Easy Fourth of July Feast

Fun and Festive Independence Day

There's no need to get stressed out if you're entertaining for Independence Day. Just use this easy party prep timeline, decorating ideas and time-saving tips.

• Menu:
• Deviled Eggs with Assorted Toppings
• Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob
• Hot Bacon Potato Salad with Green Beans
• Smoky Chicken Barbecue Kabobs
• Smoky Barbecue Rub
• White Barbecue Sauce

2 Days Before

Prepare barbecue sauce, rub, and butter mixture for corn.

• Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob

Fast-Prep Party Tip

Speed up your Deviled Eggs by picking up hard-cooked eggs in your grocer’s deli section.

• Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Assorted Toppings

1 Day Before

Fill eggs; chop toppings, and place in bowls. Thread kabob skewers.

Topping Ideas: chopped cooked bacon, smoked salmon, chopped black olives, chopped Spanish olives, sour cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives)

30 Minutes before Guests Arrive

Prepare potato salad. Ice down eggs and drinks.

• Recipe: Hot Bacon Potato Salad with Green Beans

15 Minutes After Guests Arrive

Grill kabobs and corn. Metal skewers are available at amazon.com for as little as $3 per package of six.

• Recipes:
• Smoky Chicken Barbecue Kabobs
• Smoky Barbecue Rub
• White Barbecue Sauce

No-Fuss Party Dessert

Fizzy, Fruity Ice-cream Floats: Let guests pour their favorite fruit-flavored soft drinks (such as grape, lime, or black cherry) over scoops of vanilla ice cream. Striped straws add a retro touch (greenpartygoods.com or jackandlulu.com).

Shining Centerpiece

Small bursts of Queen Anne’s lace echo the sparklers. Create the centerpiece with a simple setting of Queen Anne's lace, vintage bottles, and sparklers.