by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: June 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

In the Northeast the Fourth of July is the kick off holiday of the summer season. I know for some of you it's Memorial Day but in my part of the country it is still pretty chilly at that time of the year. By the 4th of July everyone is ready to kick back, slide into their flip flops and have one heck of a great picnic.

In our family the Fourth was always a family affair. This was the one day a year that all the aunts and uncles and cousins would get together to enjoy a meal and an afternoon of groups sports. Of course the fact that it is my mother's birthday was somewhat responsible for the get together but she was more than willing to share it with the Founding Fathers.

What to do to have a great time on the 4th of July.

1. Have some Entertainment Options available for those who crave activity.

We are a wiffle ball family and that has always been our game of choice. My mom's house is located on a pond and we have all had to roll up our pants and jump in to retrieve the ball. Wiffle ball is played exactly like any other type of base ball with the danger of being beaned by a line drive removed and gloves are not required. We always let the younger ones have more than three strikes and there really are never any winners or losers just exhausted kids and adults.

We also would set up the croquet set and the badminton net and enjoy these other sports as well. Anyone can play these games they require little or no skill only a sense of humor.
Jarts are another favorite of ours and our newest love is Bocce.

If there are going to be children a small pool, sprinkler or a slip and slide is guaranteed to keep them occupied for a good part of the afternoon. If you have a home pool be sure to make arrangements for someone to always be on lifeguard duty when any children are in or near the pool area.

2. The center of the day is always the food. It only needs to be plentiful; it doesn't need to be fancy. Do keep things simple this way everyone gets to enjoy the day.

3. Have plenty of things to drink. It is going to be warm and you don't want anyone to get dehydrated. Pitchers of ice cold water, ice tea and lemonade are traditional.

4. Splurge on some red, white and blue decorations. It doesn't have to be much but after all this is the 4th of July and the birth of our nation. Getting the plates and cups in red and blue with white table coverings is good and if you can find small flags to place around the table that is even better.

What not to do.

Don't try to do everything yourself. We always go with the potluck approach. We supply the grill and the meat and everyone who is coming bring a family size serving of their favorite side dish or dessert. Variety is the spice of life.

Don't serve alcohol unless you enjoy a bunch of rowdy guests. I never object if guests bring their own alcoholic beverages but I don't feel any inclination to supply it to them. Alcohol is not necessary in order to have a great Fourth of July.

Don't over plan. Guests enjoy having time to just relax and enjoy the start of summer. Life is so busy day to day that it is great just to be able to kick back and do nothing.

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