Besides being a celebration of this great country’s independence, Fourth of July is a laid-back holiday filled with all the best summer has to offer. Invite some pals over for a fun, backyard, pre-fireworks shindig.
> This one’s easy: red, white and blue, everywhere and anywhere.
> Hang star-shaped twinkle lights on trees or bushes, stick miniature flags in flower pots and around walkways, and hang bunting on the buffet table, fence and porch.
> Use Mason jars or plastic Uncle Sam hats as vases for daisies and carnations.
[fun & games]
> Keep kids entertained with a bike-decorating contest. Let young guests know ahead of time to bring their bikes and trikes, and have a supply of streamers, pompoms, miniature flags, paper pinwheels and flowers on hand for kids to use for decorating.
> Put out buckets of childhood summertime favorites: sidewalk chalk, hula hoops and bubbles. If you dare, have a cooler full of water balloons ready and stage a giant water fight.
> Keep it simple: barbecue or smoke ribs, pork steaks and chicken. Ask guests to bring an appetizer or side, such as pasta salad, chips, veggies with dip, or salad. Have a variety of barbecue sauces on hand, from vinegary and tart to molasses-based and sweet.
> Alternately, set up a hot dog and bratwurst bar with a variety of toppings. Include the classics, but also mix in some unexpected options, such as pineapple, bacon, cucumber, tomatoes, Sriracha sauce, cabbage slaw, avocado, jalapenos, olives, hoisin sauce, scallions and cilantro.
> Cut out watermelon wedges and place on popsicle sticks for easy eating.
[sips & sweets]
> Set out coolers with a variety of beers, soda and water. Also have on hand chilled rosé and white wines, fresh lemonade and iced tea.
> After dinner is completed, place hot coals from the grill in foil-lined terra-cotta pots and distribute around the tables. Set out marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers and skewers for tableside s’mores.
> Serve ‘watermelon’ cookies: Dye sugar cookie dough pink, cut out in half circles and bake. Stud hot cookies with mini chocolate chips. Once cool, dip the rounded edges in green powdered sugar icing.
[after-dinner show]
> Traveling to a park for fireworks? Bring blankets and pack a cooler with plenty of ice, drinks, watermelon slices and fudgsicles (for homemade, try out the version on smittenkitchen.com).