If you took a day off from work today (like me) to get a jump-start on your holiday weekend plans, then I hope you’re not battling too much traffic right now to get where you need to be. Better yet, maybe you’ve already arrived or opted to skip the crowds and stay home, and with a drink in hand are currently catching up on a good book or TV series. Either way, I hope you enjoy. 🙂
I certainly hope to have a relaxing extended weekend, myself. My plans for the actual holiday will likely include throwing something on the grill and kicking back with a few cocktails, but tomorrow I’m looking forward to a day in the city with my mom. We have tickets for a matinee performance of Jersey Boys and are planning to go for dinner after the show. (P.S., if you have any suggestions for me on where to eat in NYC, I’d love some new ideas. Let me know in a comment or DM me on Twitter @fromannakitchen.)
If you’re planning a big bash to celebrate the holiday, check out these red, white, and blue food and entertaining ideas curated from Pinterest and have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Patriotic Punch — I love making sangria for parties. People love it, and it’s easy and versatile to customize with different flavors depending on the season. This recipe from DIYReady on Pinterest combines white wine with strawberries, blueberries, and star fruit for a drink that I’m sure tastes as good as it looks.
Just a thought: if you’re using the 1/2 cup each of flavored vodka and triple sec as the recipe says, you may want to taste it before adding any simple syrup. I tend to find flavored vodka and cordials to be sweet already, so the extra sugar could be cut back. The fruit will also infuse the drink with sweetness the longer it sits, too, for extra sweetness.
Individual S’mores Kits — this one from SavingsByDesign on Pinterest is a fantastic and portable way for people to carry around their s’mores ingredients from a picnic table to the bonfire at a party. These spiral, metal cones are great for predestination and generally used to hold french fries and other fried foods at restaurants. I’ve seen them at different restaurant supply stores in the past for a few bucks each.
Mason Jar Decorations — try using pint or half-pint mason jars at place settings, like these painted in patriotic stars and stripes by Michelle from Crafty Morning on Pinterest. Stuff a red or blue napkin and silverware in the jar, and guests can use the jar as a glass, too. Larger mason jars, painted in festive colors, can be used to hold quantities of silverware on a buffet table or as centerpiece vases filled with flowers.
Hot Dog Bar — hot dogs are quintessential 4th of July picnic food, if you ask me. The idea of creating a hot dog bar sounds so fun. You can organize your hot dog ingredients by “theme” with a recipe card for each, such as Chicago-style or New York-style as One Charming Party on Pinterest shows here.
Leave a comment and let me know how you’re planning to spend the holiday weekend!
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