This is a great day to fire up the patriotism in your home and family. Flags are a natural way to start up the spirit of Independence Day! You can get small flags at a dollar store and line the driveway, or buy a dozen and the kids in your family can create their own display.
Better still, use homemade decorations to deck your apartment, yard, or mailbox with a patriotic theme. There are so many themes to choose from but let your kids do the designing; they have lots of great ideas and you'll be surprised what they can do.
As you've read on my blog in the past, I like to find some interesting facts about each holiday and share them with my family. This holiday is no exception. I read on Wikipedia that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of our founding fathers and signers of the Declaration of Independence (who also served our young country as president), just happened to die on the 4th of July, 1826. Fifty years after they signed the Declaration of Independence, both of them died on the very same day. What are the chances of that happening?
I liked something else Wikipedia had to say about the Fourth of July, "Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the day off and, in some years, a long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares." I think they said it well—let's start planning a celebration with a bang!
There's still plenty of time to invite friends, family, or neighbors for a potluck. It’s a great way to entertain by sharing the cooking. You can provide the meat and let everyone else take care of the sides.
It’s also a good time to teach your children about shared responsibility as well.
Over the years, our children learned that when company is coming, mom needs extra hands in the kitchen. Those extra helping hands resulted in extra opportunities to share, laugh, and enjoy more time together.
Here are some MealEssence.com potluck recipes that are sure to be a hit!
Cold Hot
Creamy Potato Salad Baked Bean Quartet
Seven-layer Salad Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Broccoli-Raisin Salad Traditional Macaroni and Cheese
Lemon-Garlic Green Beans Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese
These are just a few of the great recipes on MealEssence.com. Begin searching for your favorites—or new favorites—here! Remember, these dishes have one thing in common: they can all be prepared ahead and transported easily. More time to enjoy your gathering and celebrate the holiday!
Do you have memories of 4th of July parades from your childhood? If your family hasn’t been to a parade and would love the experience, now is a good time to find out when and where the parade will be held in your area. If you haven't watched a parade marching through town before, plan to go this year. Start a new family tradition! Everyone loves a parade and I can’t think of a better way to start your Independence Day celebration!
So display the flag proudly, dress in patriotic colors, and spend a few moments reflecting on those men and women who set this great country in motion. Celebrate liberty, gather with friends, and pitch in together for a fantastic holiday meal together!