Easy Fourth of July Feast

Seeking freedom from party stress? Pledge allegiance to this no-fail festive menu, with liberty and potato salad for all

Fun and Festive Independence Day

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

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.

Set the Scene: String lights attach easily to bamboo poles anchored with sand in buckets.

2 Days Before

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

2 Days Before

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

Fast-Prep Party Tip

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Fast-Prep Party Tip

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

1 Day Before

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

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

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

30 Minutes before Guests Arrive

Prepare potato salad. Ice down eggs and drinks.

15 Minutes After Guests Arrive

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

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.

No-Fuss Party Dessert

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

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

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Prop Styling: Amy Burke, Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

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.

Printed from:
http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/easy-fouth-of-july-party-00417000073909/