Why does it already feel like the summer is flying by?! 4th of July will be here before we know it, and if you’re extra-pressed for time this year, but still want to add some fun & creativity to your get-together, here are 3 super quick/easy/affordable ideas that will help bring the Independence Day spirit to life at your party without sacrificing even more of your sleep schedule! *wink*

Fireworks are always one of the first things I always think of when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, so that’s where my inspiration came from for these 3 simple projects:

IDEA #1: Sparkly Patriotic Drink Stirrers
First up… the drinks! One of the easiest ways to dress up drinks is to add some creative stirrers. To make these “fireworks” stirrers, all you need are: wooden bamboo skewers (available at any grocery store) + sparkly metallic pipe cleaners (also called “chenille stems”) + hot glue.

There are 3 different designs pictured here:

1. For the “Simple Fireworks” design, simply cut one stirrer into 8 equal pieces (they will be small). Criss cross and twist 2 pieces together. Do this again with another 2 pieces then hot glue the 2 twisted “pairs” together to form a “starburst” looking shape.

2. For the “2-color Fireworks” design, cut a red pipe cleaner into 6 pieces, stack them together vertically, and pinch/twist the bottoms of one end of the stack together, just like a bouquet. Hot glue the twisted portion of the stack to the end of a skewer, then twist 1/2 a blue pipe cleaner around the bottom to cover the glued portion of the red pipe cleaners, so that it looks like the red “rays” are bursting out from the blue.

3. For the 3rd “Petal Fireworks” design, you’ll need a Martha Stewart flower shaped craft punch and red & blue glitter scrapbook paper, which are both available at Michaels. Punch 1 flower each from the red and blue paper, then layer them on top of each other, twisting the top one so it “fills in the petal gaps” of the bottom one. Twist together 1/2 a blue pipe cleaner + 1/2 a red pipe cleaner, to form one 2-color stem, then wrap & twist that piece around the top of a wooden skewer. Hot glue your “petal firework” to the top of the embellished skewer, and done! (I know that seems like a long explanation, but trust me it only takes a minute to do it all.)

And now that you’ve got your cute drink stirrers ready to go, continue with the “quick and easy” vibe and serve them up with some convenient & ready-to-pour Bacardi Hand-Shaken Daiquiris! No mixing required, just open and pour over ice.

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IDEA #2: Sparkly DIY Table Runner

For this oh-so-easy table runner (which could also double as a hanging garland), you’ll need red & blue glitter paper, circular craft punches in 2 sizes (I used 2″ and 2.5″) + white ric rack ribbon + tacky glue. Simply alternate the colors/sizes of the circles across the ribbon in equal increments & secure with tacky glue. Done!

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IDEA #3: Sparkly Hanging Garlands

These hanging garlands are very similar to the table runner project, except you’ll need to swap out the ric rack ribbon for fishing wire and double up on the paper circles so that the garland is 2 sided. Once again you’ll need 2 sizes of a circular craft punch and red & glue glitter paper + fishing wire and a glue stick. Super easy!

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This summer, rediscover the daiquiri. Bacardi Hand Shaken Daiquiri is the perfect addition to any summer get-together — fun, delicious, and ready to pour. Bacardi Hand Shaken Daiquiri is made with Bacardi Superior Rum, tangy lime and sugar. It is a perfectly balanced cocktail that is not too sour and not too sweet.

Please drink responsibly.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and compensation was provided by Bacardi via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Bacardi.