Did someone convince you to throw a July 4th party this year? Fear not! This year the planning starts early. This week’s YASSSletter is all about fabulous side dishes to make in addition to those gorgeous American classics we will be talking about next week! #hotdogs #smashburgers (Also, great sides to bring as a guest. 😉)

Additionally, we put together a list of our favorite go to hosting tools that are sure to make your party prep, execution, and clean up much easier. When planning a party, set yourself up for success by starting early, building a plan, building a “team”, and prepping 90% of the party in advance.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the food that is served on the 4th of July. BBQ, sundaes, red white and blue everything…but sometimes the sides are missing a little extra special love. These three seasonal salads are sure to get your guests chatting!

So without further ado…

Todays Agenda: Getting Ready for July 4th!

1. 🍉 Herby Chopped Watermelon Salad Recipe

2. 🌽 Grilled Corn Salad Recipe

3. 🍒 Apricot Cherry Salad Recipe

4. 🎆 4th of July Hosting Tips & Tools

Herby Chopped Watermelon Salad

🌽 Grilled Corn Salad

🍒 Apricot Cherry Salad

🎆 Make the 4th Effortless

With these tips, tricks, and tools from our playbook to your kitchen!

1. Whether you are using a mandolin to build a gorgeous crudite plate or skewering shrimp to go straight on the grill. Having the right tools when you host is absolutely essential. These are my summer favorites.

2. Fruit goes a VERY long way, when you are hosting on a hot day. Cut up a big juicy watermelon and keep it in the fridge (or even the freezer) for a few hours before serving, so its nice and cold for your guests while they are roughing the brutal temps this summer.

3. Don’t underestimate a Prep Day. Build a menu, ORDER your groceries (yes Costco does Instacart delivery) , and prep EVERYTHING that doesn’t need to be made on spot, in quart containers for hassle/ mess free hosting.

4. Wanna avoid a crazy clean up? No problem. Go disposable, but make sure its compostable! Nothing more gut wrenching than a garbage bag of single-use plastic after an excellent event. Bamboo plates and wooden forks are our absolute go to. Don’t want to use a plastic table cloth? Go for a roll of paper instead! It makes things absolutely gorgeous. OR if you are hosting kids? Grab a coloring table cloth. Yes, they make them. And yes, they are SO COOL, even for adults.