Celebrate Freedom

Today our freedom as Americans seems more precious than ever, so what better way to show appreciation for this freedom and remember those who have sacrificed to provide it than by having a July 4th celebration?

Regardless of where you live in the U.S., you can typically count on very warm weather for July 4th so an outdoor party is usually the rule. If you have a swimming pool, it’s a great opportunity for a pool party. But even without a pool, gathering outdoors is a bit of an American tradition. Send your invitations early, since July 4th is a popular time for parties. You can order July 4th invitations all year long from MyExpression.com.

The traditional fare for a July 4th celebration is hamburgers and hot dogs, but feel free to divert from this menu. If you’d like to come up with a more creative menu for this year’s July 4th bash consider the following ideas:

Regional food – If you live in the Northeast, a lobster boil or a seafood meal served with potatoes and corn on the cob is a great choice. Those in the South might serve fried chicken, potato salad and cornbread. Texans might serve ribs and baked beans. This is a nice way to celebrate your part of the country while celebrating the country as a whole.

Food from your heritage – Serve food that your ancestors ate. There are many menus you can create with ideas from the country of your origin. If your ancestors were English, serve shepherd’s pie and stout, or consider corned beef and potatoes if you’re of Irish descent. Your guests will enjoy learning about your heritage while enjoying a great meal.

Cold Food – In the South where I live it is often unbearably hot on July 4th, so when the weather is especially warm we serve a menu of entirely cold food. We have a cold deli tray of meat and cheese along with chicken salad for sandwiches. We also serve fruit salad, pasta salad and potato salad. For dessert, we make homemade ice cream. Iced tea, cold beer and fruit punch for the kids are all served from a big tub of ice. It keeps us cool and eliminates the need for a lot of cooking on the big day.

Freedom Food – My best friend throws a great July 4th bash with her “Freedom Food” menu. She serves Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches with Boston Baked Beans and Boston cream pie for dessert. She challenges guests to come up with their own “Freedom Food” dish to contribute.

Activities

History trivia is a great game for a July 4th party. Since this is usually a family party for us, I make two versions of the trivia sheet - one for adults and a simpler one for children. (Visit the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization website. Their sample citizenship test will give you some great questions.)

If your area allows residential fireworks, consider your own little fireworks display. If not, finish the meal in time to load everyone up to attend the local fireworks display as a group. The crowd can disperse after the fireworks, or return to your home for dessert.

Take a minute during your party to remember what July 4th symbolizes. We live in the greatest nation on earth and we have our freedom due to the sacrifice of many men and women. No fact is more worthy of our celebration.

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Other Events:

• Barbeque Party, Barbeque Theme • Brunch Party, Brunch Theme • Garden Party, Garden Theme

• Fiesta Party, Fiesta Theme • Pool Party, Pool Theme • Picnic Party, Picnic Theme

• Wine Party, Wine Theme • Wine Party, Western Theme • Retirement Party, Retirement Theme

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