Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
~ Thomas Jefferson
It’s that time of the year when we come together to watch fireworks and commemorate America’s independence. I thought it would be fun to share images and recipes that are inspiring me as I plan our festivities for next week, and hopefully give you some inspiration too. So… let’s jump into picnic mode, fire up the grill and hoist up those Stars and Stripes in celebration of the 4th of July!
Photo by Yossy Arefi
July 4th is the ultimate way to officially kick off the summer and bring together friends and family around your table, whatever form that may be – a picnic blanket or backyard BBQ, while adding in lots of fresh fruits and veggies as lush displays and recipe ingredients.
What to drink?
Rose Sangria with Peaches and Raspberries by College Housewife
It’s always festive to have a special drink or cocktail in addition to your other drink offerings in the cooler. We’ll be mixing up pitchers of this Rose Sangria with peaches and raspberries from the College Housewife blog.
Appetizers and The Table
For me the menu planning goes hand in hand with thinking about the way you want your table to look. Think about the overall effect, including flowers, tablecloth, linen napkins, and decorations. I love to have a broad display with a fruit, veggie or cheese board that makes your table look lush. Sorella Collection in LA makes the most amazing Graze Boards. Mix and match veggies, fruits, herbs and dips for a big impact.
Sorella Collection Graze Boards
Oysters
Oysters at Merroir
Since we’ll be in White Stone, VA for our 4th of July celebration we will definitely be shucking oysters fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Every time we come home to White Stone we eat oysters at Merroir, one of our favorite spots right on the banks of the Rappahannock River.
Krister at Merroir
What’s on the grill?
The Dog Days of Summer… you can have a variety of hot dogs from beef, chicken, sausage links to veggie dogs, and go crazy with your toppings with a topping station.
Creative toppings for your dogs by the Sun Chronicle
Chicken is an easy option for the grill. Marinate chicken breasts any number of ways and grill or go for barbecue, one of my favorites.
Photo by Deb Lindsey for the Washington Post July 4th recipes
What is a 4th of July celebration without corn? Here are four ways to grill those ears…
Photo by Scott Suchman for the Washington Post July 4th recipes
Something for everyone
In this day and age of wide spread allergies and varied food preferences, you’ll want to make sure you have something for everyone on your table. For the vegetarian and vegan friendly entree in addition to the standard veggie hot dogs and burgers consider Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwiches that I found on the Better Homes and Gardens site and if you are not familiar with the fruit they also give you the Jack Fruit Basics.
Who’s your sidekick?
Spring Potato Salad by Mississippi Vegan
Firecracker Green Beans by Mississippi Vegan
Sweet Inspiration
I love fruit! Fruit on it’s own as dessert, fruit in a pie, fruit in a crisp, fruit in a cobbler.
Various berry pies by Martha Stewart
Blueberry Cobbler by Mississippi Vegan
With all the fruit pies, crips and cobblers I like to serve ice cream, both dairy and non-dairy options. I also think I’m going to try this gorgeous vegan strawberry ice cream pie.
So these are the things I’m thinking about. What are you thinking about serving? Let us know. Meanwhile, we’re getting things ready and just hung our new flags…
Carrie Allen created this site as a way for people to share stories about things they love. She loves chasing quiet, authentic moments and sharing them with her family and friends. Read more about her inspiration here.