easily accessible.

For added versatility and functionality, the gift set also includes a round bamboo fruit tray. Plus, each set comes with a free guide booklet offering design suggestions to help you create unique and gorgeous platters that will impress all your guests.

Made from an earth-friendly material that is properly sourced and highly renewable, the SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards Gift Set is made of nonporous bamboo that won't bend, warp, crack, absorb odors, or stain. This low-maintenance wooden set is sure to become a reliable favorite when entertaining or serving, and with its attractive natural aesthetic value, it's perfect for special occasions.

See it on Amazon

Yueshico Stainless Steel Watermelon Slicer: $12.37

Any outdoor summer party calls for watermelon. Treat yourself and your guests without breaking a sweat trying to neatly slice a massive watermelon. This watermelon slicer is the ultimate tool for watermelon lovers. Its newest superior design makes cutting and serving watermelon simple, safe, and fast.

This melon cutter features a stainless steel 18/8 blade that provides perfectly cube-shaped slices of watermelon every time it is used. The slicing mechanism allows you to cut the watermelon into ideal cubes sized 2 cm or less. The specially rounded edges and non-sharp blades make the slicer perfectly safe for everyone, even children. No need to worry about any accidents occurring while using this tool. Everyone can enjoy delicious and refreshing watermelon cubes without dealing with any drippy mess.

See it on Amazon

Homemade Popsicle Molds: $25

You could just get store-bought popsicles, but that’s a little boring. Wow your guests with unique homemade popsicles with these popsicle molds. By making your own, you can get really creative with the flavor options. Try mixing different fruit juices or even adding alcohol to really take your popsicles to the next level.

Upgraded design features like the hollow shank design perfectly matches the reusable plastic popsicle sticks and prevents juice from overflowing, creating an even more perfect shape. Thanks to the product’s silicone material, pulling out frozen treats is easy and can be done without submerging the mold in hot water.

The product also has multi-uses, filling it with juice, puree, yogurt, apple sauce, ice cream, and more. The set comes with 50 sticks, 50 bags, 10 reusable sticks, a funnel, and some ice pop recipes so you can make ten popsicles at once and then store them in their individual bags in order to freeze them. Each of the ten classically shaped molds holds 3 fluid ounces making each treat comparable to store-bought finds.

See it on Amazon

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2024

Image via Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on ;). (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from The Bachelor season 28 by hosting a marathon viewing party for your favorite rose ceremony show. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

Image viaA Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party. Put out bottles of their favorite polish/color and create a fun playlist of your favorite love/empowerment songs. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Image viaTaylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning/doing. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. This gem-inspired brunch is a fun idea too! (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party. With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Shutterstock

Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

Image via Element5 Digital

Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Image via Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds too.

Image via Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the new musical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Image viaSasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Image viaKelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine (the proof is in your Instagram reels!), so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Image via Brit + Co

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Image via Brit + Co

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Image via Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Image via Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

Image via Shutterstock

Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Image via Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up your 2024 health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

Image viaNo Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Image via Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers ;).

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "xoxo" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape. *Sigh.*

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas.

Additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Lead image via Brit + Co.

A Cinderella Story isn't just a movie — it's honestly a cultural moment. The costume montage, the spastic colons and synchronized swimming, the rain in this drought... even Gavin Degraw singing over the One Tree Hilltrailer on the DVD stand out! Everything about this film is iconically ingrained in our collective conscious, making Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray the Y2k blueprint for many of the "It" pairings we know and love today.

We last left our Princeton royalty preparing for their freshman year of college, dreaming of happily-ever-after — or at least graduation — and that was that! But in this era of reboots, I've often wondered what happened to our OG tortured poets after the credits rolled. Luckily, I'm not the only one! Chad Michael Murray just tee'd up a sequel, and yes that's me you hear squealing right now. Here's everything we know about what's to come for everyone's fave modern fairytale!

Is there a part two to a Cinderella story?

Photo via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc

There's Another Cinderella Story, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, but that's more so a part of a series of "Cinderella stories" rather than an actual sequel. So far, we haven't gotten a follow-up on our Princeton-bound faves.

Has "A Cinderella Story 2" been announced?

There's been no formal announcement yet, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost. During his press tour for Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray told ETthat he's definitely interested in bringing Austin Ames back. He said that even his daughter told him, "You need to make another one of these, Daddy," after she watched A Cinderella Story for the first time.

His response to the idea? "Here you go, Hil. From me to you, let's do it!" — referring to Hilary Duff, of course! The timing couldn't be better either, given that Hilary just gave birth to her fourth child and could hypothetically be available to film in the coming months...just saying!

Again, there's no official information about this project yet, but with a main piece of the puzzle on board, we're one step closer to my own personal happily-ever-after — a real sequel to A Cinderella Story once and for all.

Wanna stay in-the-know about all things pop culture? Follow us on Facebook for more!

Header image via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

It’s time for our favorite holiday that celebrates accordingly with chocolate, hearts and the color pink: Galentine's Day! The love between gal pals is undeniable and totally worth celebrating. During this stage of life that we so lovingly call “adulthood,” we rely on our girls to support us through our jobs, the modern and scary world of online dating and any and all quarter-life crises. Let’s face it: We love and need our girlfriends. That’s why a day like Galentine’s Day is quite possibly the best day of the year!

Today we’re teaming up with Studio Ink to show you how to host the most epic Galentine’s Day brunch. We’ve got everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. Studio Ink has an awesome collection of cards that are the perfect mix of sweet, sentimental, funny and cute. It’s not truly Galentine’s Day unless you send your besties Valentines… I mean, Galentines! Alright, let’s dive in.

What does Galentine mean?

Galentines are like Valentines, but for the girls! Though you may have a lover in your life, this holiday is all about celebrating your platonic friendships with your girl friends and just having fun with it! The holiday is slated for Feburary 13, the day before Valentine's Day, so you can have all the time to cherish your gal pals. Funnily enough, the day was coined by none other than the iconic Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.

What food is eaten on Galentine's Day?

Your Galentine's Day grub is really up to you and the girls, but the most popular bites include dips and chips, stuffed peppers, veggie skewers, waffles, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, deviled eggs, bruschettas and charcuterie snacks. Finger foods are always a good way to go for any gathering.

What do you bring to a Galentine's Day brunch?

For a Galentine's brunch, you can bring food items like cute snacks, desserts (topped with heart sprinkles, of course), healthy meals, drink mixers or mocktails. You can also bring handmade cards or gifts for each of your friends, and of course you have to bring your love!

The Spread

First, let’s talk about the food. It’s not brunch without a fabulous array of treats. For our Galentine’s Day brunch, the perfect setup includes: berry parfaits, donut skewers, mini muffins, bellinis and a red velvet waffle bar, displayed under a simple backdrop of letter balloons, paper hearts and tassels.

Decorate your table with a few gold bottles and single flower stems. You don’t want your table to be too cluttered, because you’ll want to also have space for all the card writing you’ll do!

Galentine’s Day Card Mailboxes

All your Galentine’s Day cards now have a home.

Add some stickers to your mailbox for extra cute flair. You can download these Studio Ink Galentine’s Day stickers here. Just print on sticker paper and cut them out!

Cards

Check out some tips and tricks for making your cards.

You’ve got mail!

I see more mail in the future. <3

Check out how cute these cards are!

I don’t know about you… but all this card writing is getting me hungry. Which brings me to….

Galentine's Brunch Foods

These red velvet waffles were a hit when we tested the recipe at the Brit + Co kitchen, and they certainly will be a hit on your Galentine’s Day brunch table.

Red Velvet Heart Waffles With Cream Cheese Glaze

Make these waffles with your favorite mix or from your go-to cookbook. Place the waffles on a platter along with the glaze and other toppings. We’re using heart-shaped sprinkles, obviously.

Drizzle the glaze on your waffles with a spoon or with a pitcher. No matter how you do that drizz, your waffles will be delicious!

Mmm, delightful!

Okay, I already know I want seconds. What better way to wash down your second (and maybe third) helping of waffles than with a bellini? Check out this downloadable signature recipe here!

Brunch babes!

Check out our email newsletter for more Galentine's Day ideas!

This post has been updated.

Memorial Day weekend is nigh, and in the midst of planning your epic BBQ spread and a slew of themed cocktails, it's also time to start noting the Memorial Day sales you'll be shopping for a much-needed summer refresh. We've got the scoop on savings in just about every category – from beauty to home decor to fashion – so you know exactly when and where to save big.

Scroll on for the Memorial Day sales we're most excited about for 2024, and make sure to come back here for additional sale info!

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum

Target

What: Items up to 60% off

When: May 24-27

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer

Amazon

What: Deals on everything from home goods to decor

When: Now through Memorial Day

Mila Mirror

Anthropologie Home

What: Savings on home goods

When: May 21-27

Peony Vase Thank You Card Set

Papier

What: 15% off stationery & photo books

When: May 22-29

Sherpa Deluxe Black Guarenteed On Board Soft Sided Dog & Cat Carrier

Petco

What: BOGO 50% off select summer products and 20% off select sherpa carriersWhen: May 24-27

Dallas IV Hat

Hood

What: 25% off sitewide with code USA25

When: May 23-27

CZ Crescent with Stars Necklace

Sterling Forever

What: 20% off sitewide with code SUMMER20

When: May 24-28

Stemless Wine Chiller Pair

VoChill

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 17-27

The Coated Pan

Material Kitchen

What: 20% off (*promo excludes bundles and collaborations)

When: May 23-27

EOS Classic Organic Mattress

Naturepedic

What: 20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20

When: May 15-29

Pierrette Dress

SAYLOR

What: Extra 15% off sale styles with code MDAY24

When: May 27

Sea Green Pleated Tennis Skirt

Gold Hinge

What: 25% off sitewide with code MDAY25

When: May 23-27

Calista FAUXblo Thermal Blowout Brush

Calista

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24

CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

What: Take $200 off sitewide on all CAROL bikes

When: May 24-30

Cartolina Louise Cover-Up

Cartolina

What: 30% off sitewide

When: May 22-28

Carve Designs Zella Mesh Pullover

Carve Designs

What: BOGO red, white, and blue swim; buy 1 swimsuit, get one swimsuit 50% off

When: May 23-27

Essentia Stratami Organic Mattress

Essentia

What: 25% off sitewide, plus receive free GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheets with qualifying mattress purchases

When: May 13-31

Harper Wilde Bliss Scoop Bralette

Harper Wilde

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24-27

MARLOWE. Soap Bar Discovery Gift Set

MARLOWE.

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 27

Pura 4 Diffuser

Pura

What: 25% off sitewide through code only (subscriber early access: May 23-27), 25% off sitewide, plus subscribe to the Pura V4 and get a free car set

When: May 21-22

Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30

Vacation

What: 20% off sitewide, plus get a free boat keychain or pen on orders over $65 (while supplies last)

When: May 24-27

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on these Memorial Day sales + all the best deals!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Amazon's adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s famed Red, White & Royal Blueblew our minds with its perfectly extravagant and messy royal romance. Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz stole our hearts with their antics, proving that love isn't always as cookie cutter as we think it should be. Not only that, but it was the LGBT film we never knew we needed until it hit the big screen last year.

If you've been missing Prince Henry and Alex, you're in luck because a sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue is officially coming! Here's everything we know about the latest developments!

Is the main cast returning?

Image via Jonathan Prime/Prime Video

I'm happy to share that Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are returning! I honestly don't think the Red, White & Royal Blue sequel would be the same if they weren't.

However, no other cast information has been released! Hopefully we'll see Uma Thurman and Clifton Collins, Jr. reprise their roles!

What's the sequel going to be about?

Image via Prime Video

As of yet, Variety reports that not much has been confirmed about the sequel's plot or release date. My guess is that there the two lovebirds will have to juggle new responsibilities and mishaps.

What the original plot of "Red, White & Royal Blue?"

Image via Prime Video

The novel centers around the character of Alex Claremont-Diaz, a first son of the United States, and his romantic relationship with Prince Henry, British royalty.

Take a walk down memory lane with these behind-the-scenes pictures 👀

www.instagram.com

Matthew López on Instagram: "“Yes, this is exactly how I always dreamed it would be. Locked in a cupboard with your elbow inside my rib cage.” #rwrbmovie"

www.instagram.com

Nicholas Galitzine on Instagram: "The bois 📸 @aneeshtheactress"

www.instagram.com

Matthew López on Instagram: "Spent the last two weeks rehearsing with @nicholasgalitzine and @taylorzakharperez It’s been a joy to watch Henry and Alex come to life in the room. Excited to make this movie with them. Here we go! #rwrbmovie @primevideo 📸: (the great Stephen Goldblatt)"

We cannot wait to see what new adventures are two lovebirds will cook up in Red, White & Royal Blue, but for now we’ll be rereading (and rereading) RWRB.

Stay updated on all the latest entertainment new with Brit + Co.

Header image courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

This post has been updated.