Long summer nights create the perfect atmosphere for a 4th of July party, and those backyard buffets are some of the season's most anticipated traditions. Celebrate the birth of the nation for a small intimate group or the whole extended family. The best way to ensure that your Independence Day party is a success is to plan out the details ahead of time so stress is minimized and you can enjoy the festivities along with your guests.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Writing down your thoughts, ideas and items to purchase is a great way to ensure that you are prepared to host a get together. Some people create a timeline and write down what needs to be done when. Others make a master list of all items to be purchased.
Although it may seem like a lot of work to throw a BBQ party, staying organized can keep stress levels under control and result in a party that even Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam would be proud to attend.
Prepping the Backyard
Even the best parties will flop if the location isn't carefully prepared for maximum enjoyment. It doesn't take much to transform your backyard into a patriotic party zone, but the key is to do as much as you can in advance. Here are some steps to prepare the backyard for your BBQ:
Two days before: Tidy up the garden and flowerbeds, straighten up the house (especially the kitchen and bathrooms) and patrol the grounds for any "pet presents" on the lawn.
The day before: Mow the lawn, scrub patio furniture and remove any sprinklers, tools, toys and lawn decorations that might cause guests to stumble. Also, inspect the grill to make sure it works and set up any 4th of July decorations you want, such as tiki torches, twinkle lights, American flags and patriotic streamers.
A few hours before: Sweep off the patio, and place chairs around the yard in inviting clusters. Set up umbrellas for shade, and bring out the tables that will hold the food. Do a last-minute inspection of the area, and take care of anything out of place. Finally, light citronella candles and set up other bug-repelling devices so the area will be bug-free when your party is underway.
Fabulous Food
Perhaps the most important aspect of any party is the food. Make sure that the serving tables are piled high with classic dishes, family favorites and plenty of finger food. With a well-planned menu that allows you to fix up several things the day before, food prep is a snap.
Make a master list of all the needed ingredients (don't forget condiments such as ketchup and mustard), and head to the grocery store a few days before the party. Include heavy-duty paper goods such as napkins, plates and plastic utensils on your list. Finally, pick up plenty of garbage bags for cleanup.
Grilled Meats. A successful BBQ involves delicious grilled foods. Make sure you have a variety of food and plenty of it. Whether you choose thick steaks, chicken breasts, kebabs, brats, hot dogs, veggie burgers or a little of everything, plan on marinating meats the night before, prepping the meat that morning and keeping it chilled. That way, when you're ready to grill, you can get right to it rather than chop, slice and skewer while the guests arrive.
Appetizers. Your guests are going to get pretty hungry when they smell the sizzling meat, so plan on lots of appetizers and finger foods for your BBQ. Choose appetizers that can be made the day before or involve no prep to save time and reduce stress. Some of the more popular choices for appetizers are:
Side Dishes. When putting together your menu, select side dishes that complement the grilled food. Traditionally, sides for a BBQ include potato salad, baked beans, watermelon, corn on the cob, fruit salad and biscuits. These yummy classics can be made a day or so ahead of time and stored until it's time to party. Feel free to incorporate family favorites and experiment with new recipes, too.
Desserts. Keep desserts such as blueberry pie, fudge, brownies, cakes and ice cream inside until it's time to serve so they'll stay fresh and cool. Finally, don't forget lots of cold drinks and plenty of ice to keep the summer heat at bay.
Activities and Entertainment
Guests have plenty of ways to amuse themselves during a 4th of July party. Whether you choose well-organized games and contests or simply let folks relax by the pool, having a few activities around can help keep the party flowing and allows guests to pick what they want to do. Here are a few ideas:
 | Summertime offers many opportunities for eating outdoors, which means you need a refresher course on proper summer food safety tips. With an awareness of what kinds of foods can stay out and for how long, you can plan your summer events without worry. |
 | It's smart to have Fourth of July games prepared for the kids at your next patriotic celebration. Just be as imaginative as possible, and try to utilize all the space you have. |
Check out these great 4th of July party ideas. Across the country, communities celebrate the 4th of July in a variety of ways, such as backyard barbecues, baseball games and parades. |
It's almost the Fourth of July, time to celebrate our nation's independence with friends and family! What better way to do this than to plan a great friends and family backyard barbecue? This article will give you some great ideas for food, fun and fireworks this Fourth of July! |&&|Depending on what time on the Fourth of July you plan to start, there are many activities that can be planned for the day. |
This year, throw out some Fourth of July trivia to get your party started. You can cull the fun facts together ahead of time and print them out on red-, white- and blue- colored paper. |
