There’s nothing more appropriate for celebrating patriotic holidays than hosting a backyard barbecue. Whether you’re getting together with your friends or hosting a more intimate family gathering, there’s no better time to go all out with the red, white, and blue themed decor and party games.

Especially now, it’s important to bring your family and friends together in a celebration of life and liberty. So here are some ideas to set the mood before you fire up that grill and down your favorite bottled beverage.

Patriotic Barbecue Party Ideas

Sure we all want to go out boating or fishing in Lake Hartwell when the sun’s out, but at some point you’ll want to get on dry land to celebrate our great country with family and friends.

Try incorporating these patriotic decor ideas and games at the party and your guests will still be talking about the good times they had long after the festivities end.

Red, white, and blue party decor

Nothing celebrates America like red white and blue decor. Check out some of these unique DIY ideas that won’t break the bank. Here is a list of decor items, snacks, and games you can play that will make any patriotic barbecue party stand out from the rest.

Patriotic Flower Arrangements

Idea thanks to Giggles Galore

What could be simpler, right? Red and white blooms arranged in mason jars with blue tinted water – it’s fresh, simple, and inexpensive. But it really packs a punch of American when several are placed around your party.

American Flag Tissue Decor

Idea thanks to Simple Indeed.

Grab a selection of tissue pom poms, flag garland, and paper fans and go all out as a backdrop for your food table. You can DIY any or all of these or grab this set from Amazon.

Red, White, and Blue Lawn Stars

This is such a simple project that makes a big statement! Jeannine at The Concrete Cottage shows us how to spraypaint the lawn to make an impressive patriotic statement.

If you’re worried about painting your grass, Jeannine clarifies that she used construction marking paint from the home improvement store that won’t kill the grass. However, it is permanent, so your stars will remain until you cut the lawn.

Patriotic barbecue snacks and drinks

There are tons of ways to bring a bit of red white and blue into your barbecue party menu. Take a look at some of these ideas that will be easy to incorporate into your party plans.

Red, White, & Blue Sangria Recipe

Idea thanks to Pinterest.

Make your party stand out by ditching the pink lemonade and making something that is guaranteed to have the party talking, Red, White, & Blue Sangria. These fun festive adults only drinks will definitely be a croud pleaser.

Layered red, white and blue cocktail recipe

For the adults at your party, impress them with a fun layered cocktail. Try this one from Always Order Dessert who shows us exactly how she creates the layers without getting them all muddled up.

Red White and Blue Watermelon Pizza

For a sweet, gorgeous, and healthy dessert skip the cupcakes and the trifle and instead go for a red white and blue watermelon pizza as explained to us by Everyday Maven.

How has no one ever had this idea before?! If you want you can even have the kids at the party make it. Just remember that it does take about 30 minutes to set. Your guests will love the sweet cool flavors from this patriotic dessert pizza.

Red White and Blue Popcorn with a Kick

You won’t find a more patriotic popcorn recipe! Popcorn is a great snack at a barbecue party because it’s universally appealing to both kids and adults.

This recipe by Mom Foodie for 4th of July Popcorn is unique and delicious. This popcorn has the red white and blue theme you’re looking for but with a sweet and spicy kick from drizzled chocolate and Hot Tamales candy.

Patriotic party games

Most of the fun of a barbecue is spending time with friends and family, but when you’ve got a crowd at home it’s always great to have some games ready to keep little (and big) hands busy.

These patriotic party games are sure to please the crowd and make memories that last.

Capture the Flag

Just because it’s starting to get dark doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. As the sun goes down it is the perfect time to break out a glow in the dark capture the flag game. Keep the kids and adults running around long into the night as they wait for the fireworks displays to get started with this fun game.

American Flag Cornhole

Adults and kids alike love a good bean bag toss game. You can certainly find plenty of instructions online teaching you how to make your own but if you don’t have woodworking tools then you’re out of luck. Plus homemade cornhole boards can be bulky to store.

Save yourself the time and headache with this folding set on Amazon. It comes with 2 American flag cornhole boards and 8 red and blue beanbags.

Giant Jenga

Jenga is a fun game for all ages, but you can make it even more festive with this red, white, and blue set that gets up to 5 feet tall! Put this set of tumbling blocks out on your lawn and no doubt, it will attract your guests to start playing.

Patriotic giant inflatable float

Giant inflatable floating islands are all the rage. Check out this fun option in classic red, white, and blue. With comfy seating for up to six plus a cooler and drink holders, your party guests are sure to have fun in this float!

What will you have at your patriotic barbecue party?

Share your ideas in the comments below!