2024 Edit: The intro below is 5 years old but the 4th of July food ideas are still just as great!
Well it’s that time of year again. American Independence Day. I have been living in the UK for the past 6 years but that hasn’t stopped me from celebrating all the fun holidays I did back home. In fact, not only have I found fellow Americans, but I’ve befriended people from countries all over the world who are looking for another excuse to celebrate life. They love attending my annual Thanksgivings, New Years Eve and July 4th parties.
For five years running now, Hashtag Husband and I have a rooftop party at our lovely 26 story building in East London around the 4th of July. Each year has a theme. Last year we paired the party with my husband’s 40th birthday and the theme was “A Very Tim Burton Funeral” in celebration of the death of my husband’s childhood. (haha) Everyone came dressed to the nines in costumes of characters from Tim Burton films. #Husband and I went as Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter. I had the food catered and we had a full open bar, DJ and live music.
This year I’m bringing things back to Independence Day. The theme is “A Very 90’s Fourth of July.” Everyone is already excited to come dressed as Spice Girls or Friends or Beverly Hills 90210. Maybe there will even be a raver or two.
The food this year is going to be a little more “down home” as well. I thought it would be fun to grill or to do a hot dog bar. I wasn’t sure exactly what to do so I took to Pinterest for ideas. Here’s some of the cool suggestions that I found.
1. Veggie Platters & Cheese Platters
You can’t go wrong with these snacky little platters. They’re so easy to make at home and who doesn’t love Ranch dressing as dip? Who doesn’t love cheese?
2. Red, White & Blue Popcorn
How cute is this? Turns out it’s pretty easy to make as well. Simply melt white chocolate and color it with food coloring. Then drip it over the popcorn (preferably freshly popped). Tastes great!
3. Jello Shots
Always a hit. Make these light treats as separate colors or do red, white and blue all in one shot. Normally they are made with vodka but I don’t like vodka so I do a batch (or two) with rum. I’m guessing gin would be a good mix as well. Don’t want to deal with making jello? Get a bunch of Gummy Bears into a bowl, pour your liquor over them and freeze overnight. They make a super-cute and tasty treat.
4. Hot Dog Bar
What says 90’s American Independence Day more than a hot dog? This year we are going to have a hot dog bar. Personally I don’t like hot dogs but these pictures are making me second-guess that. Plus, check out this cool way to make them in a slow cooker. How easy is that?
5. Taco Bar
Borrow an idea from our American neighbors to the south and have a taco bar. Want less mess? Try a chips and salsa bar instead. Both will be an instant hit. Note: Baked potato bars and Mac & Cheese bars are also cool ideas.
6. Red, White & Blue Sangria
There are so many easy ways to make Sangria. I usually choose either red or white wine, chop up the fruit that goes with what I choose and chill it all overnight in a large pitcher. For red, white and blue I would suggest white wine, strawberries, pineapple and blueberries.
7. Patriotic Rice Krispie Treats
As American as apple pie. Just use the regular recipe add fooding coloring into the mix and shape into balls. Super easy. If you feel more crafty, check out this recipe for making the balls into an actual American flag!
8. Patriotic Cupcakes
I mean, cupcakes! Especially chocolate as far as I am concerned. Store bought or homemade you really can’t go wrong.
