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What Are the Best Tips for Throwing an American-Themed Party?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Many people believe that the best time to throw an American-themed party is in July, on Independence Day. The area can be decorated in red, white, and blue stars and stripes. Rock, country, or blues music can be played in the background, and games like American football or baseball can help keep guests entertained. Simple foods like hamburgers and hot dogs can be cooked on a grill, and a small fireworks display may be the perfect ending to this type of theme party.

When throwing an American-themed party, one may want to consider the timing. Since the Fourth of July is considered to be the United States of America's Independence Day, this is an excellent time to throw a party of this sort. Some individuals may also choose to throw a party to celebrate the start of certain American sports seasons, like American football or baseball.

Baseball is often considered to be the most American of sports.
Baseball is often considered to be the most American of sports.

A true American-themed party is often decorated in the country's colors, red white and blue. Colored streamers can be hung up, for instance, and colored tablecloths can be used as well. Red, white, and blue balloons can also be strung about, and small American flags can also be used to decorate. Small flags can also be used as party favors.

Music is another important consideration when throwing an American-themed party. Patriotic music can be played for an Independence Day party. Rock 'n' roll and country music can also be played. The southern United States is also considered to be the home of jazz and blues music, so these types of music are also appropriate.

Cheeseburgers are often considered among the most American of foods.
Cheeseburgers are often considered among the most American of foods.

Entertainment is an important part of an American-themed party, since it will help keep guests from getting bored. Games like American football and baseball can be played outside, if the host has sufficient room. For those who don't want to play sports, these games can be watched on television instead. American-themed trivia or charades are also excellent games for both kids and adults.

A hot dog with mustard.
A hot dog with mustard.

Food at an American-themed party should be simple and abundant. An outdoor backyard BBQ is an excellent way to prepare food for this type of party. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be cooked on a grill, and foods like potato salad, corn on the cob, and watermelon can be served on the side. Ice cream and apple pie can be served for dessert.

Many hosts like to end an American-themed party, particularly a Fourth of July party, with a fireworks display. Depending on a host's budget and know how, along with the local laws in a particular area, this display can be rather large or quite small. Several sparklers are a nice touch at the end of any Independence Day party. They are relatively inexpensive, they are simple to operate, and no special permits are usually required.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@fBoyle-- Food really depends on what region of the United States you want to use in your theme. For example, you could do a Texas themed party and serve tacos, nachos, chili. This theme can also include things like cowboy hats.

donasmrs

@fBoyle-- You could always roast a turkey and serve with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, mixed veggies or a salad with ranch dressing. Fried chicken or various sandwiches with potato chips and root beer would work as well.

For snacks, you can serve dips with vegetables and nachos. Jello, ice cream, cookies and cheesecake would all work for dessert. You could even get fancy and make root beer floats or banana splits. You could lay out the ingredients for banana splits and your guests could prepare their own.

If you are trying to keep things smaller and simpler, or just want an afternoon snack, doughnuts and coffee is a great idea.

fBoyle

What other types of food can I serve at an American themed party? A barbecue won't be possible, I don't have a backyard.

Pippinwhite

If one is throwing the party overseas, I'd suggest a 50s "Grease" -type theme. You know, malt shop, leather jackets, loafers, poodle skirts and ponytails. It's stereotyping, but most people really associate these images with America.

Play doo-wop, rockabilly and 50s and 60s pop music, serve burgers and hot dogs, along with ice cream and pie. Most people like 50s music and the sock hop atmosphere is always fun and informal.

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    • Baseball is often considered to be the most American of sports.
      By: cfarmer
      Baseball is often considered to be the most American of sports.
    • Cheeseburgers are often considered among the most American of foods.
      By: Gena
      Cheeseburgers are often considered among the most American of foods.
    • A hot dog with mustard.
      By: Brenda Carson
      A hot dog with mustard.
    • No American-themed party is complete without the proper condiments.
      By: bakerjim
      No American-themed party is complete without the proper condiments.
    • Black gun powder is used in firecrackers, which may be used to celebrate the Fourth of July.
      By: dule964
      Black gun powder is used in firecrackers, which may be used to celebrate the Fourth of July.
    • Brownies are considered an all-American dessert.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Brownies are considered an all-American dessert.
    • Fireworks may be display during a nighttime party.
      By: James Thew
      Fireworks may be display during a nighttime party.
    • American-themed parties may include a buffet.
      By: Sébastien Maurer
      American-themed parties may include a buffet.
    • Barbecuing meat is a popular American tradition.
      By: Pietro D'Antonio
      Barbecuing meat is a popular American tradition.
    • Potato chips should be included as a party snack.
      By: nataliazakharova
      Potato chips should be included as a party snack.
    • Sparklers are common at Independence Day parties.
      By: Acik
      Sparklers are common at Independence Day parties.
    • Corn on the cob would go well with an American-themed party.
      By: Viktor
      Corn on the cob would go well with an American-themed party.
    • Serving a variety of pickles as part of a relish tray is a great snack option for parties.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Serving a variety of pickles as part of a relish tray is a great snack option for parties.
    • Watermelon is a traditional American summer food.
      By: laszlolorik
      Watermelon is a traditional American summer food.
    • A homemade apple pie can be a good dessert choice for an American-themed party or gathering.
      By: CandyBox Images
      A homemade apple pie can be a good dessert choice for an American-themed party or gathering.
    • Chicken wings may be served at an American-themed party.
      By: Kybele
      Chicken wings may be served at an American-themed party.
    • Popcorn may be severed at an American-themed party.
      By: Africa Studio
      Popcorn may be severed at an American-themed party.