KIRKLAND, Wash., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With Independence Day approaching, it's time to start planning family parties. According to poll results, the 4th of July is one of the most-celebrated holidays among families. The poll, conducted by party retailer PartyDestination.com, shows that 55% of families have thrown a 4th of July party, second only to Christmas and Thanksgiving. With that in mind, PartyDestination.com offers the following checklist and tips to make your own party sparkle. Plan Ahead - Ensure your party runs smoothly with this checklist: -- 4 weeks before the party: Create the guest list. Most Independence Day parties are large (75% include more than 16 guests), so consider relatives, friends, and neighbors when making your list. This is also a good time to begin researching local fireworks laws or shows, depending on whether you plan to provide your own fireworks or attend a display. -- 3 weeks before: Plan activities (see "Games & Activities" below), order party supplies, and mail invitations. -- 2 weeks before: Plan your menu and order any food you won't be preparing yourself. If you'll attend a fireworks show, plan transportation. -- 1 week before: Make and freeze any foods that can be prepared in advance, and confirm any food orders. It's also a good idea to call any guests who haven't RSVP'd and get an exact head count. Purchase fireworks if you plan to provide your own. -- 2-3 days before: Purchase remaining food, along with film or videotape to capture the memories. -- 1 day before: Pick up any food you've ordered. If children are attending your party, child-proof the party area. Decorate any indoor areas. -- Party day: Prepare food and drinks that couldn't be made ahead of time. Decorate outdoor areas. If you'll be doing your own fireworks, set out buckets of water. Also set out blankets for guests who might get cold as evening sets in. Games & Activities -- Plan games and activities to keep guests entertained before the fireworks begin -- bubbles and pinwheels will keep young children busy, while classic outdoor games such as horseshoes, volleyball and potato sack races are fun for older kids and adults. Decorations -- Set a patriotic mood with red, white and blue decorations (available at http://www.partydestination.com/). Flags are a favorite, of course, and balloons and party music can add to the festive tone. Display food in red, white and blue dishes or on star-shaped platters. Star-shaped citronella candles are both fun and functional. Food -- Burgers, hot dogs, and corn-on-the-cob are all classic (and easy!) picks. Give a simple dessert a patriotic spin by adding blueberries and whipped cream to strawberry shortcake for a red, white and blue treat. Be sure to have plenty of water and soft drinks on hand, in addition to any alcoholic beverages you may be serving. Finally, don't forget to keep food safe from bugs and heat. If you're serving outdoors, food tents will help keep bugs at bay, and keep perishable food on ice to help prevent spoilage. Contact: Meghan Hardy, Party Destination media relations, +1-425-250-1064, ext. 148, or DATASOURCE: PartyDestination.com CONTACT: Meghan Hardy, Party Destination media relations, +1-425-250-1064, ext. 148, or Web site: http://www.celebrateexpress.com/

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