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Red, white and blue flags are flying high, so it’s time for us to celebrate the Fourth Of July! If you’re hosting a Fourth Of July cookout, barbecue, potluck, or block party then you’ve come to the right place. With such a delicious variety of recipes, from drinks and appetizers all the way to desserts, you can find everything you need right here for your holiday menu!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook and host, or this is the first party you’re throwing, I have some tips, tricks, and recipes to help you out! Hosting is no easy task, there are lots of details to remember, so I want to share a couple of things that have helped me throw many fantastic parties over the years…
- It’s better to do a smaller number of things very well then spread yourself too thin trying to make everything perfect. When you’re creating your menu, make sure to choose recipes that work for you.
- Make-Ahead and Crock Pot recipes are a host’s best friend! I included an entire Crock Pot recipe section, and many of the side dishes, pasta salads, drinks, desserts, and salad recipes you’ll find below can be made ahead of time. Using these recipes will really lighten your workload the day of the party.
- Work incrementally instead of trying to do everything on the Fourth Of July! Start by doing little tasks the week before, and delegate jobs to your family if you can.
How To Host A Fourth Of July Party
Now that we’ve talked about a couple of important things to keep in mind while planning, let’s jump into your game plan. I am a big fan of schedules, especially when it comes to party planning. This is my go-to schedule for every event, from Christmas to Birthday Parties, but especially for Fourth of July Cookouts…
- 5 Days Out: Make your oven schedule for the party. Time your oven schedule according to when guests will arrive, and then work backwards. Make sure to have your starters and drinks ready within 30 minutes of guests arriving.
- 4 Days Out: Do all your cleaning, tidying, and household organizing. I would also recommend going over your chosen recipes and making a grocery list.
- 3 Days Out: Do your grocery shopping and begin to decorate.
- 2 Days Out: Chop, dice, and slice all your vegetables and prepare all your ingredients. I like to actually portion out and label my dry ingredients for each recipe so that when I make it, everything is measured and ready to go.
- The Day Before: Prepare any of your freezable or make-ahead recipes on your menu in preparation for the next day. This is also a good time to prepare your desserts, most of these desserts can be made ahead of time.
- The Day Of: Stick to your schedule, remember that you’ve already finished most of your work, so go and enjoy the beautiful party you’ve made happen!
Drink Recipes For Summer Parties
Whether you’re looking for themed drinks to celebrate the Fourth Of July, or you’re in the mood for a classic, you can find it here. I’ve selected a combination of cocktails and mixed drinks, as well as fun non-alcoholic beverages so that everyone has something special to enjoy!
Appetizers And Snacks For Entertaining
Snacks, appetizers, and finger foods are at the heart of any cookout or outdoor party! I don’t know what it is about the Fourth of July specifically, but people go crazy over the appetizers. I recommend picking at least 3 or 4 recipes so that people can choose what they want, and you won’t run out of snacks.
Crock Pot Recipes For Feeding A Crowd
Anytime you’re feeding a crowd, Crock Pot recipes are the way to go! Slow cooking one or two dishes will really lighten your workload since it’s ‘hands-free,’ you won’t have to babysit your stove, and it’ll save space in the oven. Additionally, you can turn the Crock Pot setting to WARM and your slow cooker will double as a warmed serving platter, keeping the food hot while everyone serves themselves.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken {Chicken Bacon Ranch} @ Bake It With Love
Must-Have Grilled Main Dishes
There is nothing better than Grilling on the Fourth Of July, I’m not quite sure when that becomes a tradition, but I sure am glad it is! These are my tried and true grilled main dishes, I’ve made these recipes countless times, and they are all family favorites. I recommend serving at least 2 or 3 different main dishes if you’re hosting a larger crowd. That way people will have options, and there are extras for second servings.
Family Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes
Can you even celebrate the Fourth Of July without serving a pasta salad… I don’t want to find out! I’m a huge pasta salad fan, but especially this time of year when there are so many fresh veggies available. All of these recipes are crowd-pleasing favorites that highlight our favorite seasonal ingredients!
Fresh Salads And Side Dishes
Salads and Side Dishes are a must-have at cookouts! Whether you’re interested in green salads, baked beans, or macaroni salad, you can find the BEST recipe for it here. Full of fantastic flavors, these delicious sides are sure to be the talk of the party, people will be begging you for the recipe!
Desserts And Sweet Treats
You can’t have a party without serving a sweet treat, and these desserts are the best of the best! Whether you’re looking for a red, white, and blue dessert or a chocolate cake to feed a crowd, you can find it right here.
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