Partying on Independence Day eve? Bring guests outside for some patriotic pre-fireworks fun and games with these ideas from Brett Galley, event director for Hollywood Pop.

Spread the light. Have guests construct simple luminaries by coloring small white paper bags with red and blue stripes. They then can cut out tiny shapes three to four inches above the base of the bags, fill the bags a quarter full with sand, then carefully place a tea light candle in the center. Scatter lights around the backyard for a pretty glow.

Channel Lady Liberty. Break up into teams and give each several rolls of toilet paper. Each team must choose a model and a theme for their Lady Liberty. Have the models pose like the famous statue as team members decorate them with the toilet paper; after five minutes, a judge selects the most creative statue according to the themes.

Go for the flag. Have kids color stars and stripes on an old bedsheet with fabric markers. Cut several holes in the sheet large enough for tennis balls, beanbags or other soft items to go through. String up the sheet so players can throw items through the holes. Hand out fun red, white and blue prizes.