Independence Day is a great time for a celebration! This time of year you don't want to spend hours in a hot kitchen getting ready, you need to have a party that is as effortless as it is entertaining...and here's how!

To be true to the red, white, and blue, you will want to feature a menu with these colors in mind! There is the traditional favorite of a sheet cake, covered with whipped creme, and topped with blueberries and strawberry slices in the shape of the stars and stripes. But also think outside the box - white AND blue corn chips with salsa. This is an especially delicious treat if you make your own: toss a few cans of tomatoes or fresh ones from the garden, some garlic, onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapeno into the food processor. MMMMM!
Fresh fruit or a fruit pizza also make for a great choice, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and slices of watermelon. You could also make a jello salad with blue and red jello and topped with whipped creme. But don't forget the food that made America what it is...hot dogs, burgers, and apple pie!

For the beverages there are many tasty options that are perfect for a hot July day! You can make frozen alcoholic and non-alcoholic daiquiris and margaritas for a cool treat, but my favorite is for adults only. It's a delicious cooler I came up with called a "Boji Tea" (Okoboji is the area I live in). For this drink you can either use a premixed Long Island Iced Tea blend and use 2 oz., or create your own by combining 1/2 oz. of each of the following: tequila, light rum, vodka, and gin. Add 1 oz. sweet and sour mix, 1 oz. lemonade, and 1 oz. blue curacao. Serve over ice and enjoy responsibly!

Don't forget to pick up plenty of bug spray and sunscreen, and make sure there are enough chairs and blankets for everyone to watch the fireworks display comfortably come nightfall. Play some blues, classic rock, or southern rock in the afternoon and switch to some patriotic favorites for the show!

Take pride in your country and take pride in your party!