
Ideas to Celebrate the 4th of July during the Pandemic
Independence Day is almost here, and most of us are wondering how to celebrate the 4th of July while social distancing.
Usually, the 4th of July calls for family and friends to gather together, spending time brunching, grilling, enjoying outdoor activities, and shooting off fireworks.
But this year, everything is unusual and while we are already canceling some of the normal festivities, there’s no reason to cancel all of our 4th of July celebrations.
Regardless of what’s going on, We can all use a little extra shot of happiness these days, don’t you think? And, there’s no reason people (small groups) can’t get together, as long as social distancing is practiced.
I’ve put together a list of fun activities that you can do while practicing social distancing this 4th, along with some yummy food and fashion – yes, fashion – suggestions!
1. Start with a Patriotic Dessert
The 4th of July celebrations can never be complete without a red, white, and blue dessert. I love whipping up a delicious bowl of trifle, and if you’d prefer to keep things distant, you can also take this same dessert and divide it up into individual serving sizes in stemless wine glasses.

I call this particular trifle recipe my Easy as Pie Trifle because I barely have to do anything, it looks like it took hours to prepare, and it is so delicious! Realistically, trifle desserts can be as decadent or health conscience as you want them to be, and either way, they taste fantastic! I’m sharing my semi-low calorie version here, made with sugar-free whipped topping and instant sugar-free pudding. I also use organic products whenever possible.
Ingredients
- 12 – 15 oz angel food cake (buy a store-bought one to make it easy, and cut it up into small cubes) I also often make this with a pound cake – Sara Lee, Entenmann’s, or any pound cake, cut up into small cubes)
- 1 lb strawberries, sliced
- 1- pint blueberries (2 cups)
- 2 cups fat-free milk (or any milk)
- 1 – 5.1 oz package (makes six servings) vanilla sugar-free instant pudding (you can change it up with different pudding flavors)
- 8 -12 oz any frozen whipped topping. I use sugar-free Cool Whip.
- 1/2 cup sour cream -optional
Instructions
- Mix the instant pudding mix, milk, and sour cream, if using. I use a hand-held mixer at a low-medium speed of about three.
- Put in the fridge for the pudding to set – it takes a few minutes.
- Cut up your angel or pound cake.
- Take out the pudding mixture, and start your layers, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the layers.
- First layer angel food cake cubes, a layer of pudding, then Cool Whip, then a layer of strawberries.
- Repeat the layers except for change out the strawberries for blueberries.
- Repeat once or twice more, depending on how thick you make your layers. Your last (top) layer should be a mix of blueberries and strawberries.
- Refrigerate about an hour or two before serving. You can also make this the day before.
If you are looking for a beautiful bowl to serve your trifle in, here is a 7.75” trifle bowl that you can grab for less than $30. Or, here is one under $15 that you can’t go wrong with either.
2. Burger Brunch or Dinner

What to serve for brunch or dinner?
Burgers, of course! After all, burgers are one of America’s favorite comfort food items.
And if you’re watching calories, go for my favorite buns from Smart Baking Company. These keto-friendly, gluten-free buns are the best companions for foodies who just cannot say ‘no’ to hamburgers on buns. (Use GWENLIVESWELL to save 10% off your order). Accompany with your favorite sides.
When your meal is ready, serve it up on a decked-out table. This stars and stripes table cloth is on sale right now. Use the code FRIENDS to get an extra 30% off of the discounted price.
Pair it with these Americana watercolor napkins by Pottery Barn available for only $20.
3. The Ultimate Backyard Party
If there is one thing that has changed during the lockdown, it’s our newfound appreciation for our backyard. It is safe and perfect for social distancing. While most summer events have been canceled, there’s no reason you can’t create your own 4th of July events and celebrate in your own backyard space.
- If you have small children, how about camping in your backyard?
- You can also put up a screen and watch a patriotic movie to fully celebrate Independence Day – fun for kids and grown-ups!
- To get the perfect patriotic feel (and avoid doing dishes), get these super cute disposable plates from Target.
4. Splash it out with a Pool Party

If you have a pool, the best way to celebrate the 4th of July is to throw a pool party – that is, if the weather is cooperating.
Check out this adorable Independence Day inspired float.
And who wouldn’t love tossing stars and stripes balls while floating on this American flag?
This super chic Kimono is perfect for the hostess with the mostess. Pair it with this woven hat that I’m wearing here, and you will look tastefully patriotic.
And so the host of the party doesn’t feel left out, get him these swim shorts. I love this pair!
And if it Rains on the Fourth…
So it rains! Have some socially distant indoor games ready, watch a patriotic movie on Netflix, and just enjoy being together for the holiday.
However you decide to celebrate the United States of America’s birthday, just remember to be mindful and aware of your surroundings, even with loved ones.

- Dressing up for something gets you in the mood to celebrate, so whatever you choose, get the right accessories to bring out the vibe.
- Don’t let the Coronavirus pandemic keep you from enjoying your 4th of July celebrations.
- Don’t forget to practice social distancing. Put sanitizers within easy reach, remember to wash hands, maintain distancing as much as you can, and, when needed, don’t forget to wear your 4th of July mask.
Several of my blogger friends have also shared their ideas for fantastic Fourth of July celebrations. Check them out!
Heidi – www.simplyoursociety.com
D’Arcy – www.dear-darcy.com
Rosemary – www.distinctlysouthernstyle.com
Michele – www.soooboca.com
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you for following along on Instagram and Facebook. And thanks for following on Pinterest, too. I love it when you share my pins because it helps me grow on that platform as well. Pinterest is still a work in progress for me, but I’ll get there!
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- Amazon Summer Haul for Under $50
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#4thofJuly #julyfourth
40 Comments
Melanie
June 23, 2020 at 7:55 amSuch fun ideas! We could all use some fun times right now. Hoping it doesn’t rain, but if it does you have provided some great solutions.
Happy 4th of July, Gwen!
Gwen Gottlieb
June 23, 2020 at 9:05 amAt least a little rain cools things off in South Florida! Thanks for reading! xo
Rosemary Davis
June 23, 2020 at 8:04 amGwen,
Thanks for these terrific ideas for sharing a quieter 4th of July this year.
I must say your recipes look delicious and I am definitely going to make the Easy as Pie Trifle!
Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸🌟
Rosemary xoxo-rd
Gwen Gottlieb
June 23, 2020 at 9:04 amYou are so welcome, Rosemary. Thanks so much for reading! Happy Fourth!
Michele Linton
June 23, 2020 at 8:44 amMy husband has a sweet tooth, so I’m looking forward to trying your trifle recipe!
Gwen Gottlieb
June 23, 2020 at 9:04 amIt’s so easy and delish! Thanks for reading, Michele. xo
Nancy Weiss
June 23, 2020 at 8:53 amWonderful read Gwen, great recipe idea too 🇺🇸
Happy 4th of July to you and your family
Nancyb
Gwen Gottlieb
June 23, 2020 at 9:03 amThanks so much, Nancy! Wishing you and yours a Happy Fourth, too!
D'Arcy vandenberg
June 23, 2020 at 10:54 amI loved your post! It’s so true it will be different but it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Your dessert looks so yummy, I need to try it!
Gwen Gottlieb
June 25, 2020 at 5:21 pmI definitely think we can still have fun! And yes, the trifle is delish!
Heidi Suydam
June 25, 2020 at 1:55 pmLove all these ideas, Gwen!
Gwen Gottlieb
June 25, 2020 at 5:20 pmThanks so much, Heidi!
Lenysha
June 25, 2020 at 6:50 pmGreat ideas and the dessert looks delicious! I’m soooo tempted to make it!!
Gwen Gottlieb
June 26, 2020 at 12:06 pmThanks so much, Lenysha! It’s easy and yummy!
Michele Bellisari
June 27, 2020 at 7:47 amI adore trifle and will have to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Gwen Gottlieb
June 28, 2020 at 10:18 amYou are so welcome! Let me know if you make it!
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