The 4th of July is just around the corner. This year, state your independence from a boring gathering and throw an event to remember. Jeanne Benedict from Celebrations has ideas and dishes to wow your guests!

Super-star activities:

Cool off with red, white, and blue water balloons, and heat up the competition with these ideas:

1) Fourth of July Egg Toss:

•Fill blown-out eggs with Ecofetti -- biodegradable confetti.
•Cover the egg holes with a holiday sticker and use them for your egg toss!

2) Stars & Stripes Hunt- Send the kids on a scavenger hunt looking for these 10 fun Fourth of July items:

1. Red, white or blue food
2. Flag
3. Striped item of clothing
4. Red, white or blue item from parent
5. $1 in change
6. Star shape found in nature
7. Holiday paper plate or napkin
8. Bottle cap
9. Item with a president's name
10. star

3) Fireworks Kaleidoscope

•Purchase "Design Your Own" kaleidoscope kits for each child.

•Set the kits on a table along with holiday-themed paper, a glue-stick, double-stick tape, and scissors to decorate the outside of the kaleidoscope.

•Get patriotic sequins and faux gems for the prismatic sparkle at the end of the kaleidoscope.

ALL-STAR MENU

Below, you'll find some zesty red, white and blue recipes for your Fourth of July celebration, including a Papaya Slaw, Potato and Black Bean Salad, Pork Ribs and Glaze, Caramel Flan, and Star Pepper Pasta Salad.

Make sure to keep your decor in the red, white, and blue theme. You can do this with your tablecloths, napkins, plates, and cups. Don't forget, it's the little details that really create your party atmosphere.

Papaya, Jicama, and Red Onion Slaw in Blueberry Vinaigrette

Zesty Potato and Black Bean Salad

Star Pepper Pasta Salad

Spicy and Sweet Barbecue Sauce for Pork Ribs

Watermelon Caramel Flan

For more entertaining ideas, check out Celebrations.