The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays because of its simplicity. What’s more fun than a barbecue, fireworks and friends on a summer day? Although, if you’re the one throwing the party, this holiday can get complicated, fast.
But, it doesn’t have to be so difficult! With a little thought and a handy dandy checklist (which I’m about to give you, by the way) your holiday barbecue can be easier than apple pie.
Fool Proof Menu
- Burgers, brats and beer
- Mayonnaise free potato salad
- Vegetable skewers for vegetarians and dieters
- Corn on the cob
- Mustard, ketchup and relish
Utensils and Supplies
- Paper plates, cups and cutlery (no fuss clean up!)
- Ice – determine how much you think you’ll need…then double it.
- Napkins – same rule applies here as for the ice.
- Cooler – keep multiple coolers around the yard to prevent excessive foot traffic in and out of the house.
- Serving utensils – large platters for grilled items are ideal. Also, keep some bowls and spoons on hand for guests who are kind enough to bring side dishes.
- Tupperware – what are you going to do with a cubic ton of macaroni salad? Send it home with a guest, and cut your losses.
Entertainment
- If you have a pool, toys and beach balls will keep them occupied for hours.
- No pool? No problem. Pick up some water guns and get squirting.
- Frisbees and footballs are fun for kids of all ages!
Other
- Aluminum foil – line your grill with this for easy clean up.
- Plastic trash cans lined with trash bags – scatter them throughout your backyard, near high traffic areas, and by tables.
- Have extra towels around if you plan on having water activities – it is an inevitable fact of life that someone will forget or lose their towel at a pool party.
- Bug spray and bug repellent candles – your guests will thank you.
- A camera – it’s a holiday, people!
Alright, so the checklist gives you the basics, but it’s the little things that separate the men from the boys. Here are a couple three-step red, white and blue recipes that will give your party some Independence Day flair!Red White & Blue Beverage
To make your patriotic beverage, all you need is an ice tray, seltzer, a clear glass, and some colorful beverages.
1.) Choose some red and blue beverages. I suggest cranberry juice, kool-aid, or just plain old food coloring.
2.) Freeze the colorful beverages into ice cube trays.
3.) Once you have frozen red and blue ice cubes, drop them into your clear glass, and pour seltzer over for a patriotic drink!
*This beverage can quickly turn into an adult beverage with the addition of vodka or gin.
Red White & Blue Dessert
All you need for this refreshing homage to America is a loaf pan, vanilla ice cream, blueberry ice cream, and strawberry sorbet.
1.) Spread the blueberry ice cream on the bottom layer of the pan, and freeze.
2.) Spread the vanilla ice cream on top of the frozen blueberry ice cream layer, and freeze.
3.) Spread the strawberry sorbet on top of the frozen vanilla layer, and freeze.
This recipe is also great with gelato!
Red White & Blue Kid-friendly Recipe
It’s always fun to get the kids to help out in the kitchen. Make pretzel sparklers with just a few ingredients and little time. All you need are rod-shaped pretzels, melted white chocolate, and red, white, and blue sprinkles.
1.) Melt the white chocolate
2.) Dip the pretzel into the chocolate
3.) Sprinkle!
How much easier can it get?
I hope everyone out there has a great holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day from me, and everyone at MaidPro!
