Every year on Instagram Stories I post photos from our friend’s outrageously over-the-top Fourth of July party. After getting so many requests for a single post with the photos and the recipes she uses, here it is: a full look at Justine and John’s annual backyard celebration—what they do, how they pull it off, and the standout ideas you can borrow for your own patriotic gathering. Their parties have been growing for years and the only way to describe them is: EXTRA (in the best possible way).
Justine and her husband John host this huge backyard soiree so friends can gather with their kids, hang out, eat, and enjoy the fireworks. It’s easier to schedule than a holiday weekend and it feels like a summer ritual: each July the yard transforms into a festive, playful scene that keeps getting more creative every year.
Each party includes a makeshift photo booth built under a sun tent, decorated with fabric, sparkly red tulle, and a banner along the back. The secret to great DIY photo booths? The props. Justine has an ever-growing stash of oversized glasses, hats, inflatable accessories, wigs, beards, and novelty items she picks up after sales, which keeps the collection fresh and hilarious every season.
The party often features whimsical signage—handmade wooden signs that point guests toward “food,” “waterslide,” “drinks,” and “photobooth.” Over the years these details have snowballed, so each July produces new decorations and surprises that feel both festive and theatrical. If you love the wedding-level attention-to-detail vibe, you’ll appreciate how this backyard bash leans into spectacle.
Fun is mandatory: a two-story waterslide is rented every year for kids and brave adults, delivering dramatic slow-motion footage and non-stop laughs. There’s also a lively cornhole tournament, costume contests for best patriotic outfits, and prizes for categories—so everyone gets involved. The host’s dress is always committed to the theme: handmade flair, ribbon-trimmed flip-flops, and full patriotic spirit.
There’s even a leather sofa plunked in the grass as a photo-op and a social hub—the kind of comfortable, silly touch that keeps guests lingering and chatting. Small details like rolling utensils in bandanas and tying them with twine add personality without being high-maintenance; Justine says there are always plenty left over each year, so the effort pays off.
Food is a communal potluck, so while Justine and John provide the main setup and a few signature items, guests bring side dishes to share and their own grill items. The spread is bountiful and often themed: blue corn chips with red salsa, a layered bean dip decorated like a flag (refried beans, guacamole, cheese, sour cream topped with tomatoes and olives), and skewers of mozzarella, basil, and tomato, finished with balsamic glaze. Kid favorites like Lil’ Smokies (pigs in a blanket) always disappear fast.
Beverages include playful options for kids and adults—red, white, and blue smoothies served in small jelly jars with cute straws for the kids, and layered margaritas for grown-ups. The hosts favor “margarita speed over margarita perfection,” which means the drinks are abundant and festive, even if the layers blend a bit. A clever adult treat at this party is jello shooters topped with a cherry; the stem makes it easy to pull the shot from the cup for a dramatic, fun moment.
Sweet treats get special attention: individually decorated waffle cones dipped in red, white, and blue chocolate and sprinkles are a huge hit with kids, and a no-bake “Berry Lasagne” layered with fruit, cream, and a white chocolate drizzle is a standout dessert that’s worth making for a crowd. Small presentation choices—teal milk crates for cone displays, patriotic plates, and jars—elevate simple recipes into memorable moments.
After dinner and games, everyone gathers on the porch and patio for the fireworks show John organizes. The displays have grown more ambitious each year; when allowed by local rules and permits, they offer an impressive, neighborhood-friendly finale. Safety is part of the routine—a nearby fire extinguisher is standard—and the whole evening ends with the warm, communal feeling that comes from spending time with people you love.
This annual bash is a great example of how thoughtful details, crowd-sourced food, playful props, and a fearless host can turn a backyard into an unforgettable holiday celebration. If you have your own Pinterest-brain buzzing with ideas, take heart: small, clever touches—props, layered treats, themed snacks, and a show-stopping activity like a waterslide or a photobooth—make a huge impact. Thanks to Justine and John for all the inspiration and the memories—they really know how to bring people together and keep the party extra.
P.S. I once did an extra patriotic trick with watermelon that’s good for parties—ask if you want details. P.P.S. We also send out weekly bonus posts by email—sign up if you want more ideas and recipes delivered to your inbox.