Party Planner: 4th of July BBQ

In case you've been living under a rock {or you've misplaced your calendar}, this Wednesday is July the fourth.  Which means, for those of you who call the US of A your home, it's time to celebrate our independence.  I know that with the big election right around the corner, tensions can be a little high, especially if you don't share the same views as those in your inner circle.  But, luckily, the 4th of July is the perfect time to set those differences aside for a full 24 hours and celebrate this awesome country of ours.  So, let's spend the day thanking God for how much He's blessed us.

For those of you planning an independence day BBQ, here are some ideas to make sure it's a hit:

DECOR

 

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Sure, you could opt for the traditional stars and stripes, but why not show off your sense of style by keeping those tried-and-true colors {red, white, and blue}, but opting for modern graphic patterns like the ones above.

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Mason jars are all the rage.  And for good reason because they're so versatile.  You can assemble a salad in them, turn them into soap dispensers, or even use them to light your way.  Better yet, do like we southerners like to do and drink out of them.  But, if you want to make a statement, put a bandanna and silverware inside so that each guest can simply grab one and go.  The bandanna does double duty as a napkin and the mason jar as their cup.

FOOD

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If you're still scratching your head, wondering "what in the world am I going to serve these people?", I've got a list of resources for you below... because I'm not even going to pretend to have enough cooking skills to come up with a groundbreaking new menu for you.  Your welcome {for the recipes and for not pretending to be Giada de Laurentiis - who happens to be one of my favorite on-screen chefs}!

Better Homes and Gardens' Favorite Fourth of July Recipes

Real Simple's Fourth of July Picnic Menu

Family Circle's Favorite Grilling Recipes and Standout Summer Side Dishes

Cooking Light's 4th of July Recipes

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This is one of my favorite dessert recipe ideas and I just had to share it with you.  Here's how my mind works, though: the strawberries and blueberries totally cancel out any calories that the brownies or marshmallows may introduce to your body...  I know, I know... Just because I try to "use the force" {as my husband would say} to turn desserts like brownies and marshmallows into something healthy, doesn't make it so.  But, honestly, what's a celebration if you can't indulge just a little bit?  Right?

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Don't forget to let your patriotic decor spill over {pun intended} to the beverage choices.  Red and blue juices and sodas can provide much needed refreshment, as well as add to the decor.  Also, be sure to have plenty of water on hand as it's looking like it's going to be one HOT day!  {Forecast for my area predicts rain, which is generally not welcome at a summer BBQ but because it's much needed, this girl is NOT complaining!}

FUN

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It has been proven time and time again that the best celebrations are the simple ones.  So, why not stick with an old-school theme when choosing entertainment for your crew?  Lawn games like croquet, bocce, horse shoes, or a bean bag toss will provide countless hours of fun.  You could even make things a little more interesting by dividing everyone up into teams and tallying points... have each guest bring $1-5 to put in a pot.  Winner takes all!

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Keep the old-school theme alive by taking a cue from the lovely ladies of How Does She? who came up with this awesome idea for the kiddos.  Why not let them dress up in full patriotic gear, decorate their bikes {or scooters or cozy coupe cars}, and put on a good old-fashioned 4th of July parade.  Hey, if you know your neighbors pretty well, why not turn it into an Independence Day block party?

WEAR

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Anna James brings us a great Fourth of July edition of the Style Guide on LaurenConrad.com.  With this guide as my... well... guide, here's my idea of a perfect Independence Day BBQ outfit:

I call it "Preppy Chic".  I figured if we're going with lawn games, why not put together an outfit suitable for such.  But, remember, you don't have to celebrate the fourth at a country club to look this classy.

When it all comes down to it, though, it doesn't matter how you decorate, what you eat, how you celebrate, or what you wear.  It's about coming together as a nation and celebrating our amazing heritage and countless blessings.

XO,

Linked To:
The Better Mom Mondays at The Better Mom
Friday's Fancies at Long Distance Loving