Lisa
It's that time of the year when I get especially nostalgic. The Fourth of July holds special memories for me. Growing up in Massachusetts, we went to our house on Cape Cod every summer. My dad's birthday was July 1st, my parent were married on July 4th (insert my dad's annual “that's when I lost my independence” quip), and of course, the celebration of the U.S.A.
These were magical times with my parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. And us kids were allowed to bring a friend along for the holiday. Croquet, horseshoes, frisbee, badminton, and jarts (before they were deemed too dangerous) were all part of the backyard and beach fun. And the food. Oh, the food. Sausage and peppers, baked beans, my aunt's famous macaroni salad (pickle juice was the secret ingredient), grilled oysters, and fried clams.
For much of the nation, it's a time for picnics, BBQs, poolside parties, and life at the lake or beach. Any outdoor setting with friends and family works. And if it involves food, that's even better.
Of course, certain foods are synonymous with these gatherings. Think burgers, hot dogs, ribs, potato salad, apple pie, and more. But it’s not really about what you cook, grill, or serve. It’s about having fun, celebrating, and enjoying time with family and friends. You don't have to make complicated red, white, and blue-themed cakes or stress out.
Here are some low-stress tips to make your gathering fun, memorable, and easy:
- Prep ahead – Chop, marinate, and make sides the day before so you're not stuck in the kitchen.
- Don’t go overboard – Pick a few crowd-pleasers and keep it simple.
- Set up for self-service – Create a serve-yourself drink station and condiment bar to keep guests happy and free up your time.
- Make cleanup easy – Use disposable or compostable plates and cutlery, and place labeled trash and recycling bins in visible spots.
- Use big-batch recipes – Think pasta salad, fruit skewers, or baked beans. These foods feed a crowd without extra effort.
- Add a festive touch – A few red, white, and blue napkins or string lights go a long way without feeling overdone.
- Keep drinks cold – Use coolers or a kiddie pool filled with ice for drinks to stay chilled and easy to access. If you have a countertop ice maker, bring it outside to keep the ice supply going. all day.
- Have easy entertainment – Bring out lawn games like cornhole or set up a Bluetooth speaker with a summer playlist.
- Delegate – Don’t do it all yourself. Ask guests to bring a side, dessert, or their favorite drink. People love to contribute.
- Embrace imperfection – Don’t stress about everything being perfect. Focus on good vibes, good food, and great company.
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