Last-Minute 4th of July Food and Decorations

Fourth of July is in just a couple of days but there’s still time to plan a last-minute get-together without spending a ton of money or cooking a complicated meal. 

Today I’m happy that Morning Reporter (and friend,) Lauren McDonald for FOX21 Morning News was able to come by the house for some last-minute party ideas. Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated and every single item you serve doesn’t have to be homemade. From simple snacks to the main course, we have some easy ways to host a patriotic party with no stress. And all of these ideas can be used for any get-together, just change the table settings and you’re ready for any event.

SIMPLE SNACK IDEAS – 

I love making appetizers and sometimes spend more time, and money, on them than I do for the rest of the entire meal. But when we host a barbecue at the last-minute I tend to buy simple snacks everyone can munch on while we grill. Nuts and popcorn are two things I like to set out and I can serve them as is or doctor them up a bit.

You’ll save money if you buy a bag of kernels and pop them up yourself but bags of popped popcorn are at all the stores and usually inexpensive. I buy a big bag or two and serve bowls of regular flavored, along with a spicy version that I make with a few spices that I always have in my pantry. 

SPICY POPCORN MIX –

Mix together – 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon paprika, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Store in airtight container and sprinkle as much or as little as you want over popcorn.

If I have time, I’ll make my favorite Cinnamon-Coffee Pecans, which is always a hit and easy to do. (I make these every single year at Christmas for gift-giving too.) 

CINNAMON-COFFEE PECANS (from The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook)

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 25 minutes

Makes: 16 1/4 cup serving sizes at 45 cents each

Ingredients:

• 3 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• dash of salt

Directions:

Spread pecans in a ugreased roasting pan or 15- x 10-inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes. Combine sugar and remaining 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar and coffee dissolve, stirring often. Add pecans, and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Spread pecans in ungreased pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cool completely; store in an airtight container. Makes 4 cups.

BEVERAGES –

You don’t have to supply a fully stocked bar when you have guests over. We typically have a few wine and beer choices, along with something nonalcoholic to offer. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking your guests to bring their favorite beverage. 

I like to make a big pitcher of homemade lemonade which is super easy to concoct, inexpensive, refreshing on a hot summer day, and not as sugary as some of the ones already made up or the packet mixes. For a more “adult” drink you can simply add a shot of vodka and your choice of garnish like fresh basil or mint.

Homemade Lemonade…Refreshing, Easy & Inexpensive

THE MAIN COURSE –

An easy hot dog bar, classic potato salad and some corn on the cob is a great main course to serve to guests. These are simple, inexpensive, and don’t take too much time. 

Host A Hot Dog/Ice Cream Bar….Easy & Inexpensive..And A Hungry Bear!

A basic potato salad goes well with anything and is one of the most inexpensive side dishes you can make and that most everyone enjoys. I’ve been making this basic version for about 35 years now and it’s always a huge hit. You can of course add more or less of the veggies or sub red onions for white, leave out the mustard if you prefer, add jalapeno or sweet bell peppers…it’s up to your own personal preference. I typically use whatever variety of potato is on sale which is usually Idaho but feel free to use whatever type you prefer. We like a bit of potato peel left so I usually boil the potatoes, cut them up, and leave some of the peel on. Once the salad is made I give it a taste-test and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly and add a bit more mayo or mustard if needed.

BASIC POTATO SALAD 

(Feeds about 8 people)

Ingredients:

6 medium potatoes

3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped pickles

1 cup mayo

1 to 2 tablespoons prepared mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook potatoes in boiling water just until tender, about 25 minutes.

Drain well and cool slightly. Peel and cube the potatoes.

Combine the potatoes and rest of ingredients in large bowl and stir. Chill.

Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob

Prep Time: 10 minutes or less

Cook Time: 8-10 minutes (plus about 5 minutes on the grill)

Serves: 4 for approx $1.50

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, cleaned and shucked
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/3 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt

In a small bowl, mix the mayo, paprika, cilantro, hot sauce and garlic salt. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain the water. Add the corn on the grill after you’ve started your chops cooking and have the potatoes on the grill too. Brush a little bit of sauce on the corn and turn every couple of minutes, adding more sauce as you turn the corn. You want a little bit of charring and for the sauce to thicken up on the corn.

DESSERTS! 

I love making an ice cream bar for an easy dessert that doesn’t require any cooking and you can get as basic or as crazy as you want with the toppings. (See the pics and ideas posted above with the hot dog bar.)

Another simple dessert idea that guests will find refreshing and that looks super cute for any patriotic party is a Strawberry/Blueberry Parfait. Berries are plentiful and inexpensive this time of year which also makes this an affordably sweet treat. This looks particularly pretty if served in a clear glass dish which can be anything from a bowl to an everyday water-glass or even a wine glass. Anything that showcases the red, white, and blue colored layers will work. 

Simply layer strawberry slices on the bottom, add a layer of whipped cream, and top with blueberries. You can make one layer of each or double the layers. You could also use vanilla ice cream in place of the whipped cream. 

TABLE DECOR –

You can have fun with your holiday decorations without spending a ton of money. I personally like to buy my paper products and plastic serving pieces at the Dollar Tree. Thrift stores are great places to pick up red, white, and blue dishes, vases, tablecloths, or any other fun pieces to match your decor. 

This year I’m using a red wheelbarrow filled with ice to hold our beverages like bottled water, beer, juice boxes, etc. 

https://www.719woman.com/2018/05/23/cheap-and-fun-memorial-day-table-setting-ideas/