Independence Day Cook Out Tips

What other day but the 4th of July can you expect to have fun in the sun, enjoy a cookout with family and friends, and watch a spectacular fireworks display from just about anywhere? As you gear up to host friends and family for the big backyard July 4th bash, here are a few ideas to help make sure your cookout goes off with a bang!

  1. Theme it up You can go all American with flags, sparklers and other patriotic items, hold a Luau featuring tropical décor, grass skirts, hula contests and leis, or come up with your own theme celebrating independence from the opposite sex, bills, diets, and more! No matter what theme you pick, the d´cor will help get guests in the party spirit and make your cookout one they remember for years to come!
  2. Try a new cuisine Hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs are the age old favorite, but if you and your guests are a bit daring, you can have tons of fun with food at your July 4th cookout! How about a clam/lobster bake, a pot-luck featuring international dishes, or a pig roast? Or, if you’re set on traditional American cuisine, try a new recipe to give a new twist on an old favorite.
  3. Prepare delicious desserts and drinks After spending time in the hot July sun, there’s nothing better than a great dessert or refreshing drink. What a better place to serve up both than your July 4th cookout?! Ask guests to bring a favorite pie, purchase ice cream makers and supplies, and take a traditional drink and add a new ingredient or flavor to it. To make sure all of your guests are happy, be sure to think of the carb conscious, and to provide non–alcoholic beverage options.
  4. Make it an event Why stop with a cookout? If you’ve got a big backyard, why not have guests bring along sleeping bags and tents and campout in the backyard? Or, if your city or town is holding a 4th of July celebration, invite guests to partake in the festivities after dinner? Who knows — you may even start what could be a long family tradition.
  5. De–bug Summer would be perfect if it weren’t for those pesky mosquitoes and bugs that tend to swarm when the sun goes down. To keep bugs from scaring your guests away, simply spray the party space with an insect repellent, and have citronella candles/torches and plenty of bug spray on hand just in case.

“To make sure all of your guests are happy, be sure to think of the carb conscious and provide non–alcoholic beverage options.”

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