Backyard Bash
The Fourth of July brings visions of beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky while people celebrate America’s birthday with loved ones. A great Fourth of July celebration has a formulated recipe: a dozen family and friends, a dash of great music and entertainment and, of course, plenty of delicious food and drinks.
Fear not! We’re here to help you plan the perfect patriotic bash.
Trail mix makes the perfect snack for watching fireworks light up the night.
Pour the mix into cute decorative cups so guests can bring their snack with them as they settle down to watch the big show. This patriotic treat can also double as a party favor for your guests. And who doesn’t like party favors? Just grab some popcorn; pretzels; Chex Mix; and some red, white and blue M&Ms, and you’re ready to chow down!
Kick off the summer barbecue season, and pay homage to one of America’s favorite foods with a hot-dog bar.
Lay out a spread of condiments to make an easy self-serve station for your guests. Want to get really creative with the franks? Make a sign with regional hot-dog recipes from around the U.S. for people to try out.
Satisfy that sweet tooth, and embrace your inner kid with a mouth-watering ice-cream bar.
Clear your local candy stores’ shelves, and provide your guests with a variety of topping options from M&Ms and Oreos to Reese’s Pieces. If you want to give your waffle cones a patriotic flair, dip the rims in melted white chocolate, and add some red and blue sprinkles.
Worried about the kids getting bored? Never fear! Print out fun Fourth of July-themed pictures, and grab a few boxes of crayons so they can get their color on. Throw some white paper tablecloths on the tables, and let the kids have free rein over the blank canvas.
Try one of these patriotic punch recipes! Be sure to have something delicious for adults only.
Born Free (alcoholic)
What you need:
• 1½ ounces SVEDKA
• 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
• ½ ounce cranberry juice
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• ¼ ounce blue curacao
• Soda water
To make simple syrup, mix equal ounces hot water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon schnapps and cranberry juice over ice. Carefully add lemon, simple syrup and vodka to create the white layer, then very carefully layer the blue curacao to create the color separation, and gently top with soda. (Recipe courtesy of SVEDKA)
For a nonalcoholic version of this drink, try this:
Slowly layer ice, cran-apple juice, piña colada-flavored SoBe water and G2 Blueberry-Pomegranate in a glass. Be careful not to stir.
All American Beauty (alcoholic)
What you need:
• 1½ ounces SKYY Vodka
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 3 lemon peels
To make simple syrup, mix equal ounces hot water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Muddle lemon peels, lemon juice and simple syrup. Add the vodka and ice. Shake, and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes. (Recipe courtesy of SKYY)
For a nonalcoholic version of this drink, try this:
What you need:
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 gallon cold water
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Mint sprigs, for garnish
In a 1-gallon container, place sugar and hot water, and stir until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and cold water to render 1 gallon. Stir until well mixed. Pour lemonade over glasses of ice, squeeze slice of lemon on top of each, and garnish with a sprig of mint. (Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen)
Lawn games to have at your next party:
• Bocce ball
• Ladder golf
• Beanbag toss
• Lawn Twister (Just use red, blue and yellow ground-marking spray paint to make the circles!)
Photos by Angelique Hunter
