| How to Throw a Fourth of July Party Posted: 01 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT The Fourth of July is always a fun and festive time. Warm summer weather, cookouts with friends and family, and fireworks all make the day memorable. With a few simple decorations and picnic-friendly food, you can organize your own Fourth of July celebration to commemorate this patriotic holiday. EditPlanning the Party - Send out invitations 3-4 weeks before the party. Avoid waiting until the last minute to invite friends and family. They might have made other plans for the day and won't be able to make it.
- If you are mailing your invites, send them at least 4 weeks in advance to allow for potential delivery delays.
- Alternatively, you can send free electronic invitations through an online site like Evite.[1] Electronic invites are great when time is running out because they'll arrive almost immediately!
- Tidy up your house and yard. Make sure your guests will be comfortable by cleaning your home and completing any necessary yard work a few days prior to the party.
- Borrow additional seating if needed. Depending on how many people you've invited to your Fourth of July celebration, you might need more seating or tables. Save some money and borrow what you can from friends or neighbors.[2]
- Lawn chairs and folding tables work great both inside and outdoors.
- You can also encourage your guests to bring picnic blankets to sit on outside.
- Develop a contingency plan for inclement weather. Make plans ahead of time to move the party indoors in case the weather turns bad on the Fourth of July.
- Push furniture against the walls, if needed, to create more space for guests to mingle inside.
- Choose an alternate cooking method for any food that would have been grilled outside. Indoor griddles or grill pans are one option.
- Plan to watch a televised fireworks display if rain or thunderstorms prevent you from doing your own fireworks or attending another live show.
EditChoosing the Food - Purchase affordable easy-to-grill foods. Hot dogs and burgers are great options for a Fourth of July cookout. In fact, the Fourth happens to be the most popular holiday for serving hot dogs![3] For the burgers, you can buy frozen hamburger patties in bulk to save money and time.[4]
- Consider including a vegetarian alternative, such as veggie burgers, for guests who don't eat meat.
- Steak and seafood are delicious options but cost a lot more. Keep your party economical and stick to burgers and hot dogs.
- Ask guests to bring a snack or side dish to share. You can save money on food by having guests bring something to pass around. Ideas include chips, baked beans, salad, or dessert. Guests can even bring drinks or ice.
- Organize a potluck. A fun way to get everyone involved in your Fourth of July party is to have a potluck in which everyone brings a dish to share. Your guests can bring something they like and everyone can enjoy the fun of discovering the different foods.
- A potluck can save you a lot of time and money since everyone is contributing a dish. [5]
- You can still grill hot dogs and hamburgers as your contribution to the potluck or you can do something else and skip the grilling.
- Choose easy desserts in festive colors or shapes. You can add to the festive Fourth of July theme by creating desserts that are red, white, and blue.
- Serve strawberries and blueberries with whipped cream for an easy red, white, and blue treat.
- Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut star shapes out of angel food cake, then top with whipped cream and red and blueberries.
- Order or make your own American flag cookies or cake.
- Buy all of the food you will be serving ahead of time. Avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and begin purchasing the food for your party within the week leading up to the Fourth of July.
EditSelecting the Decorations - Stick to simple decorations. Decorating your home and/or yard for the Fourth of July is fun and a great way to create a festive atmosphere. You don't have to do anything elaborate, though. Visit a dollar store for affordable decorations, such as red, white, and blue pinwheels and streamers or mini American flags.[6]
- Cut star shapes out of red, white, and blue construction paper. Punch a hole at the top of each one, tie a string through the hole, and hang around the house or yard.
- Purchase white supplies for eating. Red, white, and blue plates and napkins are certainly patriotic, but they tend to cost more than plain white supplies. Stick to white plastic cutlery, paper plates, and napkins to save money.[7] Your decorations will be enough to create a festive atmosphere.
- Let the kids do the decorating. Providing materials for the kids to decorate will keep them entertained during the day while awaiting the evening fireworks display.
- Use white butcher paper as tablecloths and let the kids decorate it [8] with red, white, and blue crayons or markers.
- Have the kids draw pictures of colorful fireworks and display them around the house or yard.
EditArranging the Entertainment - Set up an outdoor game area. You don't have to wait until the evening fireworks to have fun on the Fourth of July. Have some outdoor activities available to entertain your guests during the day while you eat and socialize.
- Set up a volleyball or badminton net.
- Borrow, build, or buy a cornhole game[9] (also known as a bean bag toss). This is great for adults and kids.
- Borrow a croquet set if you don't have one.[10]
- Provide a few frisbees for guests to toss around.
- Purchase an inexpensive kiddie pool or slip and slide. A small plastic kiddie pool is an easy way to keep the kids entertained and refreshed during the day. Slip and slides can be fun for kids and adults alike!
- Provide sparklers for everyone. Use sparklers once it starts getting dark. Kids and adults can both enjoy them while waiting for the fireworks display.
- Make a fireworks plan. You can choose to light your own fireworks, attend your local fireworks show, or watch a televised fireworks display.[11]
- Only light off your own fireworks if it is legal where you live.
- Practice safety when lighting your own fireworks and have buckets of water or a running hose close by in case of fire.
- Encourage guests to contribute to the party by bringing a snack or side dish to share.
- Provide plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained during the day.
- Make sure it is legal to light fireworks in your area if you plan to do so.
- Do not light off fireworks in your yard if it is not legal where you live.
- Fireworks can cause burns or start fires. Have water ready and a first aid kit nearby.
EditThings You'll Need - Food and beverages
- Festive decorations
- Activities for children and adults
- Fireworks or other entertainment
- First aid kit
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences _PARTS_ EditQuick Summary
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| How to Tie a Bandana Like a Headband Posted: 01 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT A bandana can make for a functional and stylish headband that can keep hair and moisture out of your face, and make you look good doing it. Tying a bandana into a headband can seem tricky, but with the right bandana, a proper folding, and a good knot, you'll be rocking a bandana headband in no time. - Use a square bandana to form an even headband. Bandanas can come in many shapes and sizes, but a square bandana works best to make a uniform fold to form your headband. The larger the bandana, the more fabric you'll have to fold, which can mean a thicker or wider headband. So make sure you choose a bandana that is large enough to fold into a headband, but not so large that you have a bulky headband.[1]
- Choose material like cotton or other natural fibers that breathe because a headband can trap heat and make your head sweat.
- There are also many different patterns and designs you can choose from for your bandana. by , so make sure yours is at least this size to fold into a headband.}}
- Lay the bandana flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Before you fold your bandana, you need to prepare the fabric by laying it flat on a table or other surface and position it so that looks like a diamond. Use your hands to smooth out any folds or wrinkles that may be in the fabric so that you have a flat and even bandana to work with.[2]
- If your bandana has a lot of wrinkles, you can iron them out with a clothes iron.
- Bring the bottom corner to meet the top corner to form a triangle. Make sure that all of the edges of the bandana line up when you fold it. Fold the bandana in half diagonally, bringing one corner to meet the other and form a large triangle. Smooth out the fabric with your hands to flatten it out.[3]
- Be sure the pattern is arranged so that it's visible when you fold the bandana.
- Fold the long end of the triangle to make a long strip. Take the bottom of the triangle and fold it to form a strip about wide. Then fold the strip over and over towards the point of the triangle until the fabric forms one strip. Smooth out the material after each fold to ensure a uniform size.[4]
- For a wider headband, make a wider strip.
- Roll the bandana rather than fold it to form a rounded headband.
- Spray the folded bandana with hairspray. Once you have the fabric folded to the width you want, you can make the headband adhere to your skin and hair better by spraying it with hairspray. This will prevent the headband from slipping around once it's on your head. Spray an even layer of hairspray and wait 5 minutes to let it dry.[5]
- You can also use hair gel, but make sure the gel dries clear and only apply it to the side of the headband that will be against your hair and skin.
EditTying the Bandana - Place the center of the bandana against your forehead. Pick up the folded bandana strip by the ends and center your forehead against the middle of the strip. If you have long hair, place the bandana beneath your hair so it doesn't get trapped between your forehead and your headband.[6]
- You can center the bandana on the crown of your head as well.
- Wrap the two ends of the bandana around the back of your head. With your forehead pressed against the center of the bandana, bring the two ends behind your head, above your ears. Make sure the bandana doesn't unfold when you wrap it. Keep the entire length of the strip of bandana flush against your head.[7]
- You can also center the bandana on the base of the back of your head and bring the two ends around to the front of your head, above your forehead.
- Tie the ends of the bandana into a double knot to form a headband. With the bandana flush against your head, tie the two ends into a secure knot, making sure it's tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it's uncomfortable. Then form another knot to keep the first knot firmly in place.[8]
- If you centered the bandana on the base of the back of your head, tie your knot on the upper part of your forehead, making sure it's secure before you tie it into a double-knot.
- Make any adjustments and smooth out any wrinkles in your headband. The bandana headband should rest comfortably and securely on your head. Tuck in any loose fabric and smooth out and bunching of the material that may have occurred. Adjust your hair around your bandana to achieve your desired look.[9]
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Help Tornado Victims Posted: 01 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT Tornadoes are devastating storms that can have long-lasting consequences for victims and their communities. While tornadoes can happen almost anywhere in the world, they are most common in the central U.S., where they tend to peak during the early summer months.[1] Help tornado victims and their communities by donating to disaster relief organizations in their area, or look for ways to volunteer with the relief effort. You can also help individual friends or family members by offering financial, practical, and emotional support. EditWorking with Disaster Relief Organizations - Focus on working with local organizations to help most directly. One of the most effective ways to help tornado victims is to donate to local disaster relief organizations. Local organizations are familiar with the community and what resources are already available locally. They are also motivated to help their local community by making sure that any resources donated to them are put to good use. Do a search online for relief organizations in the affected area.
- For example, if you're interested in helping victims of the recent tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, you might contact the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma or Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).[2]
- Check with other types of organizations in the area that may be helping. In the wake of a disaster like a tornado, many different kinds of local organizations will often step up to help. Check with non-disaster-relief organizations in the area, such as schools, libraries, homeless shelters, animal shelters, food banks, churches, and social service organizations to find out what they are doing and how you can get involved.
- For example, in the wake of the recent Lee County tornado in Alabama, churches, grocery stores, schools, and animal shelters in the area gathered donations of supplies and money for the community.[3]
- Check the websites of local news outlets to find out where you can donate.
- Look for national disaster relief networks that offer local aid. Many national disaster relief organizations have local branches that can provide direct help on the community level. Research reputable national disaster relief networks and see if there are any local branches in the affected area.
- For example, Direct Relief, an organization that focuses on providing medical assistance to communities in need, works with local groups to provide critical supplies after tornadoes and other disasters.[4]
- Feeding America works with community food banks across the U.S.
- The Red Cross also has local branches in communities all over the world.
- Research charities before you work with them. Before you donate to any charitable or relief organization, look them up through a watchdog organization to find out if they are reputable. Do a search for the organization you're interested in online and look for reviews and ratings from groups such as:[5]
- CharityNavigator
- CharityWatch
- GuideStar
- The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
- Give money if you can. In the wake of a disaster, people need a wide variety of different types of assistance. They may need goods, shelter, medical care, or food. When you donate money to disaster relief organizations or charities, they can figure out how to use your contribution in the most effective and efficient way possible. If possible, donate money rather than goods unless an organization is specifically asking for material donations.[6]
- Monetary donations allow rescue organizations to purchase goods locally without having to worry about shipping costs and quality control checks. They can also tailor their purchases to the exact needs of members of the community.
- For example, after the tornado that recently hit El Reno, Oklahoma, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) branch is looking for donations of cash and gift cards to help residents purchase food, gas, and other necessities.[7]
- The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma also reached out for cash donations (as opposed to donations of food or supplies) after the Moore tornado.[8]
- Donate items only if they are needed. Donating goods, such as clothing and canned foods, can also be helpful in the wake of a tornado. However, first check with the organization(s) you're working with to find out exactly what is needed. Otherwise, aid organizations can end up overwhelmed with material donations that they are unable to use.[9]
- Call the organization you'd like to donate to or check their website to find out what kinds of donations they are taking.
- Ask about ways to volunteer. As an alternative to donating money or goods, you may also be able to volunteer your time. Contact rescue organizations in the affected area and find out what kinds of help they need. You can also reach out to National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at https://www.nvoad.org/ to find volunteer opportunities.[10]
- Don't jump in and try to help with search and rescue efforts or other potentially dangerous activities on your own. It's important to work with an existing volunteer organization that has already identified safe and effective ways to help out.[11]
- Ways to volunteer may include making calls for donations, cooking meals for survivors, delivering supplies, or getting involved in search and rescue operations.
EditSupporting Individual Tornado Victims - Try to contact friends and family affected by the tornado. If you know someone who's been affected by a tornado, try to get in touch with them as soon as possible to find out if they are okay and what they need. You may be able to contact them by phone or over their social media accounts, but if not, there are a variety of resources that can help:[12]
- Give financial support if you can. In addition to dealing with the immediate trauma and damage caused by the tornado, many victims find themselves in severe financial difficulty long after the disaster is over. If you want to help someone affected by a tornado, consider helping them out with a little money if you are able to do so.
- If you can't give much money yourself, look into starting a crowdfunding campaign to help your loved one meet their needs.
- For example, you might start a fund on GoFundMe.com or GiveForward.com to raise money for a loved one's medical expenses if they were injured in the tornado.[13]
- You can also help connect them with disaster-related financial assistance resources, like the U.S. government's disaster relief program at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Offer shelter if you're able to. Tornadoes can cause devastating damage to people's property, destroying homes, leaving large areas flooded or without power or water, or creating hazards such as downed powerlines and structural instability.[14] If you know someone who's been left homeless after a tornado or needs a place to stay while repairs are being done, consider taking them in for a while.
- If you can't provide shelter yourself, you may be able to help connect survivors with temporary shelter options in their area. For example, in the U.S., you can text SHELTER and the person's zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find nearby options.[15]
- Help them replace lost items. After a tornado, your friends or loved ones may be faced with the task of replacing some or all of their furniture and appliances. Ask them which items they need and whether you can help by purchasing some of those items for them.
- Work with them to create an online wish list so that you and other friends or relatives can purchase the specific items they need based on the list.
- Be emotionally supportive. The emotional aftermath of a tornado or other natural disaster can be devastating. In addition to needing practical help, many tornado victims will need emotional support to help them cope with the stress of what they've been through.[16] Reach out to loved ones affected by the tornado and let them know you are there if they need to talk.
- Common signs of disaster-related distress include feelings of anxiety, fear, disbelief, or emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, changes in energy or activity levels, and difficulty sleeping. Some people also have physical symptoms such as headaches, body pains, and indigestion.
- If someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis after a tornado, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
EditReferences
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