Hopkinton Moms Preparing For 4th of July Party

Nothing symbolizes the height of summer in America like the 4th of July, with picnics, fireworks and in Hopkinton, the Horribles Parade, which starts at noon on the Town Common.

This is a day to meet family and friends and a time of year when picnics filled with delicious barbecue and parties are the way to go.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when getting ready to host your own 4th of July party. Here are some easy decorating and menu ideas to help prepare for your own spectacular party:

Invitations: Whether by snail mail, e-mail, or hand delivered, creative and festive red, white and blue invitations set the tone of the event.

Decorations: The theme is set and there's no limit to the red, white and blue paper plates, dinnerware, napkins, tablecloths, balloons and streamers to make your outdoor entertaining area "pop." Hint:  You can wrap streamers around centerpieces filled with flowers to make table extra festive.

Ample Seating: Take a head count and make sure you have enough chairs and tables for adults and children. Small-plastic picnic tables with festive tablecloths provide a perfect children's table.

Noisemakers: If fireworks aren't your thing, you can still celebrate loudly with horns, bells and other loud ways to say Happy Birthday to America.

Children's Activities: Speaking of noise, make sure you have plenty of activities on hand to keep children entertained  such as croquet, badminton or horseshoes. Be creative!

Barbecue Ideas

Appetizers:

Mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough, sausage bread, chips and dip, sliced veggies, baked ham-and-cheese dip, hummus-and-feta dip, popcorn, sliced fruit and marshmallow fluff, pretzels and mustard, bread round with dip in center or baked chicken wings. Serve a variety of both warm and cold appetizers.

Main Dishes:

Burgers: Think "outside of the bun" with mini-sliders, cheese or portabella stuffed burgers, pita-burgers,  or turkey, chicken and salmon burgers. See www.familycircle.com for some delicious new ways to prepare burgers.

BBQ Pork Chops and Chicken: Whip up your favorite barbecue sauce and fire up the grill. Serve with grilled vegetables, or favorite corn salsa. Delicious!

Chicken or Seafood Kabobs: Slice and layer seafood, chicken, with sliced onions, green peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms. Baste with olive oil, garlic or Italian dressing.

Salads: Tossed green leafy, broccoli and bacon salad, beet salad, fruit, curly pasta, yellow or white potato salads, Asian slaw or regular cole slaw, make wonderful accompaniments to any 4th of July picnic.

Warm Sides:  Baked beans, corn bread, broccoli-rice salad or creamy-baked potato casseroles.

Beverages: Lemonade, sodas, sparkling-flavored seltzers, juice boxes for kids. In addition to regular alcoholic beverages, provide one signature drink like Mojitos, white or peach sangria, Bellinis or flavored martinis. Guests will love them!

Desserts: Red, white and blue cupcakes, strawberry shortcake, pies, tortes, home-made cookies, fruit crostinis, fruit compote, blueberry or apple crisps. Hint: Desserts can be prepared one or two day's ahead of time.

Preparation: Prepare, pre-chop, and precook anything you can two to three day's before the event. Pre-wash and chop any veggies and store in baggies. Warm casseroles can be assembled one or two days ahead  and placed in refrigerator.

Potluck, potluck, potluck!  Host can provide main dish and ask guests ( if comfortable) to bring their favorite side dish, signature beverage, dessert, or salad. Very helpful!

Pray for good weather: Check local forecasts and prepare for Plan B if necessary. Set up a few tables inside or in garage just in case...

Happy 4th of July!

More entertaining and recipe ideas can be found in A Busy Mom's Guide to Entertaining.

Enjoy!