Easy 4th of July Entertaining Ideas
July 4th is coming up fast! Thinking of entertaining but time is running out? Don’t sweat it! Whether it’s just yourself, your family or a whole gaggle of people, here are some easy ideas to keep you out of the kitchen and enjoying the holiday!
We’re going Old School! The usual hot dogs and hamburgers are easy to grill. Also consider kielbasa or chicken sausage. Many stores carry a variety of chicken sausages that are “hot dog bun” size. Perfect to grill or pan fry.
Whether it be sausages, burgers or hot dogs, make them extra “special” simply by adding a platter on the buffet table of gourmet/unusual condiments that you can find at your local store (usually in the jarred olive and pickle section). Here’s some ideas to get you started: pickled mixed vegetables, mini dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, hot pepper slices, roasted red pepper, pickled onions, relish, assorted olives, etc. Let folks pick out their favorite cheese for their burgers, hot dogs or sausages by putting out a plate of assorted PRE-sliced- cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, American.
Keep the sides easy. Cole slaw, potato salad, cucumber salad and pasta salad can be bought or made the night before. See the recipe below for Easy Pasta Salad. Toss a few cans of baked beans in a crock-pot and let it simmer on the buffet table. Keep a ladle near by and a “help yourself” sign.
Deviled eggs are always a favorite. IF you have the time, whip some up. Somehow deviled eggs never seem to go out of style!
DESSERTS: A nice platter of assorted store-bought cookies, brownies and/or mini-cupcakes are easy for folks to grab. Old-school FREEZE POPS can still be bought in the store and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults! Got a fire pit? Roast marshmallows on long skewers – sure to be a hit with the kids.
DRINKS: Nothing screams summer like lemonade! Sodas and bottled water are easy to keep in a chilled bucket. In the mood for something stronger? Keep it simple by picking up a good sangria. A chilled fruity sangria is sure to go over well with the adults!
FUN & GAMES: Bean bags are still popular and can be played by both young and old, plus it’s easy to setup and take down.
EASY VEGGIE PASTA SALAD RECIPE:
Cook a bag of mixed frozen vegetables according to package. Cool vegetables and add them to cooked macaroni (or a spiral pasta). Free-style the pasta your way: Love veggies? Then do half pasta and half veggies. To stretch out the servings: 1/3 veggies and 2/3 cooked pasta. Then toss with your favorite Ranch dressing to taste! Alternative: Instead of Ranch dressing, toss the pasta/veggies with some balsamic vinaigrette then add mayo to taste. Season with salt/pepper.
MUSIC: Looking for some 4th of July holiday music? Visit our “music category/oldies” for blasts from the past to load into your favorite listening devices.
Especially during these hot summer months, keep your outdoor entertaining simple and simply ENJOY!