The fourth of July is right around the corner and that means patriotism, fireworks, grilling, and maybe even a party for your family and friends. Eparé loves to party, as we’re sure you do, and we want to make sure that you have a rocker of a 4th of July. Here are three tips for a 4th of July worth the fireworks!
The Grill Is Your Friend - But Other Food Is Necessary!
A little while ago we wrote a blog about how to be a grill master, and that’s always a great way to show off on the 4th of July. However, between the time the burgers hit the grill and when they’re properly done, you’re probably going to realize that everyone has gathered around you and started making faces that might remind you of a Labrador Retriever.
In short: You’re going to need more food.
Invest in some fruit, chips, and other side dishes that people can nosh on before the main feast. These can be as cheap or as fancy as you want, but since we’re trying to make this the best 4th of July ever, we’re going to focus on the fancier end of the spectrum.
On the often overlooked July 3rd, boil and peel some potatoes - and properly season them, obviously - and make a simple but tasteful potato salad before the festivities. Of course, if you really want to make an impact, maybe try using some pre-rolled pizza crust combined with some freshly cut herbs, sauce, and cheese for some truly epic pizza wheels
Think Outside of the Dollar Store For Decorations
Okay, so, yes: Red, white, and blue might be charmingly patriotic but it’s not going to actually go with however you’ve decorated your apartment/loft/house/backyard. Unless you’ve decided to go with a year-round patriotic theme, that is, in which case you do you.
For the rest of us, though, it’s very tempting to just go to the dollar store and buy some streamers and a dinky American themed tablecloth. We’re not saying don’t do that, but if you’re looking for a bit more class and a bit less in disposable patriotism, why not try going where everyone will be looking: Flatware!
Try bringing out table mats, bowls, plates, and cups combined with the red, white, and blue. Not only will it give your party a more intimate touch - letting everyone invited know that there’s a place to sit and eat reserved just for them - but the patriotic flare will actually make your place look more “classy magazine” and less “we threw this together on the 3rd.”
Bring The Patriotism Into The Food
We encourage you to explore all the food America can offer (which is, awesomely enough, just about every type of food on the planet) but we also encourage you, as the one throwing the 4th of July to remember, to try to bring patriotism into the food!
The easiest, most refreshing way to do that is to use an ice cube tray. Yes, seriously. The best thing about an ice cube tray is that you have a variety of options for make your drinks have a splash of color. We can’t recommend dying your ice cubes, though, as that usually results in a lilac colored drinks when the ice melts.
For a bit more of a fruity twist, and sans food dye, freeze some fruit! Blueberry, strawberries, cherries, and lychee will give your soft drinks a fruity twist and bring out the patriotism with a dash of class. Also, they look super pretty when they’re in a sparkling, clear beverage. Take our word for it.
Follow these steps and you’re sure to have a wonderful and memorable 4th of July.
Shop the Patio and Outdoor Entertaining section of our website for all of the items necessary to make your 4th of July worth the fireworks