This list is a quick and easy guide to perfecting your fourth of July celebrations, we all know its the little details that really make a good party and some of these tips are sure to go down a real storm.
Must have Ingredients
Quality not Quantity ~ That’s the thing to remember about hosting a great 4th of July get together, your friends and family will definitely notice and appreciate you choosing quality ingredients that are well throughout and prepared in advance.
The idea is not to buy as many frozen burgers and sausages as you can afford!
Instead why not visit your local butchers and see what they recommend you cook as this is the time of year that the best quality produce comes their way.
Using re-sealable plastic bags are a great way to prepare marinades well in advance that takes a lot of stress out of cooking on the day and leaves you to entertain your guests. Also think about food that you can serve cold as your party heads into the evening and your guests get a little peckish.
Desserts before Fireworks
It comes to me that fireworks tend to be late into the evening, serving your treats a little before the fireworks will keep your guests happy and make sure that anyone who leaves before the finale (young kids perhaps?) gets to sample your masterpiece that is your dessert.
An impressive dessert is the icing on the cake (sorry!) as far as your food prep goes, keep to your summer theme and use summer fruits in your dessert, the list of what you could do are endless, triffle, pavlova, sundaes, ice-creams, pies and the list really does go on.
Setting the stage
As far as decoration goes, it always goes down well if the decorations are throughout and understated, try theming your table with the american colours, such as a blue tablecloth, red napkins and of course white paper plates!
Simple tips and techniques will sure to be a hit for you and your guests, such as laying down a picnic style blanket in your garden so guests can chill out and relax on, including the kids.
Have bins clearly for recycling to show your love for our planet! It is also a neat tip to line the bin a few times so you take the rubbish out and the bin is then pre-lined for you, definitely a hassle free tip.
Set the stage for the evening by thinking about lighting, you may already have outdoor lighting but you can improve the ambiance of your night time entertaining with candles, tiki torches and fire-fly style LED lights you can hang over your fences or bushes.
Drinks
Who wants to run to the store during the fun? ~ Its always better to stock up on the drink than run out half way or even worse the evening! Make large batches of cocktails that your guests will love, summery cocktails such as Margaritas and Strawberry Daiquiris will always go down a storm during the sweltering heat of July.
Your guests dont need too much booze however, stick to one or two types of beer and Rosé for all your wine needs!
Stock up on plenty of Ice as your drinks cooler (must have) will need it as well as your guests glasses, this too can be said on drink ‘extras’ such as lemons, limes, oranges etc that you can jazz up soft drinks and cocktails with.
Entertain the kids
People are more relaxed once tummys are more settled and the hot weather has passed so entertaining late to mid afternoon is a better idea, along with summer and cocktails, there are a few tried and tested methods of ensuring that everyone is happy!
If the sun is burning hot, how about investing in a paddling pool for young kids to cool off in, or If your expecting a large crowd then even renting out a bouncy castle would be a superb coup.
Of course the smallest things in life are the most fun, having toys lying around such as disposable cameras, Frisbees or a football will entertain, not to mention being a little creative with some arts and crafts, outdoor games and such.
Music plays an important part here of course, what party would be a party without some good music? As far as 4th July music goes I think sticking to a particular theme would be fun for a short time as the party starts, good old American classics mixed with new up and coming artists for a balanced soundtrack to your day.
Just think about the music you and your guests will like and plan a rough guide in your head about what mood you think your party will be, i.e fun and upbeat music to begin, ambient music in the evening and sing-a-long music at night perhaps!
If you have an iPod or MP3 Player (who doesn’t?!), then look at purchasing some good quality portable speakers, they can be found everywhere these days and will be a very welcome addition to your party and in your kitchen from the day you buy them!
Closing argument
Most importantly, try to keep things simple and understated. The real secret that a great Fourth of July party is really just like any other party, and just like any other party, preparation and attention to detail really shine through to your guests and be a party to remember.
Try to do as much as you can the day or night before and you will be able to enjoy the celebrations as much as your guests will!
One Comment
I would love some comments on what you think makes a great 4th July celebration! (aside from fireworks the size of an apollo rocket!)
Also suggestions for the 4th July menu?
One Trackback
Very usefull. Thanks!