Lessons from Hosting Fourth of July
My favorite holiday of the year has come and gone. This being an extra special one being America’s 250th Birthday makes it even harder to part with.
My family grew up hosting Fourth of July parties at our lake home. Now, I have continued on the tradition, this being my second year hosting a red, white and blue day party!
This years theme: 4th of July Southern BBQ! And let me tell you… we hit it out of the park. Along the way I learn a couple of things that I want to remember next year when beginning the preparations. So I thought, this is the perfect place to remember them, by sharing with you!
Lesson One: Food Prep will SAVE YOU!
When planning out the menu in advance I didn’t ask myself “how much of this am I able to prep ahead of time without sacrificing the presented product?” BUT I kind of lucked out. The Friday (day before) I made: Rice Krispie Treats, cake sponges, and mac and cheese. On Saturday that left me with: Watermelon and blueberry skewers, coleslaw, cornbread, the mac and cheese breadcrumb topping and the cake filling and assembly.
Upon further review, I wish I gave myself even less on Saturday. Now I would add, prep the Mac and cheese topping, coleslaw, blueberries skewered and have the cornbread mix ready to go into the oven.
Upon even further review, I will always evaluate my menu for how much I can prep ahead of time. The less to give yourself the day of, THE BETTER! Things will come up, you want to give yourself a chance to get ready without rushing and you don’t want to be wiped out by the time your guests begin to arrive.
Lesson Two: Asking For a Sous Chef Won’t Make The Result Less Impressive
I am SO grateful to have had helping hands (especially when it came to mandolining the cabbage because I have been known to not always be trusted with some of the sharp objects when I get going in the kitchen).
In my head, it wouldn’t be a properly hosted party or dinner if I had help. Yes, CRAZY, I know. BUT with a little practice, I am loosening my hosting reigns. And if I am really honest, it’s so much more enjoyable. This Fourth of July, most of my favorite memories are from prepping and smoking the food WITH OTHERS!
And guess what? The product was just as impressive (actually even more impressive thanks to the help) and it was STILL a party even with a couple sous chefs!
Lesson Three: Get Ready Last
I feel like this is a serious debate when hosting- to get ready early or to get ready last. Where to you lie on the topic?
I am now falling in camp get ready last. I just get way too messy in the kitchen and find myself sweating picking up around the house last minute. My pin curls can’t survive my hours of flurrying around the house the morning of.
Give yourself an extra 30 minutes onto your typical “getting ready time” to ensure you’re not just coming out of the bathroom throwing on your earring and mascara before the first guests walk through the door.
Lesson Four: Move the Next Day
Yes, my feet were swollen. Yes, I was a bit tired from the spiked lemonades. Yes, I wanted to just lay on the couch and indulge in a slice of pizza.
As soon as I got outside for a run/ jog on Sunday, I felt like a better version of myself. And I already began to get back into my daily routine. Waking up on Monday morning, I wasn’t still in recovery mode because I already kicked myself into gear on Sunday.
Just trust me, you’ll feel better! Extra points for getting outside and moving.
And if you’re looking for a way to get moving… may I suggest a SCULPT available HERE!
I am so PROUD to be an American. To have an entire day (or weekend) to celebrate the country I am from is priceless. Also, how lucky am I to have friends, family and so many other patriots to celebrate alongside?
I hope you and yours had the most special 250th birthday celebrations!
