July 4th Celebraion Tips
The Fourth of July is a holiday rich with tradition and the gathering of friends and family to celebrate. This holiday has high expectations for a memorable occasion, so in order to have a July 4th gathering be a success, follow a few important tips.
How many people will be invited?
It is important to have a close idea for the number of people attending the party early on. The number of guests will dictate many of the planning areas as the host goes forward. It affects the amount of food, seating, and entertainment just to name a few. So, try to have at least a range of the number of guests several days in advance.
How many meals will be served?
Before purchasing any food or planning a menu, the July 4thhost needs to decide if this will just be an evening meal, or an all day event from noon on. As well if there are many out of town guests, it may be important to serve a breakfast or brunch on that day. The host should take all of these factors into account before planning a menu.
Is it pot luck?
An early decision is to consider what food will be served at the occasion because the Fourth of July is certainly associated with good food. Before inviting guests, it will be important to decide if this is a celebration totally entertained by the host or if it is pot luck. Often July 4thholidays are pot luck fare and guests love the idea of bringing a favorite food item. The host will usually make the main meat dishes and the guests will bring the side dishes. For out of town guests who wish to contribute, they can easily bring beverages or chips. If it is not a potluck, guests will want to know that at the time of the invitation also.
What should be the menu?
If the host is just preparing the main meat dishes, even those have many choices. Traditionally there are the hamburgers and hotdogs that the crowds will be expecting, but the host should consider adding some other fare as well. Some other fun main dishes can be grilled chicken breasts, ribs, or pork loin. Other fun additions can be skewers of meat and vegetables or even shrimp.
Who will man the grill?
Because the Fourth of July is traditionally a grilling party, it will be important to have a grill master and people to assist. Usually there is one family member who really takes pride in grilling, but because there is usually a crowd, it can take some extra hands to make it a success. Often there needs to be someone to be a runner. This person brings fresh meat out from the refrigerator to be cooked and takes the prepared items to the serving table. This way the grill master does not risk being distracted from the grill, so it is less likely that food will be overcooked or that there will be a fire hazard
Will alcohol be served?
Many guests will enjoy having a few alcoholic beverages for the celebration. The host will need to think through whether or not alcohol will be served or if it will be bring your own bottle. If it is a family occasion and the host would prefer that there is no alcohol, then it is essential to let the guests know that in advance also. If alcohol is served or allowed to be brought to the property, the host should plan for alternative drivers for those guests that are indulging in alcoholic beverages.
What will be needed for seating?
It will be important to have enough seating for the guests at all times. Assess the number of chairs that the host has available first. Often times between folding chairs, lawn chairs and patio sets that the host already has a large number of chairs. It is a good idea to talk to neighbors and family members about borrowing a few chairs or tables. It is even acceptable to tell guests to bring along their lawn chairs. Many people have the collapsible chairs that are often taken to kids' sporting events and those can easily be brought along as well.
What about the weather?
Usually July 4thweather is hot and sunny, but it is the time of year when unpredictable storms can arise as well. The host should have a back up plan in case the weather is not up to par for the occasion. Just as rain storms can erupt, the sun can be too much for some guests too. A good idea is to have tents available to provide shade as well as having a garage cleaned out with extra tables set up. This will give a place to get out of the heat as well as shelter if it does start to rain.
What should be the decorations?
Adding some patriotic decorations to a July 4thparty, can really add to the spirit of the occasion. Using red, white, or blue table cloths are traditional bases for the serving tables. Simple additions of patriotic pinwheels, flags, and stars will add to the dcor. Usually dollar stores have an abundance of inexpensive patriotic dcor for July 4th which can include Uncle Sam figurines, patriotic garland and balloons. Decorations can be a one stop shop very inexpensively.
What is the schedule of events?
It will be important to have a schedule of events for the occasion so the guests know what is planned for the day. Have a variety of yard games, boating or swimming for people to do in the course of the day. If fireworks are on the schedule, it is important to let guests know the plan for the showing. It should be clear if there will be no fireworks set off on the property that guests know that in advance to avoid any problems. If the host is having a personal fireworks display it will need to be planned in advance, who will be lighting off the fireworks and when. The safest choice is to attend an area public fireworks display. Many cities have parades and other events planned on July 4th. It is a good idea to provide those options for the guests as well.
What about pictures?
Finally because the host is often busy coordinating activities, food and socializing, a great idea is to appoint at least one guest, friend or family member as the official photographer. This person should try to capture a variety of photos of the occasion and the different groups that attended the party. It is fun to then quickly print those photos and give copies to the guests as a favor for attending the party.
Planning a July 4thcelebration can be a fun and rewarding project. Family and friends enjoy and appreciate it when they have a wonderful and happy place to go on this American holiday. It is a time for fellowship and the appreciation of the freedoms that America has to offer. A successful party will last in the memories of the guests and will leave them asking the host to do it again next year.
