June will be over in a jiffy, which means that my American and Canadian readers are scrambling to prepare for 4th of July and Canada Day. If you’re planning a picnic or backyard BBQ, I have some ideas to get you started. And if you don’t live in the United States or Canada, don’t worry because these suggestions will work for any outdoor party. Just swap out some of the red, white, and blue (or white and red for Canadian readers) for other colors.
Last weekend, Anne (one of my sisters-in-law) threw an early Independence Day party for family and friends. Mr. Handsome and I were unable to attend, but we loved seeing pictures. Anne has a knack for party planning, so she went all out. There was a particular reason that she hosted the party a couple weeks before July 4th, but I’ll share that in my next post. Hope these suggestions are helpful as you plan your outdoor gatherings.
Chocolate-covered pretzels ~ Pasta salad with a pop of red ~ Build-your-own ice cream sundaes ~ Patriotic fruit
Flag-shaped veggie tray
Drinks (water and sweet tea or unsweetened iced tea)
Salsa with blue and white chips
Table decorations
Last year for Canada’a 150th the stores sold red & white chips
I never subscribed to the idea of making food look like the holiday on which it’s consumed, or match its colors.
Blue food for 4th of July does leave you with odd choices, once you get past blueberries.
This is the sister-in-law that started as a college friend? She is so creative, the food looks delicious as well!
Yes, that’s her! I’ll have to tell her you said that. 🙂
Ellie
Thank you Ellie for the cute ideas. We are going to make a trip to our local Dollar Tree for 4th of July decor and supplies. Because our area is under fire restrictions we won’t have fireworks. Are fireworks legal in your area Ellie?
The laws for fireworks vary throughout the Nashville area, but some counties allow them. We’ve never set any off, but we usually go and watch a show put on by either the city of Nashville or one of the neighboring towns.
Ellie
On July 4th my husband and I always go to see fireworks in our town. We park in a old parking lot, stay in the car and we can see them good. They set off 15,996 shells in just 30 minutes. When it’s over, we are far enough away that we don’t get tied up in the heavy traffic. I like the patriotic fruit and dip, I will make that…Jane
That sounds like fun, Jane. Out of curiosity, how do you know how many shells they set off? Do you count them? LOL.
Ellie
That’s so funny! Thanks for the big laugh, Ellie. I read it in our newspaper. You and your Mr, Handsome have a good fourth of July…Jane
So pretty and creative! Personally, huge fan of how the pretzels look. Off topic, but is your hair naturally that color, Ellie? You have beautiful hair!
Thanks, E. You’re very kind. I don’t dye my hair, so the brown is natural, but I have added some blonde highlights. (A few of the highlights are natural, but I have added more to match.)
Ellie