The best way to kick off the Fourth of July is with a barbeque. It's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. If you're new to a neighborhood consider inviting the neighbors for a cook out. If not, try inviting friends or relatives. Let them know a few weeks in advance since this is a popular time for parties.

You want your holiday to be perfect, so plan everything way ahead of time, and don't wait to buy things at the last minute. Definitely serve your classic barbecue foods, like hotdogs and hamburgers, but don't leave it at that. Give your guests a good variety of foods and drinks. Try making something special like Sangria for the adults. Another great summer drink, for the children is homemade lemonade. Other good foods would be a fresh salad, baked beans, watermelon, and barbecued ribs. All of these are enjoyable things for the holiday. Dessert should be something special. Try finding a recipe that incorporates red, white, and blue. You could try baking cupcakes with festive icing.

For decorations, you want to tie in the red white and blue as much as possible. Outside it's harder to decorate, but you can still do a lot. Set up tables with small red, white, and blue candles in the middle. Around the candles you can place ribbon. For napkins and plates, most stores have decorated items for the holiday. Hang some flags wherever possible, but don't over do it. Just a few will compliment your barbeque. Make sure if your guests are staying after dark that you have the proper lighting outside. Buy some different types of sparklers at the store for extra fun.

There are plenty of outdoor games you could play at your barbeque. Something as simple as horseshoes can be fun for everyone. You also might want to try a game like bocce ball. If you have a lot of room, children can play capture the flag. It's a long lasting, fun game to to play and it will keep the kids entertained.

To keep the party alive and upbeat, have music playing. Try making a mixed CD of different songs. Have a variety so your guests can all enjoy something different. Maybe you could have a small dancing area. Try a game to see who has the best dance moves, or play musical chairs. Both of these games go great with music. You don't need a top of the line stereo, a boom box is all that's neccessary.

Don't have your guests going home empty handed. For kids, make small goodie bags, that could contain a few candies, some home made cookies and a few small party favors. For adults, send them home with a little box of home made cookies. A few days after the party you could write thank you cards and send them out to your guests. Thank them for coming and express how much you enjoyed them being there. It will bring a smile to their face, and they'll want to get together again soon. Follow these simple steps and your Fourth of July will be unforgettable. Have a safe and fun holiday!