Do’s and Don’ts for a 4th of July Cookout With the Fourth of July around the corner and cookout season beckoning, you could be planning the allAmerican backyard grilling event this year. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned pro at the cookout, here are some handy Dos and Don’ts to help make your Fourth of July celebration a success!
enough space? A deck of cards or a Frisbee to toss around works just as well.
DO plan your event beforehand. Make a guest list, send out invites, plan the menu, shop for supplies, and prepare the activities for the event.
DO make it a potluck if pressured for time. Remember, guests love to bring food to a celebration.
DO get into the patriotic mood and set up red, blue, and white decorations. They could be simple – just some lights, or red, blue, and white napkins and other table decorations. If you enjoy craft, you could make an entire range of Fourth of July decorations ahead of time. DO put up the flag. DO have plenty of things for your guests to do. Have a game set up: badminton, volleyball, or baseball. Not
DO play music in keeping with the theme. Make a CD with a mix of country and rock versions of patriotic songs.
DO make the hot dog if you are planning the typical Fourth of July cookout. Homemade works just as well as store-brought. DO have plenty of other food to grill, such as fresh vegetables (it’s summer, after all), corn on the cob, chicken, steaks, or bratwursts. DO have at least a couple of beverages, one alcoholic and another non-alcoholic for your guests. Have plenty of water.