by Joan Mccord

Created on: May 17, 2010   Last Updated: July 07, 2010

We all love costume parties, so why not elevate the 4th of July family barbecue to a patriotic costume party with prizes for the best dressed patriots. Create a lot of categories: Hottest Costume, Coolest Costume, Most Colorful, Strangest, Most Complicated, plus figments of your own imagination. Also, the fun increases when everybody gets a prize.

Keep the ground rules simple: All costumes must be decent but comfortable on a hot summer's day.

Here are some ideas:

* White top, red and white striped skirt or shorts, and blue apron with sparkly stars, plus a tiny white cap (check hair accessories at Wal-Mart for sleep caps) might suggest Betsy Ross at a barbecue.

* Uncle Sam or Samantha - This is probably the most colorful costume and most fun. Picture the red, white and blue sequined top hat, blue jacket, and white shorts decorated with twinkling stars. Anybody can wear a beard if they choose.

* Baby Sam is too cute in a version of this garb. With a nice white diaper and bare feet, he is half way there. Be careful of sparkles that will attract little fingers and get into baby’s mouth.

* The youngest princesses will love a Princess Sam costume. Make her version of the red, white, and blue outfit complete with a crown and plenty of sparkles.

* Or, there is always George Washington in white powdered wig and typical Colonial garb.

* A Colonial Tricon Hat from the party store and board shorts might not win a prize but they will add to the fun and festivities for the usual "under dressers" at the party.

* Miss Liberty, her robs draped over a swim suit and carrying a torch (there are lighted torches at the party store), is an almost elegant but likely winner. Don’t forget the crown.

* If your pooch is fine with clothes, he might like a top hat. If he likes to really dress up, this might be his year for patriotic sun glasses or goggles.

These are only a few costume suggestions to get you started and help any other party goers who might be at a lost for ideas. Visits to the party store and the craft store will yield a wealth of  low cost ideas and simple materials for their construction.

Get into the spirit of the celebration, use your talents and imagination, and have fun; after all, fun was decreed by the Founding Fathers.

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