The anticipation of July 4th cookouts is in the air.  It’s time to get your party planning shoes on and get to work!

First, you will need to decide what kind of July 4th cookout you would like to have.  Personally, I suggest making the event a family-affair.  You can invite family members and friends with kids (this will eliminate any hard feelings of not being cool enough to make the cookout A-list).  Next step is to pick out invitations.  You want to get these bad boys out as soon as possible.  I would be sure to mention that it is a family affair and that everyone is welcome.

Now it’s time to prepare.  PATRIOTIC DECORATIONS are a must!  I believe the cheesier the decorations the better the party.  The mood is always light and carefree when you are surrounded by paper decorations that are produced in mass amounts that are destine to fall apart by the end of the night.  I mean seriously, what could be any better than that?  For those of you who have never ventured into the world of cheesy paper decorations, they can be found at such places as Ben Franklin, Party Perfect, Party City (my favorite) and Wal-Mart.

Martha Stewart’s nightmare…AKA…your cookout plates, cups, tablecloths and napkins can usually be found on the same aisle as your cheesy decorations.  I mean we are talking all paper products.  Oh, and don’t forget to buy the red, white and blue beads to wear proudly as if they were mother’s set of fine pearls.  If you’re feeling extra generous and truly want to prove to be a “money-bags” I would totally invest in those little American flags to give out as party favors.

With decorations checked off the to-do list, now it’s time to prepare the menu.  All-American foods are a must for Independence Day!  I suggest hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, deviled eggs, corn on the cob and watermelon.  To add a little something sweet to the menu I would go for an apple pie or two.  To be on the safe side I would also recommend getting veggie burgers for those who may not enjoy meat.  Annnnnnnnd for the love of all Virginians and those down south, DO NOT FORGET THE SWEET TEA!

Lastly, it is very important to maintain a good pep in the step of your cookout (lame parties are NOT fun) so be sure to have fun patriotic music, horseshoes, baseball and the famous game of capture the flag! 

If you have all of these basics covered you should be set!  The only thing left to do is pick where you and your guests want to watch fireworks later in the evening.  So have fun planning and happy grilling!

P.S.  Don’t forget to stock up on insect repellent!  This is an important survival tool!