Make Plans for the Ultimate 4th of July Shindig

Can you believe the 4th of July is only a few weeks away? There is not time like the present to start gathering ideas and making plans for America's favorite holiday. Here are a few simple tips to get your creativity and patriotism flowing...

It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t got a Theme!
The best part about the 4th of July is that the color scheme and entertainment are already in place. You know you'll be decorating with red, white and blue, and of course you'll be watching fireworks, so a lot of the pressure of planning the details are relieved. All you have to do is get the decorations ready and plan the ultimate summer menu. When it comes to the 4th, you can't go overboard, so we say bring out the stripes and stars and go flag and streamer crazy.

Plan the Menu
Did you know that on the 4th of July, 74 million families will barbecue their meal? You will probably contribute to that number so planning the ultimate BBQ meal is key. Prepare one or two meat offerings like southern-style sliced brisket, slabs of meaty baby back ribs or smoky-sweet chicken. Delicious sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and of course, corn-on-the-cob are traditional favorites. We also suggest making red and blue tinted cocktails for the adults and non-alcoholic kool-aid drinks for the kids. Head over to the Food Network and search under 4th of July for hundreds of recipes that you can easily prepare for groups large and small.

Take a Picnic to the Park
These days many people live in townhouses and condos so throwing a backyard bbq is out of the question. But just because you don't have a backyard, doesn't mean you should spend the day indoors. Head outside and pack up a blanket, food, and decorations and head to a local park. Start the partying early in the day and organize a group softball, volleyball, or bocce ball game and then stay for the public fireworks. It will be a lot easier to find parking if you head out early.

Go Coastal with a Beach Potluck
Fresh air, cool water and the sand in your toes! Call your friends, organize a potluck menu and gather together your beach gear. Everyone should bring their favorite dish along with their bathing suits, towels, blankets, frisbees, beach balls and – of course - the sunscreen. Grill hotdogs and burgers or have a traditional clambake! Finger foods work best here – like chips and fresh fruits as well as canned sodas and beer. Build a campfire (if your beach allows them) and roast marshmallows or make s’mores for a fun dessert treat. Don’t forget a trash bag! You definitely want to leave the beach as clean as you found it! If you live in Seattle, head to Alki Beach. For those willing to travel, head to Lake Chelan in Central Washington. Our pick...Wapato Point.

Above Photos from Pier 1