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

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Fun and Festive Independence Day

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

Menu:

Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Assorted Toppings

Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob

Recipe: Hot Bacon Potato Salad with Green Beans

Recipe: Smoky Chicken Barbecue Kabobs

Recipe: Smoky Barbecue Rub

Recipe: White Barbecue Sauce

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.

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2 Days Before

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

Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño-Lime Corn on the Cob

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

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Fast-Prep Party Tip

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

Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Assorted Toppings

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

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1 Day Before

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

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)

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30 Minutes before Guests Arrive

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

Recipe: Hot Bacon Potato Salad with Green Beans

Prepare potato salad. Ice down eggs and drinks.

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15 Minutes After Guests Arrive

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

Recipe: Smoky Chicken Barbecue Kabobs

Recipe: Smoky Barbecue Rub

Recipe: White Barbecue Sauce

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

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No-Fuss Party Dessert

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

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).

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Shining Centerpiece

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

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.

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