The 4th of July is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy the warm weather. As the summer flies by, however, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the preparation and planning that comes with the holiday. Make the most out of your long weekend by planning ahead. Whether you are hosting a pool party, backyard barbecue, or fireworks viewing, read this essential guide to a stress-free summer celebration.
Keep the Menu Simple
While good food is an important part of any celebration, why spend hours in the kitchen on a summer day? Instead, opt for a simple menu. Burgers and hot dogs are always a classic option, but if you rather not deal with all the messiness of grilling, consider a grazing table filled with delicious meats, bread, chocolate, and fruits or a charcuterie board for easy clean-up. Having people over early in the day? A brunch board made up of pastries, avocado toast, fruits, and more will satisfy all age groups.
Make a Signature Cocktail
The best way to relax this 4th of July is poolside with a refreshing drink. Rather than stress over stocking your bar and catering to the preferences of each of your guests, simplify your planning and reduce the size of your grocery list with a signature cocktail. Many cocktails can also be pre-mixed and placed in larger pitchers ahead of time, which means you will be able to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Check out this recipe for a simple and patriotic red, white, and blue cocktail that can be made in under five minutes!
Organize and Declutter Your Home
In preparation for guests, take some time to tidy up your home before the holiday. Cleaning your space is a useful tool for de-stressing because a cleaner home creates a more peaceful atmosphere and allows you to regain a sense of control of your life. In order to experience a stress-free 4th of July and summer, take some time to organize your space. Once your space is in order, impress your friends and family by decorating the house with beautiful plants. Skip the trip to Party City and the stress of hanging up streamers and opt for window boxes and planters to add some color and brightness to your home.
Prepare Pets Ahead of Time
While watching the fireworks is a fun Independence Day classic, if you have dogs, it is important to know that this activity may bring them anxiety. To prevent a stressful situation, take precautions by creating a safe space for your pet. You may consider leaving your dog at home with a sitter or training them to be desensitized to the sound. Other options include taking your dog on a walk before the fireworks start or drowning out the sound with music or white noise. For a more comprehensive list of options, take a look at this article.
