The sun is shining, the ribs are marinating, the flags are fluttering, and, across the country, families are readying their backyards for the cookout of the year.Of course, with just a few short days to prepare, you may be wondering how to best pull off a 4th of July party that’s befitting for the big day. Never fear: a quick, easy (and most importantly, glamorous!) party to celebrate our nation’s founding is just a few steps away.
Choose Your Cookout With Care
Quick-cooking barbecue fare is the heart and soul of a crowd-pleasing backyard bash. Who likes sitting around as the afternoon wanes, waiting for the huge rack of ribs or three-inch ribeyes to come off the grill? Never fear–instead, choose quick-cooking cuts such as thin pork chops or pounded chicken breasts, to keep the queue moving with piping-hot entrees for everyone. Since these cuts are a little less forgiving than their weightier counterparts, make sure to keep an extra-careful eye out for doneness, and consider a dunk in juice-preserving brine beforehand. Many summer vegetables, such as eggplant slices, cobs of corn, or zucchini planks also cook up in a snap. If you’re going the traditional burger route, shape the patties in petite 3- to 4-ounce portions as opposed to thick half-pounders. Not only will you get extra mileage out of your ground beef, but hungrier guests can stack them as high as they like — who doesn’t love a classic American double cheeseburger?
Think Outside the Decor Box
Instead of the traditional streamers and balloons, which can take ages to set up and clear out, think more holistically with your decorations. Festive red and white daisies look as pretty as a picture when scattered in tall vases throughout the venue, and can brighten up your home after the party or be sent home as favors with guests. An American flag cake decorated with strawberries, blueberries, and white vanilla frosting can be a showstopping centerpiece display of the dinner table — with none of the clutter of clearing up dozens of little plastic flags. Repurposing what you already have also cuts down on shopping time: wineglasses become festive candle holders, mason jars become country-style mugs or vases, and an old white sheet makes for a perfectly rustic picnic blanket.
Love Your Lawn
This one couldn’t be simpler: the day before the party, make sure that your lawn gets a little TLC with a good mowing and some fresh water. Not only will the preparation reflect well on your festivities with little to no effort, but a well-manicured turf will be much easier to clean up after the big day.
Outsource the Light Display
Want to enjoy the holiday fireworks, but aren’t interested in the hassle? You’re not alone. While there are few things more entertaining than setting off a colorful array of booming lights, the prep work, mess, and safety concerns can make hosting firework displays a real pain. Several days before, check the listings and see where the biggest displays can be checked out. As evening sets and everyone finishes their meals, you can walk or drive as a group to see the show. If you’re lucky enough to live in the vicinity (and, of course, if it’s safe in your home) you can even invite guests up to your roof to get a bird’s-eye view of the fireworks — all without shopping, cleaning, or biting your nails over the possibility of an accident.
Photo Credit: Anita Ritenour
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