With the 4th of July just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to celebrate this special day with our loved ones. And what better way to celebrate this occasion than with a good old-fashioned cookout? But if the thought of hosting a party fills you with anxiety, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. We spoke to chef and culinary expert Emily Susman who shared with us everything we need to host a memorable 4th of July party.
First things first, according to Emily, the key to a successful 4th of July party is planning ahead. “It’s important to plan well in advance to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the party,” she says. “This will not only reduce your stress levels but also allow you to enjoy the party along with your guests.”
When it comes to the menu, Emily suggests keeping it simple and sticking to classic American dishes. “Grilled meat is a must for any 4th of July party,” she says. “You can choose from burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or even ribs to suit your guests’ preferences. And don’t forget to offer vegetarian options like grilled vegetables or veggie burgers for your non-meat-eating guests.”
But what really sets a 4th of July party apart is the sides and salads, according to Emily. “Potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob are classic sides that are always a hit at any cookout,” she says. “But don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own spin on these dishes. For example, you can add some bacon to your potato salad for extra flavor or try grilling the corn on the cob for a smoky taste.”
And of course, no 4th of July party is complete without some refreshing drinks to beat the summer heat. “Lemonade or iced tea are always crowd-pleasers, but you can also make some festive cocktails using red, white, and blue ingredients like berries, vodka, and blue curacao,” suggests Emily.
When it comes to decorations, Emily recommends keeping it simple yet festive. “You can decorate your backyard with some string lights, American flags, and red, white, and blue balloons to create a patriotic ambiance,” she says. “And if you have a pool, consider adding some floating flags or LED lights for a fun touch.”
As for entertainment, Emily suggests setting up some lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, or even a water balloon toss to keep your guests entertained. “These games are not only fun for both kids and adults, but they also encourage interaction and create a lively atmosphere,” she says.
But above all, Emily stresses the importance of being a gracious host. “It’s easy to get caught up in the preparations and forget to enjoy the party with your guests,” she says. “Make sure to take breaks and mingle with your guests. After all, the most important thing about any party is spending quality time with your loved ones.”
In addition to these tips, Emily also shares some do’s and don’ts for hosting a successful 4th of July party.
DO:
– Plan ahead and make a detailed to-do list to stay organized.
– Choose a variety of dishes to cater to different dietary preferences.
– Keep the decorations simple but festive.
– Have some fun lawn games for your guests to enjoy.
– Take breaks and mingle with your guests.
DON’T:
– Overcomplicate the menu with too many dishes or complicated recipes.
– Stress out and try to do everything on your own. Ask for help if needed.
– Wait until the last minute to buy supplies or decorations.
– Forget to have vegetarian options for non-meat-eating guests.
– Forget to have fun and enjoy the party yourself.
In conclusion, with these tips from Emily Susman, you are well on your way to hosting a memorable 4th of July party. Remember to plan ahead, keep it simple, and have fun with your loved ones. Happy 4th of July!
