Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Host An Easy Red, White & Blue Cookout

With the Fourth of July approaching, I thought I'd share some of the things from the impromptu cookout we hosted this past Memorial Day.  It was a quick, low-stress event but also had some cool DIY elements you may consider to help make your Independence Day memorable!

We focused our efforts on good food - Hubbs was on the grill, Mom brought the cold sides, and Munch and I were in charge of the drinks and sweets (and hot sides).  Munch said she wanted to make a cool drink so we hunted for recipes.  We tweaked what we found online based on what we could find in the store and it was really a fun experiment!

Red, White and Blue Drink

Supplies
Cran-Apple Juice
White Powerade (flavor unknown)
Sugar-free blue Powerade
Ice

Steps
1. Pour a little (very little) Cran-Apple juice into the glass
2.  Fill glass with ice and insert straw
3.  Pour White Powerade
4.  Top with blue Powerade


Voila!  A simple fabulous and YUMMY drink!  Munch was so excited and our guests were really impressed!

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes

1.  Bake Red velvet cupcakes according to package instructions
2.  Frost with cream cheese icing
3.  Place 3 blueberries on top

VOILA! A delicious and FESTIVE dessert!


They looked awesome in our cupcake display on the table.  While the cupcakes were on the table, my cool whip cake chilled in the fridge.

Flag Fridge Cake

Bake the cake flavor of your choice according to package directions.  Let cool for at least 20 minutes.  Top with cool whip, use fresh strawberries and blueberries to create a flag on top.  Place in the fridge until you're ready to serve and VOILA!  An easy and fabulous treat!!


We used extra Christmas wrapping paper (red and white striped) to make a simple table runner.  I hung a simple banner from the centerpiece, purchased red and blue napkins, and served all food on white platters.  The uniformed platters and simple decor made a subtle statement while also allowing my inner event planner to do what 'she' does best.

Time with family, specifically surrounding holidays, is not meant to be stressful.  The focus should be on creating a laid back atmosphere where your guests can enjoy themselves.

So, pour a yummy drink, cook up some easy and delicious food, and (oh, come on! Just one more for the road!!) VOILA!  Enjoy the great company!

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