Tips For a 4th of July Barbeque

Wow your guests with signature red, white and blue cocktails. Place the drinks in tall pitchers and display with place cards in front. For a fun twist, name each cocktail after a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A John Adams with a twist, anyone?

Red Cocktail: Use a classic summer favorite like a Daiquiri or a Strawberry Margarita for the red drink.

Blue Cocktail: A Blue Moon is the perfect pick for your blue drink. Check out our Blue Moon Cocktail Recipe.

White Cocktail: A Pina Colada is the ultimate white drink for summer. Or, make a pitcher of Mojitos (just don't use too many large mint leaves to keep it looking clear!).

Good food will make or break your party. Spice things up by letting your guests do the grilling! Check out our Sticks and Spice Grilling Article for all details. The marinades are drop-dead delicious, and no one can blame you if their kabobs are overcooked!

For BBQ Buffs:

If you enjoy manning the BBQ yourself, then don't miss our ultimate Backyard Barbeque article. You'll find recipes for Seared Tuna Burgers, Cucumber Mint Salad and more. Top it all off with an unbelievable Coffee and Fudge Ice Cream Cake. Your guests will rave about it long after the fireworks show!

Make the decor for your July 4^th barbeque easy and fun!

Your local party store will carry plenty of festive tablecloths, plates, napkins and cups in all shades of red, white and blue and stars and stripes. Help establish your decorative theme with these great July 4th invitations from Tiny Prints.

Don't forget to purchase plenty of toothpicks topped with bursts of metallic streamers like these flower fizzle party picks. They look just like mini fireworks!

Creative ways to use festive toothpicks:

• Stick them into a slice of fruit as a garnish to Fourth of July cocktails
• Use them as fun skewers for mini sausages, cheese cubes or other bite-sized fare
• Tape them to the back of paper place cards for themed decor

Don't skip out on flowers because July 4^th is a casual holiday. Outdoor fetes really come alive with beautiful floral arrangements. Order from 1-800-Flowers or visit a local floral district for affordable florals.

How to do your own July 4^th flowers:

1. Use any and all of your vases and other containers for a casual and relaxed look
2. To add continuity use the same type and color of flowers for each container. For example, group a vase filled with red roses with a vase of dark blue hydrangeas and a vase of white peonies, stock or calla lilies.
3. Group or cluster vases/containers in odd numbered pairings for a designer look.
4. Vary the heights of the vases for added visual interest.

Paper Lanterns

Another simple way to make an impact with your outdoor décor is to purchase or rent hanging paper lanterns. String rows of them evenly back and forth across the outdoor area (well above guests' heads). When the sun goes down the party will be intimately lit and look stunning from below.