Simple Strategies for a Sparkling 4th

Everyone that knows me knows my motto is 

"Keep it Simple"

We don't all have the time or the talent to pull off those lavish looks, or stunning soirees we see in "Never Never Land" (aka Pinterest) so with SIMPLE being the keyword... here are some (really, truly) simple ways to add some sparkle to your 4th of July Bash.

For Starters...

Create some fireworks of your own.

"Sunday Picnic" is a perfect fit for the 4th.

Oh and by the way... Promo Code HH15 will get you 15% Off.

Yes, I know. Shameless self promotion.

On to the party...

 Canning jars are like a blank canvas. Add some backyard blooms, dig into your craft stash. Make up just one or a multitude of your own creations and you've got instant homespun charm! 

On the Menu?

Again with the simple... Burgers & Hot Dogs 

But here's how to add a little interest.

            

Jazz up plain burgers with unexpected condiments.

How about... 

 Caesar Spread or Spiced Tomato Chutney?

Here's 12 Creative Burger Toppings from

 Real Simple

3 Ways to Dress Up a plain Hot Dog from again

 Real Simple

including this tasty tropical version.

Mix up a batch of 

 Berry Vodka Spritzers

and say Cheers to Independence!

Nix the Vodka for a virgin version.

Little effort, Big Impact.

via Real Simple

How's this for Clever?

Pop a Popsicle Stick into the rind of Melon Wedges.

And to keep it all clean...

via Real Simple

 Cupcake Liners!

 

via Food Network

And for the Grand Finale...   

Fruit Flag Tarts

I'm of the opinion that presentation is everything and this one is so all that!

 Here's the super simple Recipe from Food Network. If you're really pressed for time, I'm thinking Vanilla Pudding would be a tasty alternative to the Mascarpone. 

A few more Hip Tips...

• Keep things organized on your buffet table by stashing your cutlery in terra cotta pots, small galvanized buckets, or canning jars.

• Make a quick dash to the fabric store & pick up some festive fabric. (I like simple gingham because it can be used all Summer long) Cut 12" wide strips for table runners on guest tables and or your buffet table. Best part? No sewing required.

• To avoid watered down punch instead of adding more ice cubes, place your punch bowl or pitcher in a bowl or bucket of ice.

• Use a colorful colander to hold ice or watermelon with a tray beneath to catch the drips.

• Dollar Store bandanas make super Summer napkins and will serve you well for many Summers to come. 

• Here's a great way to cool off your guests on a steamy day and believe me they'll be so grateful & impressed!  Pick up a few sets of inexpensive white washcloths.  Roll up & moisten them, then stash in the freezer. Serve them up on an ice lined tray with lemon slices to wash away the heat of the day. For extra indulgence: Mix a few drops of lavender oil & distilled water in a spray bottle. Give the washcloths a nice spritz before you present them to your guests. 

 Here's to a Festive 4th & a Happy Independence Day!

How cool is this?

Zesty Lemon Cups

You’ll feel pretty hip serving this cool, light summer dessert that’s got plenty of WOW factor and simple prep.  Here’s the best part: you can make this a day ahead and keep frozen until you’re ready to serve, just be sure to make room in your freezer to stash them until it’s time to serve.

Ingredients:

Lemons: Purchase 1 lemon per guest & an extra one for practice. Presentation is everything, so try to pick the pretty ones, and all about the same size.

Lemon Sorbet: About a ½ cup per lemon

Berries *optional

Prep:

Cut off the top 1/3 of the lemon (not the stem end) Keep the top if you’re not using a fruit garnish and want to put a little cap on your cups.

Hollow out each lemon:

Using a grapefruit knife or spoon works best but a teaspoon will work too.  Using your spoon carefully scrape all the flesh from the shell of the lemon, being careful not to puncture the lemon.

Make a slight shallow cut on the bottom of each lemon; again be careful not to cut into the inside of the lemon. This makes your lemon cup sit up straight.

Freeze the shells overnight or at least an hour. Then fill with sorbet and freeze again.

Just before serving top with berries and add a few more on the plate for a fabulous presentation!

Hostess Hint* 

We used Lemon Sorbet & raspberries but you can really get creative with this, try Orange or Raspberry Sorbet, garnish with orange slices, a strawberry with the stem attached, or even a small cookie! For a really festive look add a cocktail umbrella!  How cool is that?