July 4th is an all-American holiday that celebrates the independence of our country from British rule. Over the years, this celebration of freedom has evolved into a tradition we all know and love: picnics and backyard barbecues!
After Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start to summer, many people look forward to grilling and chilling on July 4th. If you’ll be a host or hostess this year, impress your guests with our three quick tips to serve the best appetizers before the main meal.
1. Get Ahead
One of the most important pieces of advice for a host is to be prepared. The last thing you want on the day of your event is to be running around trying to get the food ready. After all, you should be able to enjoy yourself at your own party!
For a summer party, we recommend serving appetizers that can be prepared in advance and will not wither in the hot weather. Large quantities of drinks can be premade as well, such as dispensers of blueberry sangria for the adults and fruit punch for the kids. Remember, a casual BBQ setting does not call for anything too fancy.
2. Be Patriotic
It’s July 4th weekend; think red, white and blue! Any combination of these colors you can think of to create a festive and delicious appetizer is sure to impress everyone. Many easy snacks can be turned into a symbol of America’s pride as an independent nation, including:
- Popcorn with raisins and dried cranberries
- Fruit salad with watermelon, strawberries, blueberries and bananas
- A vegetable tray with red peppers, cauliflower and dressing dyed with blue food coloring
- Parfaits with vanilla yogurt, raspberries and blackberries
The patriotic theme can also carry over into your main meal. Think cheeseburgers with plenty of tomato and blue cheese dressing and tri-color pasta salad!
3. Keep It Simple
Unless there is a sudden snowstorm in July, you can expect a New England summer to be hot. Plan on serving cold appetizers and finger foods that will be refreshing in the heat and easy to eat. You don’t want any of the food melting on your guests, so be sure that the snacks are not messy. Keep in mind that serving too many appetizers will leave you with a whole lot of leftovers after dinnertime.
Hosting a party can be a lot of work, especially when you cook all the food yourself. Many of our menu items can accommodate large crowds if you find yourself overwhelmed. Contact Colony Diner today to learn more.