How is this weekend already the Fourth of July?? It’s like we blinked and it’s already the middle of summer.
Rich and I are having our families over to celebrate this year and I want to make it fun, yet still laid back. The best way to do this? Delegate! Everyone is bringing something, even if it’s just a side or a few bottles of wine. All that help really adds up and then I only have to think about a few dishes. Plus I find that everyone really wants to help, so take them up on it! A true win-win!
Food. We’re doing a good old fashioned cookout… Rich is on grill duty! Everyone else is bringing: cheesy potatoes, watermelon, and a snack. I’m thinking I’ll make my arugula peach salad and either my blondies or the kitchen sink cookies from the cookbook 100 cookies for dessert. Whichever I make I’m going to add some red, white, and blue M&Ms so they’re extra festive.
If you’re still planning a menu my veggie burgers, roasted eggplant caprese, and s’mores ice cream pie (pictured above) would be perfect!
Drinks. Rich’s parents and my parents are both bringing some wine. They always bring the good stuff so I selfishly ask them to bring a few bottles… Rich and I will pick up a few different beers. I usually like to have some kind of fun drink like my Hugo Spritz, but it’s so much easier to set up a bar area and let everyone help themselves. I also like to have plenty of sparkling water and plain water.
Decorations. I went to Target last week and bought a few packs of these 4×6 American Flags. I’m planning on buying some white flowers at Trader Joe’s, putting them in pretty blue and white vases like this and this, and then sticking in a few American Flags. Simple, pretty, and festive! I also thought this garland was cute and would be great on the bar area. These toothpicks would also be perfect in everything from drinks to hotdogs to cookies!
S’mores. I thought it would be fun to cap off the evening by making s’mores! Who can say no to a s’more? They truly taste like summer.
