by Lisa Shaver

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: July 04, 2009

Every year the Fourth of July comes around and we all drag out the Flags and other fourth decorations we have gathered over the years. So now you are wondering what the best way to celebrate is. There are so many ways you can celebrate the Fourth of July, such as a family camping trip, which I believe is a great way to celebrate;however, my favorite way to celebrate is to have a family barbecue. Having family and friends over to celebrate is not only a great way to celebrate, but it's also safer with all the people drinking on the fourth.

INVITATIONS

Inviting people to a Fourth of July barbecue should be fun and casual. No engraved invitations here. Unless your Paris Hilton and have to glamify everything. Remember this is suppose to be down home, casual fun. Create an American flag invitation.

Instructions:

1. Cut white card stock into a rectangle that you can fold into invitation size of your choice. (or you can buy pre-made cards)

2. Cut a piece of blue Card stock for the square in the corner.

3. With a punch in the shape of stars, punch out white stars and adhere them to the blue squares. Or you can use star shaped brads.

4. With red card stock cut the stripes for your flag.

5. Now that you have the basic card made, you can add your own personal touches to your card. Also be sure to put the party information on the inside. I like to hand write mine to give it a more personal touch; but if you have a printer (and who doesn't these days), you can print the invite on the inside first and then make your cards.

BEVERAGES

Once the invites have gone out and the RSVP's have come in, it is time to start thinking food. Since this is an all American holiday, you want to stick to all American food. For example you would not want to serve tacos and burritos as these are traditional Mexican dishes.

Beverage Ideas:

Adults of course can have the traditional beer and a summer wine of your choice. Now what do you do for the kids and the non-alcoholic drinkers? (Yes we exist) You can always serve soda, but what if you want something a little healthier for your guests?

Top 3 Wines

As mentioned before wine is always a good to serve for the adults, but some of us may not be up-to-date on wine etiquette. After doing a little research and talking to some people who are wine connoisseurs, I learned that a summer wine should be light, not heavy, and crisp, not syrupy or sugary. Also when talking summer wine you want less alcohol content.

1. Sauvignon Blanc - with

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