Family Friendly Independence Day Bashes

Independence Day festivities seem to always be outside, to make good use of the season. There are still many options for celebration places, and good ways to theme your Fourth of July party around these!

At The Backyard Barbecue, serve barbequed ribs and chicken. Play patriotic music lightly in the background. Serve potato salad, using red and blue potatoes, and don't forget the red, white, and blue coleslaw! Ice Tea, and Lemonade are favorites for any "All- American" meal. Don't forget any other family favorites! Be sure that your guests save room for a slice of hot apple pie, with ice cream on the side! After the food, offer a variety of sports: horseshoes, bocce ball, croquet, or badminton.

At The Beach Blowout, you have to serve at least some seafood. Kebabs are an excellent entrée, as you can make some with chicken, scallops, beef, or all vegetables. For a red, white, and blue vegetable kebab, cook onions, tomatoes, and blue potatoes. You could also toss on scallops, as they are technically near white in color. Also serve clams, fish, and fresh vegetables. Fruit salads, and a red, white, and blue parfait make the perfect desserts. A patriotic parfait can either be made with gelatin, fruit and whipped cream, or fruit and vanilla yogurt. Using yogurt is bound to be the healthiest of the three options. The beach is excellent place for fireworks, but be aware of the local laws first. Most beaches usually put on their own fireworks shows, so you may also watch these.

The Park Picnic is probably the easiest to decorate. Use red and white checkered table linens if you are eating on tables, or a red and white gingham blanket if you are eating on the ground. Serve chicken, and miniature sandwiches for the entrée. When you set up your picnic site, decorate a plate of deviled eggs by sticking a small flag in the center of each egg. For dessert include strawberry shortcake, with some blueberries tossed on for that additional blue color! Much like the Backyard BBQ, this is the perfect time for some outdoors summer sports.