4th of July Party Ideas

Summer is here and it's the best time of the year to firer up that grill. 

 One of our favorite events is "4th of July" and each year we host a small get together with family.

To motivate those that like to make a special party to remember without the hard work and cost.  

I have complied past, present and future party ideas for you.

Now a days its the cost of living that is effecting us the most when it comes to spending money.

When I am out and about I keep my eye out for things that will fit in my budget when it comes to parties.

I have a rule of thumb if you are hosting an event like backyard BBQ's, 4th of July or any other holiday. 

You should not be in charge of all the work or cost. 

Example:  I will normally provide the meat, drinks and paper products and ask my guest if they would kindly bring a side dish, condiments or dessert to share. 

Most of the time they are more willing to help out.

With that in mind lets get this party started!

Food

Ideas on food are to keep it simple, so you are able to enjoy your guest.

Here are some suggestions:

Baby back ribs, corn and bake potatoes all are a hit when it comes to a simple BBQ.

Host a build your own "Hot Dog Bar" it would not be 4th of July without hot dogs.

Grill hot dogs, hot links, or even polish sausages.  Buy different assorted hot dog buns and use assorted toppings like relish, onions, jalapenos, shredded cheese, chili beans, bacon, tomatoes, the toppings are endless once you get to thinking what your crowd likes.

If you are a meat eater and having a very small group why not try cooking a tri-tip on the grill for tortas. 

 We love Morton's tri-tip from Costco.  I put that bad boy on the grill about half hour before the guest arrive so I can let it simmer in a pan on the top level of the grill once I have seared both sides. 

We serve it up with torta bread, you can use hamburger buns or any other roll if you like or tortillas.  

Grill a few veggies, add some salsa on the side and call it a day.

Feeding a large crowd try cooking up chicken or a meat that will shred in a crockpot to make bbq sandwiches.  It goes a long way and I find in the past that the cost is not that expensive.  

I don't make any special sauce I just add a good quality bbq sauce from the store.  Add the sauce once it starts cooking and buy an extra bottle to place out on the table for guest during serving time. 

Make a coleslaw or grill onions and you are ready to go.

Let's Talk Drinks

I don't know about you but I find more soda cans and water bottles get wasted at parties. 

I have started using beverage dispenser for all drinks at my parties.  

Our guest favorite drinks at this time is cherry limeade, which I purchase at walmart for only .89 cent.  I buy a few bottles.  Use a beverage dispenser for water with fresh cut cucumbers or lemon slices.  

I have also found that people love lemonade on a hot day.  If you have to have soda I suggest liters, place a few out with the other items mention.

Decorations


Let's get to the fun part, you do not have to spend a lot of money to dress up a party.

Shop the dollar sections at target, dollar tree or walmart that carry specilty items at low cost during the holidays.  Use old items with new for keeping cost down or borrow friends items to dress up your tables.

This candle holder was not much cost, I used an old spaghetti sauce jar ,  beads  I already had and throw in the .99 cent necklaces for a 4th of July look.

This mason jar came in handy and everything in it was under a dollar.

If you have a farmers market in your town I suggest heading out to pick up some flowers.   These flowers where only $4.00 I added items I found in the dollar section at target.  Note I used a flag bandanna that I got at walmart for a $1.00 just gripped it together with a rubber band at the top of the glass jar tucking in the corners under the rubber band for the bubble effect. 

Want to dress up your utensils just drop them in a pail or mason jar and add your own style.

Be sure to come back on Friday,  I will be sharing some "4th of July" goodie ideas and recipes.
I can't wait to share them with you.


Happy Summer,
RC