Summer’s hottest holiday is coming up, so it’s time for you to put the finishing touches on your Independence Day party planning. Each year, Americans celebrate July 4th by throwing great outdoor parties. Successful outdoor entertaining doesn’t have to be elaborate to dazzle guests, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Make sure your guests are comfortable enough to stick around. Lawn chairs, wooden benches and wrought iron patio furniture create a stylish look for your outdoor dining area, but they can sometimes leave guests shifting in their seats. Provide plenty of cushioning with plush comfy pillows.
2. Ensure guests stay cool and fresh. Don’t let the heat of summer put a damper on your event. Excessively high temperatures and humidity can really suck the life out of a party. Create shade with large patio umbrellas or lawn tents. If it’s going to be a scorcher, provide fans and cooling mist.
3. Make the menu simple and light. Nobody wants to eat rich heavy food in the summertime. Grilled meat and vegetable skewers, fresh fruit and crisp salads, icy drinks, and cool desserts will please the crowd.
4. Use a pop of red, white, and blue in your decor. What would a Fourth of July party be without a patriotic color scheme? Stars and stripes will forever be the most popular theme, but you don’t have to be so literal. Try bunches of red, white, and blue flowers, deep blue table coverings with white sand and starfish centerpieces, or red paper lanterns with twinkling strands of white lights. Get creative.
5. Keep the bugs at bay. Nothing can spoil a summer party faster than pesky insects. Who wants to swat flies for hours and go home dotted in mosquito bites? Not me! Don’t forget the citronella candles and tiki torches, cover food with mesh tents, and use oscillating fans to blow those little suckers into somebody else’s backyard.
6. Keep the refreshments flowing. Allow guests to stay hydrated with a self-serve drink stand with chilled glasses and plenty of ice. Fresh lemonade and iced tea in a variety of flavors – mint, raspberry, and peach – are summer favorites. For a red, white and blue twist, serve frozen strawberry daiquiris with fresh blueberries and whipped cream.
7. Always end with fireworks! Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch. A fireworks show is a budget buster, and you’ll probably want to steer clear of the do-it-yourself kind. You don’t want to blow up your guests. Sparklers always bring back fun childhood memories if they are available in your area. If you are unable to see local fireworks from your backyard or party venue, encourage guests to leave early enough to catch the show.
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