The Fourth of July is about more than just hot dogs and fireworks. Emphasize patriotism with one of these party themes or get a jump start on celebrating America's independence by brushing up on personal and national history.

Party themes:

1. Chalk time. America means something a little different to everyone. Collect your guests' patriotic thoughts, favorite words, drawings, and short memories on a prominently displayed chalkboard. (Before you deploy the chalk, remember to write the year as well as the party location on your board.) After your celebration, snap a photo and send it to your guests (or post it online). Over time, some of the words will go out of style, but everyone will enjoy reflecting back on a great Independence Day.

Alternatively, make a keepsake board and write on it with permanent chalk markers, which now are readily available at craft stores and online.

2. Trivia raffle. Instead of simply throwing names into a hat to raffle off prizes, print slips of paper with U.S. trivia questions. Guests must write their name and an answer. During the big giveaway, do a quick rundown of the Qs and As. Only award prizes to guests who answered correctly.

Drawing a blank on U.S. history? (For shame!) Steal these:

• Who was the fifth president?
• James Monroe
• What day did Congress vote for independence?
• July 2, 1776
• How are signatures grouped on the Declaration of Independence?
• By state
• Who may hand-salute the flag?
• Servicemembers and veterans in any dress
• Kid question: How many stripes appear on the flag?
• 13

3. DIY patriotic pictures. Capture the moment with a DIY photo booth and a few mini dry-erase boards loaded with prompts like, “I love July 4 because …” or “Independence Day means ... ” You don't need a professional photographer ­- let your smartphone do the work. Provide a backdrop (a neutral or festive paper-wrapped wall), dry-erase boards and markers, and ample props, such as a top hat, wigs, funny sunglasses, or a Lady Liberty crown. Point your guests toward the fun with an explanatory poster.

If you're social media-inclined, provide a memorable hashtag so it's easy to find your guests' posts later. Your city or neighborhood and a brief descriptor (#DaytonFun4th) work well.

4. Cultural buffet. Highlight the melting pot phenomenon on which our country was built by giving your Fourth of July treats names that refer back to their cultures of origin. Are those hot dogs or frankfurters? Cocktails or Spanish cócteles? Chips or crisps? A few more safe bets: Greek salad, Egyptian hummus, French fromage (that's cheese to me and you), Indian yogurt-marinated chicken, Mexican salsa, Russian deviled eggs, Thai fruit salad (add lime juice, basil, and coconut), or West African pineapple ginger punch. Don't let your culinary creativity go to waste - use labels so everyone knows what's what.

Yogurt chicken got you down? Do a variation on the world theme by highlighting different American regions or states. Coney Island dogs. Down South slaw. Pacific veggie burgers. Hawaiian tropical punch. St. Louis ribs.

Leading up to the big day:

5. Family history. How long have the Joneses been in Wisconsin? Start with a U.S. Census search using genealogy tips from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Military history records and records at regional libraries go back further and can help add detail, as can subscription services (often available at no cost to library cardholders!). Even if your family history is wrought with dead ends (orphans, missing people, or poorly kept records), you often can get an idea of your ancestors' lives from accounts of families with similar situations. Librarians love solving these kinds of puzzles, so don't be afraid to enlist their help.

6. Grandpa interview. Programs engaging younger generations with the lives of their elders abound. Join one or create your own recorded interview for posterity. Military families might especially find the Veterans History Project interesting. Check out The Legacy Project and Story Corps for more inspiration.

7. Flag rules. Respect the flag and promote better flag decorum.

Start with yourself. Be selective with your picnicware. Old Glory might be a tempting tablecloth or placemat, but U.S. flag etiquette clearly stipulates that the flag and its parts are not decorations or clothing and should not be printed on anything disposable.

And remember, whether you're a host or invitee confronted by errant stars and stripes, take Emily Post's etiquette to heart: “Your guests' comfort should be a primary concern.” Sure, rescue a flag from a toddler's mouth, but keep the message positive.