The historic Inauguration of America’s 44th president, Barack Obama, will be a four-day affair beginning in Washington this weekend. And it’s going to be quite the blowout, with millions of people expected to pour into the nation’s capital for the celebration. But if you are not among the Washington bound, no problem. There are plenty of easy, fun things you can do at home to make this a memorable occasion for friends and family.

1. Kids’ Party: The night before the Inauguration, January 19, the Disney Channel will broadcast a children’s concert that the Obama daughters, Sasha and Malia, are expected to attend. Why don’t you organize a small TV viewing party for your children, grandchildren or the neighbors’ children — what a nice break for their parents — at your place? Dress code? Dress up! It is the Inauguration, not the Super Bowl. And for an added treat, why not video the children taking the oath of office Obama will say the next day? Don’t know it? Well, here it is: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” 

2. Grown-ups’ Party: HBO will broadcast a welcome concert on Saturday night. On the night of the Inauguration, ABC will broadcast “The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration” from 8 to 10 EST. If all goes according to plan, this will be the first stop the Obamas make on their long night’s journey in Inaugural Ball Land. Why don’t you give a small buffet supper at home? Dress code? As dressy as you like; it is only respectful, since the Obamas will be in black tie. And, like the children’s party, you can video your friends saying the president’s oath of office! It may not be as cute, but it’s all in good fun!

3. Inaugural Menu: Over the course of the four-day festivities, whether you are entertaining guests or just home alone, you might consider preparing cuisine the Obamas prefer. That’s Hawaiian food, thin-crust pizza and chili. Go to So Good Blog for more Obama suggestions, including the president-elect’s chili recipe, which "Good Morning America" reported on during the campaign.

Also, Family Circle magazine just published Michelle Obama’s shortbread cookie recipe. Washington’s two Ritz Carlton hotels will be baking these and distributing to their guests during the Inauguration. Find the recipe here! 

Replicate the luncheon menu that will be served to the new president — and about 200 guests — at the Capitol Building’s Sanctuary Hall, after he takes the oath of office on Tuesday. Comprised of foods that Abraham Lincoln liked, the first course is a seafood stew, with Duckhorn Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley. The second course is a brace of American birds — pheasant and duck, not Woodstock or Donald — served with a sour-cherry chutney and molasses sweet potatoes and a Goldeneye 2005 Pinot Noir, from Anderson Valley. For dessert, an apple-cinnamon sponge cake with sweet-cream glacé and one more potent potable, a Korbel Natural Special Inaugural Cuvée, also known as California champagne.