Fourth of July Parties: Tradition Reigns
It seems to me that there’s only one good way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Friends, food and fireworks (it seems fair to say that family is, in many cases, optional). Perhaps it’s the specifics of these staples that people get hung up on.
The friends part should be the easiest. Hopefully you know who you like and who you don’t. Invitations can get messy when it comes to coworkers though. Certainly don’t invite Cheryl next to Barry’s cubicle if you don’t want him to invite himself or spit in that coffee he all-too-cheerfully brings you every Monday morning. And by all means, don’t invite your boss unless he/she is actually your friend outside of work. Few people like a brown-noser and nobody wants to feel inhibited by the presence of watchful eyes at a Fourth of July shin-dig.
Food should be kept pretty basic. Most people opt for the outdoor BBQ, an American classic that suits the day to an obvious tee. If you suffer from agoraphobia or intolerable allergies, feel free to host the party inside, though you should probably be prepared for many guests to wander outside and have some form of entertainment for them there. More on that later. Another option is to present an array of fresh deli meats and bakery breads for a simple but appealing sandwich bar. But by all means, don’t forget the potato salad and baked beans.
I’ve noticed that a certain flag cake has become the predominant dessert of Fourth of July festivities. Surely you’ve at least heard of the Cool Whip wonder decorated with strawberries and blueberries? If not, keep it that way; come up with something original. Try cupcakes dyed red, white and blue with food coloring (you’ll find there’s no white dye in the package; I think you can figure this one out) and topped with contrasting frosting. Perhaps you could arrange red, white and blue fruit into a charming arrangement reminiscent of Old Glory (white fruit? Try peeled apples). If you’re feeling extremely patriotic (and have a lot of time on your hands along with a masters in cake making/decorating), go all out and whip up a USA cake which each state outlined and named in black gel icing? After all, the Fourth of July only happens once (a year)!
Now we come to the fireworks. The best way to wow your guests is by leaving it to the professionals. Your chances of putting on a show that can compete with the nearest city’s local display aren’t nearly as high as those of burning off an eyebrow or setting a field on fire. If you do choose the do-it-yourself version, go for variety, quality over quantity and visual over audio. Few people will be awed by twenty Roman Candles popping one after the other and absolutely no one will be able to tolerate more than two Whistling Angels.
A few final notes. If you have a pool, by all means, throw that chlorinated oasis into the mix. However, if the festivities are accompanied by a few choice beverages (I recommend a modest selection of mid-grade beers and a couple bottles of good Riesling), keep an eye on your guests. If Uncle Harvey stumbles as he sets down his can and rises from his patio chair, the diving board is probably not an appropriate destination for him. And Grandpa Chuck doesn’t need to be diving for rings in the deep end, no matter how virile and young he is feeling that particular day. Other possible forms of outdoor recreation include washers, horseshoes, wiffle ball and croquet. As most of these games include a potentially dangerous moving object, keep your eyes open and throw with care. After all, unless you’re friends with an EMT, you certainly do not want one to be a part of your Independence Day celebration .
