Host a patriotic summer bash

Happy Fourth of July! It’s time for fireworks, parades and, of course, a barbecue. Want to throw your own festivus on the 4th? Here’s how:

•The event: Host the bash in your backyard, a local campground or park. Hold it early in the afternoon. In the morning, you can take in a local parade, and after eating, you can attend a fireworks show or symphony performance. (If you do plan to set off your own fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area and that you know how to use them safely.)

• Invitations: Send out invites in the shape of a flag. Ask guests to wear red, white and blue. For a twist, you can host a costume party where guests dress up like their favorite Revolutionary War character, such as George or Martha Washington.

• Decorations: The theme? Patriotism, of course! Purchase tablecloths, plates, cups and napkins in red, white and blue. (If your tablecloth is patterned, use solid-colored napkins and plates. It’s easy to go overboard on stars and stripes). Sprinkle star-shaped confetti, which can be purchased at a craft or party-supply store, over the table. Place red, white and blue balloon bouquets around the eating area. Add a floral scent with red, white and blue flowers such as red roses or blue flax.

• Music: There are plenty of patriotic songs to serve as a musical backdrop to your meal. Play “Yankee Doodle Dandy” or “America the Beautiful.” You can even have an old-fashioned sing-a-long.

• Games: Play games like volleyball, badminton or baseball. Give Fourth-themed prizes, such as a mini American flag, a red, white and blue beach towel or a barbecue fun pack complete with Fourth of July apron and cookbook.

• Comfort: Keep a supply of sunscreen on hand by day and bug repellent by night. Otherwise, you’re likely to have some red and itchy guests!

•Food and drinks: Food should be American, no doubt. Serve hot dogs, hamburgers – don’t forget veggie burgers or tofu doggies for your vegetarian guests – watermelon and corn on the cob. Top it all off with a tried-and-true American dessert – apple pie! (Or try the quick and easy halfway-homemade recipe on this page. Yum!) For beverages, stock a cooler with sodas and water. Guests will also welcome a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade or iced tea on a hot July day.

All-American Yum

1 Angel Food Cake (about 16 oz. store-bought)

1 Basket of Fresh Strawberries (appox. 2- 1/2 cups)

1 Basket of Fresh Blueberries (approx. 2 cups)

1 (12 oz.) Tub Whipped Topping, thawed

1. Cut cake in 1- to 1- 1/2 inch slices.

2. Wash berries; remove greens from strawberries. Slice strawberries in half or quarters.

3. For each serving, place one slice of cake on a plate; top with a heaping dollop of whipped topping and put a second slice of cake atop the whipped topping. Sprinkle a handful of strawberries and blueberries over the cake. Heap another dollop of whipped topping on the berries and garnish with a few more berries.

4. Enjoy!