A fabulous 4th of July Menu

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The idea to have friends or family over to celebrate the holidays sounds like a good one but if you are anything like me you spend all your time working. The guests have a great time and you wonder what they were all laughing about while you’re getting the food out.


It’s time to put an end to that, throw a party and enjoy yourself. Here are a few tips and easy recipes to help you throw a fabulous party without losing out on all the fun.

Tips for success:

  • You could hire someone to cater the event, or at least someone to put the food out and clean up at the end. But if that isn't your style then try a few of these tips:
  • Ask everyone to bring small plates or appetizers and you finish the party with a delicious dessert.
  • Or prepare the entrée and ask everyone to bring sides and desserts. Put out a plate of crackers and cheese that you arranged the day before (cover and refrigerate, remove from refrigerator one hour before serving)
  • 3-4 days before the party, clean flatware, decide on disposable plates, napkins and cups, purchase if necessary and set out day before party
  • If using real flatware, place a bucket of soapy water next to the sink and ask everyone to put their forks etc. in before throwing away disposables
  • Make lemonade, tea or punch the night before, refrigerate. Put drinks out before guests arrive. Put ice in buckets 10 minutes before guests arrive
  • Set tables up the morning of the party
  • If guests are bringing dishes ask them to also bring the serving utensils. They’ll take them home, less for you to clean

    If you like to prepare the food try these simple, quick recipe ideas

    Appetizer:
    Spinach Dip
    Bean Bruschetta

    Prepare the appetizers the day before and place in disposable serving dishes ready for the table. These should go out 30 minutes before your guests arrive. Arrange toasted bread rounds on a platter one hour before the party begins, cover tightly and set aside until ready to serve with the dip

    Salad: Prepare a plate of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil pesto, ready-made or make the day before if you have fresh basil.

    Entrée: Grill mixed sausages, Polish, Kielbasa, Italian, etc. Serve a variety, some made with either pork, chicken or beef to appeal to everyone and even a vegetarian choice if applicable for your guests. Grill the sausages any time before the party even the day before. Place in a slow cooker on low for serving.

    Side: Any side that you can prepare in advance is the best suggestion. Select one of these that keep well for 1-2 days refrigerated. They are served cold so all you will have to do is place them out.
    Creamy Potato Salad

    Texas Caviar

    Dessert:
    Make the morning of or the day before
    Peach and Blueberry Cobbler