| By :
Mark Etinger
This year, why not add a touch of elegance to your 4th of July celebration? It doesn't have to be stuffy, and we're still going for stress-free (insofar as that is hostess-ly possible), but the usual paper-plate affair just isn't doing it for us this year. Your guests will be surprised and delighted when you step the usual up a notch with spread of tabletop accessories that reflect the evening's fireworks in their sparkle. Drinks 1. Rather than offer a full bar, choose one or two summer cocktails and mix up a large batch in advance. Margaritas or a summer fruit punch are nice choices. Serve the drink in handsome drink dispensers like these to avoid messy spills or insects crawling into pitchers or punch bowls. (A non-alcoholic option like lemonade or peach iced tea is a thoughtful gesture for the non-drinkers in your crowd.) 2. You may want to offer wine and beer in addition to the cocktails. Choosing a summery microbrew and a crisp, light rosé makes your party a little bit different from the usual backyard affair. 3. Ice! A good rule of thumb is having two pounds of ice per person. Keep the ice you are serving for drinks in a separate ice bucket, rather than having guests scoop from the cooler where the beers are kept. Menu 1. You're probably not going to get away from burgers and hot dogs, because dads just love to stand at the grill, but you can add a few homemade touches, like a cucumber-dill yogurt sauce for burgers. 2. For other dishes, think about the temperature. Mayonnaise-based potato salads are traditional, but an invitation to salmonella. Make your potato salad with an olive oil base and rosemary instead. 3. How about a cake stand of cupcakes for dessert? Fresh strawberry slices and blueberries make lovely, healthier garnishes than sprinkles. Tabletop Accessories 1. Not every little thing has to be red, white and blue. Why not choose one color and go with it? 2. Lights! While fireworks are the big show, you'll want candles, lanterns and torches to set a soft and elegant mood right there in the yard. Don't forget that candles need to be wind-protected. Clear or frosted glass vases with sand in the bottom will hold a pillar candle safely and beautifully. 3. You don't have to use paper plates, but I know what you're thinking: clean up. If you choose a non-disposable option, label a few storage bins for plates, glasses and silverware so guests can easily separate them for you rather than just piling everything in the sink. One more word about arranging food, drinks and tabletop accessories: set things up in stations. Have a drinks table and a food table set at a slight distance from the dining table. This streamlines buffet service, and keeps guests less crowded, more comfortable when they sit down to eat.
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