Catering for the Fourth of July

It’s just a few days until our most patriotic holiday. Let’s give a big shout for the red, white and blue! Fourth of July cookouts can be anything from a high end not-so-casual event to a down-home comfort cookout.

Many times these events include food cut into stars and lots of little flags combined with dishes made of whip cream, blueberries, and strawberries. Not every dish has to be dusted with shapes or food in the patriot color scheme, though.  Themed events are a great time to let your creativity shine.  We know that catering isn’t just about the food anymore, either. It’s about the style you bring to an event. Here are a few 4th of July food ideas to help spark some inspiration!

A Rustic Fourth

The rustic look has been in for a while for weddings but it can be carried over to other events as well. Think of it as catering for our great forefathers. No overly fancy serving dishes but no paper plates either. It’s your in-between a Hampton’s celebration and neighborly backyard barbeque; the middle ground between fine china and Chinet. You can mix patterns of red, white, or blue without having to include stars or stripes. Use more wood and less ceramic for centerpieces and leave tables exposed when styling a buffet or table.
Style: Mixed floral prints, wood and lace, exposed tables, flowers, handwritten signs

Photo Credit: Colin Cowie Weddings

Photo Credit: Celebrating Everyday Life

A Modern Picnic

Jazz up the typical cookout with a modern feel. Bring white frames with graphic designed images for labeling food or stations. You can also wrap beverages in graphic labels and buy geometric printed hotdog boats instead of the good ol’ white paper boats.
Style: Geometric prints, san serif fonts, simple patterns, clean lines, printed signs

Photo Credit: Hostess with the Mostess

Photo Credit: The Idea Room

The Classic Patriot

And for those who just can’t say no to a good red, white, and blue extravaganza you can have a classic July 4th decorated event. It’s a simple mix of large white elements like buckets or lanterns with flags of all sizes throughout the tables. Don’t forget your U.S.A themed foods – blueberry and strawberry fruit trays and firework colored cocktails.
Style: Simple large décor, no food labels, red, white and blue, flags galore, fresh flowers

Photo Credit: MODwedding

Have a happy and safe holiday!