To Have or Not Have a 4th of July Party???

The 4th of July is one of my FAVORITE holidays! I wish I actually do more then just going to our town festival and listen to the local cover bands. But, I'll admit, I still love it! I'm reading so many amazing blogs on red, white and blue recipes and decorations, that I want to throw my party.

I'm jealous of the people who go to 'parties' or have people over. I would love to host a 4th of july gathering. The problem is, my friends have been doing their own thing for awhile. I use to see my girlfriends everyday, now it's maybe once every week. While I am ok with it, I still wish I could have 'many' friends, just so I can throw a GOOD 4th of July party. I know it's ok to have a small gathering, but I like big parties. I can possibly hit up people I miss from High School. It'd be good to see people I haven't seen in awhile!

For those of you who host parties, how do you do it? Send out invitations? Pick up the phone and call? Word of mouth? Most of the people I surround myself with are 22-25, so I'm not sure how to go about this...IF I decide to throw together a last minute party. OR---maybe I should wait until next year??

HELP!

Until then---I'll drool over these recipes and decorations and hopefully one day soon i can throw a SUCCESSFUL 4th of July party! :)

These just all look sooo good!!

From Red Couch Recipes, how good do these look?? Ahh, making me so hungry!

And these are not very red, white and blue, but s'mores remind me of summer!! These are from Adorkable Recipes.

Another classic recipe from The Idea Room. I LOVE JELLO!!

And my good friend Erin is a genius when it comes to decorations, design and such, I just HAD to share her finds! (Hey Er---maybe you can teach me how to accomplish these things? lol) 

Well, the pictures can go on forever! I'll keep you posted on the 'party' situation. Maybe I'll wait until next year. 

I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend! I know I will!!