This summer, I’m all about K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple, silly! So with July 4th coming up, I decided to create a simple self-serve hot dog party spread.

Summer weather has officially arrived here in Southern California and with it, the first summer holiday – July 4th! In years past, we would fight the crowds and spend the entire day at the park to watch the fireworks. But this year, we’re keeping it simple and spending the day at home before heading to a ‘secret’ spot to watch the fireworks.

And can I just tell you, I’m so happy! No more packing a cooler, fighting traffic, dying in the heat, and braving the porta potties. This year, I’m relaxing in the cool indoors and enjoy a simple self-serve hot dog party with family – yay! So, let’s get to it!

Self-serve Hot Dog Party – Full Budget-Friendly Spread

Creating this self-serve hot dog party is easy and can be done for any summer get together. It requires minimal cooking and provides multiple flavor options for everyone! But the best part is that it’s budget-friendly and everything can easily be found in any grocery store.

Shopping List

If you easily get distracted st the store, print out the free shopping checklist to help you keep focused on the items you need for a self-serve hot dog party. The items listed will provide a full party spread that includes a fruit salad, a green salad, hot dogs, hot dog topping options, drinks, chips, and party decor.

Patriotic Self-serve Hot Dog Party Decorating

For the best budget-friendly patriotic decor items, I suggest hitting up the dollar stores, craft stores, or TJMaxx/Marshalls. I found July 4th door decorations, window clings, paper lanterns, tins, wind fans, wall decor, banners, and so much more. 

But because I’m trying to keep thing simple, I kept my choices to a few select items. I covered my table with a patriotic table cloth, added mini flags to a vase of flowers, placed a square flag under drinks, and a ‘USA’ decoration to shelf. I also used patriotic pails to hold utensils and July 4th serving bowls to hold food items.

Self-serve Hot Dog Party Food & Party Set-up

Keep reading to see how easy it is!

Fruit Salad – Add 2 cans of fruit cocktail, 1 large can mandarin oranges, 1/2 of the bag of walnuts, 1/2 a bag of mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whip 2 half pints of whipping cream with powdered sugar (sub with a tub of Cool Whip) until it thickens. Stir the cream into the fruit mix and pop it into the fridge to chill.

Green Salad – Add the green salad to a bowl right before serving. This will keep the leaves fresh and keep them from browning. Set the croutons, salad dressing, and Parmesan cheese next to the bowl.

Hot dogs & toppings – This is probably the most difficult part of the entire party prep. It requires slicing fresh mini bell peppers and onions and grilling hot dogs, that’s it!

Food set-up – Large serving bowls hold hot dogs, buns, salads, and chips. Small bowls hold the hot dog and salad toppings. I set up my husband’s favorite topping with the ketchup and mustard. Then, I assembled a pizza set up for the kids with sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Of course, change up the toppings to suit your family’s taste.

Time to eat! – Grab a basket, add some chips, top your hot dog, and enjoy!

What will you be serving this July 4th?