Enjoyable Entertaining, Even When You're the Host

It's Fourth of July weekend, and all over town drinks will be chilled, watermelon will be sliced and grills will be lit for the festivities. And whether you are expecting a crowd or just cooking out with your family, here are some tips to make entertaining a blessing instead of a burden.

The number one rule of any gathering is to plan ahead. And for moms, that means allow twice as much time to prepare the food and set out the decorations. The proverb declaring, "Many hands make light work" doesn't always apply to hands under 10 years old. Most kids love to help, so take advantage of that with small jobs that are age appropriate.

The second piece of valuable advice is to keep it simple. There are those occasional evenings when foodie friends will gather and take on some challenging recipes; however, when the air is hovering around 90 degrees and people are scheduled to attend fireworks displays, now is not the time to impress with complicated nibbles.

When I follow the above steps, then the third is easy: have fun! If you are overworked and too busy to enjoy the fruit of your own labor, not to mention the company of your guests, then something is wrong. People enjoy themselves and feel comfortable when they see a relaxed host. Otherwise, you might send the message that your guests are more of a stress than a pleasure.

With the basic guidelines in place, you are ready to figure out the details of how to decorate, what to drink and which snacks you'll devour.

Decorate

Get the kids involved. Whether you like to wrap your porch in the stars and stripes or fill the tables with flowers, children love to add some color and pizzazz to the picnic. For a casual look, use jam jars or milk bottles as vases for cut flowers.

The Internet has an abundance of templates you can print out for decorations as well. Check out Martha Stewart's site for some easy and quick crafts, such as wrapping clean cans with a patterned paper to hold utensils, flowers or bread sticks.

Candles offer subtle illumination as the sun is setting, while also keeping bugs away. At a recent cookout, I dug out these flip-flop candles, a gift from long ago, and floated them in a glass trifle bowl. My kids lined the bottom carefully with pebbles, but sand would work as well.

Drink

In addition to coolers full of soda and beer, a cold non-alcoholic drink can add fun and creativity for both children and adults. Brew and chill a gallon of unsweetened tea. Serve the tea in large clear cups with scoops of sorbet, such as mango, lemon or raspberry. Garnish with some mint or a straw.

Devour

While waiting for the grilled dogs and burgers, satisfy your guests' cravings with some variety.

Sliced watermelon, veggie platters and chips with dip are standard at most cookouts. To add some different flavors, try deviled eggs. The eggs can be boiled and chilled the day before, then the yolks mixed and filled the day of your party.

A friend brought over my new favorite dip last week, Melted Brie and Artichoke Dip, which she served warm with a sliced baguette. Although not many people want to turn on their ovens in the summer, this dip could be heated in the microwave or even covered and cooked on the grill.

Whatever your plans this Fourth of July, remember the reason for our celebration and take time to appreciate those around you.