I am the person who will always find a reason we should get together, and will always offer to host or bring the food. The psychology of the how and why of my need to host or bring all the food/prep, etc. will likely be part of a future post. But, today, we’re talking all things 4th of July and enjoying the chance we have this year, to expand our social circle a little bit more.
Normally, the 4th of July signals the wind down of summer for me, anyone else have the same thought process, or is it just me? Anyway, in 2020 it actually became the “start” of summer. It was the first time since February 29th, 2020, that anyone aside from my parents and sister had been at my house, inside or out. And, it was so exciting. My aunt and cousins came for a BBQ, hadn’t seen anyone for months….it was one of the best “parties” of the year – completely relaxed (which is a feat for some who attended), grilled food, pool time and catching up on months of nothing and a lot all at once.
Luckily, this year, we have plans, but they aren’t overwhelming. It’s more a weekend of smaller parties/gatherings, spread across a few houses and different groups of people, so it’s not all on me or anyone else along the way. I, of course, want to bring to the food for all of them, but that’s just how I do. So, we have Friday night happy hour with family, an outdoor party at a friend’s house Saturday and a pool day with my cousins on Sunday. Might go to our local fireworks, might not.
If you are looking for some ideas for this weekend, I put together a few menus that you might just see at my gatherings this weekend, and I hope you use them! If you do, let me know what you think and how your guests enjoy!
Summer Holiday Happy Hour –
- Chips and Guacamole
- Caprese Skewers from Iowa Girl Eats
- Chicken Kabobs from What’s Gaby Cooking
- Two-Bite Brownies from WHat’s Gaby Cooking
Weekend Backyard Party –
- Grilled Sliders + Toppings Bar from Dad with a Pan
- Veggies and Hummus – Bonus – make the hummus at home, it’s super easy, see below
- Blend a can of drained chickpeas, juice from half a lemon, 1 clove of garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and about 1/4-1/2c olive oil. Pureed and chilled until ready to serve!
- Potato Chips – Purchase your favorites! I also recommend Utz or Lays brand
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Fireworks BBQ –
- Red, White and Blue Fruit Skewers from Eating on a Dime
- Tomato Bruschetta (this is always my go-to recipe!)
- Slow Cooker Hot Dogs with all the fixings; just prep buns on the side!
- Red, White and Blue Potato Salad from The Recipe Girl
- S’mores (After Fireworks!) – marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate – perfect combo!
Festive Cocktails and Mocktails –
- Margaritas from Bobby Flay / Mesa Grill
- Rose Sangria from Cooking for Keeps
- White Sangria from The Lemon Bowl
- Lemonade (I use Crystal Light Pure) with frozen fruit ice cubes
- Hibiscus Tea Drink from Cookie and Kate
The key to having a fun holiday weekend is planning ahead – and not going to the store on the holiday weekends! Plan to shop by midday Friday and when in doubt, get extra ice or ask your family/friends to bring ice when they come to your house! You can never have enough ice.
I look forward to hearing what you make and how you celebrate this year’s 4th of July – post and if you use any of the menus or ideas above, be sure to tag Plan Prep Pack Plate on your posts!
Alexis