A star spangled bbq

July 2, 8:27 AMLA Party Planning ExaminerGisele Perez

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Wire Garlands at the 99 Cent Store

The Fourth of July weekend is fast approaching, and it’s time to throw a fabulous red, white and blue barbecue.

Here are some tips to put some pizzazz in your Independence Day party.

Decor Fabric stores are full of red, white and blue novelty prints this time of year which can be incorporated into your buffet decor. And weave red, blue and silver foil garlands throughout the buffet for a little “star” power. Add a centerpiece of red and white roses and blue delphiniums and cornflowers- but please, don’t dye any flowers blue!

Music Create an IPOD playlist of American classic artists like Bruce Springsteen, Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash along with a few Sousa marches.

Food I’ll be serving beer can chicken, along with barbecued ribs- whole chickens and spareribs are on sale at all the grocery stores this week, and are a great bargain. But if you’re feeling flush, steak, shrimp and even lobster are All American grill classics.

Lucky for us, it just happens to be the height of summer, so the many local farmer’s markets we’re blessed to have in So Cal are offering an abundant selection of summer produce. And nature has provided us with a few red, white and blue treats of her own to “snazz” up our menu. Serve a red, white and blue potato salad as a slightly non-traditional take on the summer barbecue classic (Weiser Farms offers a selection of delicious little potatoes in various colors at several farmer’s markets), or carry out the color theme with a salad of perfectly ripe sliced tomatoes topped with blue cheese crumbles. It’s also prime time for luscious berries. Serve long stemmed strawberries with a big bowl of whipped cream or home made ice cream (as a bonus, the kids will love partaking in the ice cream making process). A mixed berry shortcake with raspberries, strawberries and blueberries is another yummy update of an All American classic.

Activities Along with ice cream making, kids will love old fashioned games of tug of war and potato sack races. Maybe even adults will want to get into the act.

Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a fireworks display, so here’s a listing of local fireworks shows to shuttle off to afterwards. Enjoy your Independence Day celebration!  http://www.safejuly4th.org/fw/fwshows.htm