Tuesday, July 5, 2011

An American Backporch BBQ



The 4th of July is my favorite holiday besides Christmas!  I love the energy of the warm, dark night as people laugh and talk all over the neighborhood at 10pm.  How cool is that?  Every time I hear the fireworks boom, it reminds me of what we celebrate: AMERICA.  The confident and commanding sound of the fireworks symbolize the greatness of the land we call home.  And the colors that light up the party in the sky unite us all as we celebrate with loyalty our freedoms, compassion, and innovative spirits.  We are America: home of the free and land of the brave. I hope we extend that patriotic swell in our heart to our future little generations.  The heart of the people determine the future of our country.  

 
Happy Birthday USA
 
To celebrate July 4th, we had a FRESH backporch BBQ.  It was such a kickback and chill day.  I spent the morning cooking and doing party prep while the boys and Chris did yard work.  That afternoon, we savored a lot of lazy moments.  Chris played guitar on the back porch. We had such a fun night together in our backyard.  Dakotah even made a ball toss contest with prizes! (annnnd, I won! lol)  We played poker and the boys did some bb gun target shooting.   


We simply couldn't ask for more...
  



Fresh, bright white with bold patriotic colors:
(bunting from Grandin Road)



Whenever we are all doing something outside in the summertime,
I like to keep a basket, pail, or bag of skin lifesavers easily accessible.


We brought in a hot dog cart to serve up some classic goodness:
(cart from Pottery Barn for all the inquiring minds!) ;) 

And I have used these chalkboard signs 
that I made a couple years ago countless time now!


I double love my pendant banner from last year


Getting our grill on...

 

Ketchup, check.
Relish, check.
Mustard, check.


I found a way to make AMAZINGly beautiful layered drinks 
and this will change my 
party-lovin life FOREVER.  
I will now be doing this
ALL.THE. TIME. 


Here's the down low:  
The highest sugar content goes in first as the bottom layer.  
Fill up your glasses completely with ice 
Pour slowly. 
Have fun with this one! 

This is: 
Sobe Pina Colada for the white,
Gatorade Fruit Punch for the red, and G2 Blueberry Pomegranate for the blue. 

For appetizers, I made some dangerous loaded baked potato dip
and served with chip varieties.  


To add in some healthy STUFF, I made homemade, crispy
Sweet Potato Fries.

I found these adorable fry holders at World Market
and simply pushed some pretty star stickers on them.
I highly recommend this recipe!  They were the perfect texture. 
(I modified the recipe by adding grated parmasan to the recipe and some Italian seasonings.)  




 I made a healthier version of corndogs for the littles.
I don't have a recipe for these YET
because I mixed and matched 3 different recipes!

  
I added extra long ribbon to create
*firecracker corndogs* 
for my little people.


The kids table:


Each plate had a color matched bag of animal crackers.


GOTTA have berries...


I've been experimenting with some healthier baked goods.  
This is another recipe from the Babycakes cookbook.




I'm sure kids think that parents don't always make sense.  
We teach our kids to never, ever, ever play with fire...
then 4th of July comes along...


I regret buying these fireworks for SO many reasons, 
but that's another whole story...



GUYS + EXPLOSIVES = HAPPINESS




Our family firework show was held in my parent's backyard, not ours....
but the dinner and festive day shown here was our backyard.

 

 
 I also made some CLASSIC mini pies that I will share in an upcoming post SOON! 
Here's a peek a boo at them...


Because nothing beats an ALL AMERICAN
berry pie!  Check back soon for the details on this 
backporch pie shop.

 
 I hope you were blessed on your long holiday weekend.  In closing, words from a past President of the United States of America:

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” 
-John F Kennedy



 
This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY ShowoffSeasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Home Decor & Organizing, Outdoor Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design DazzleBe Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up

49 comments:

caveman said...

I'm with you Lisa. Nothing beats the country wide atmosphere of Independence Day. I had to laugh when you mentioned how confusing firework "ethics" must be for three boys. But then I almost cried when you mentioned regretting buying them. Regardless, this weekend ranks among my all time favorites!

God Bless America.

Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry said...

WoW... EVERYTHING looks AMAZING!

Karen said...

What an amazing backyard party! Loved everything. You really outdid yourself! I saw the cart in the Pottery Barn magazine and fell in love with it too. Great ideas you have shared with us.

Brittany said...

I LOVE THOSE DRINKS!!! Thanks for sharing! What a great idea!

These Are The Days said...

I dare say your food is the best I've seen...and those r,w,b, drinks are literally making my mouth water. :)

www.these-are-the-days.com

Jane said...

What a great way to celebrate the 4th (and my birthday!) The food and decorations look fabulous!

I know what you mean about the mixed message of playing with fire and fireworks fun. We dealt with this topic too. Well, the boys are grown and no fires have been started...and they all have their fingers and toes. So I guess whatever we said made sense. Basically, they will emulate whatever Chris does...and listen to what he says (maybe not all the time...but in the long run, the grown sons always seem to come back to these lessons).
Hugs,
Jane (Artfully Graced)

Veronika said...

Looks like a great 4th!

Celly B said...

What a fun afternoon! Everything looks charming! You've created a wonderful memory.

Anonymous said...

What a great holiday you all had! I love your fabric pendant banner. I keep telling myself I'm going to make one. It's going to happen very soon!!

BluBabesCreate said...

Beautiful ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) said...

Wow! Everything looks so amazing! You had a great time. Thanks for sharing:)
Love your creative site. Hope to see you on my blog:)

Tricia @ SweeterThanSweets said...

Looks like such a fun time! I love the idea of those drinks. So creative!! And I'm bookmarking the sweet potato fry recipe because I've tried making them before and it was a disaster. Yours look perfect.
(via TT&J)

jessica/miniature rhino said...

looks like such a fun celebration... and now I'm craving homemade fries!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Looks like a wonderful family celebration for the 4th! I'm sure your boys had fun! fun! fun!

Leslie said...

This just looks so fantastic! I especially love the healthy foods mixed in and the radio flyer wagon filled with fireworks. Thanks so much for sharing!

Stacey said...

Looks like a BLAST! Love your pennant banner!
Stacey of Embracing Change

JudyBug said...

Love all your ideas for celebrating the 4th! You have created some wonderful memories they will never forget.

Leanne said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. You know I love all your party ideas so of course I had to feature this awesome BBQ. I hope you had an awesome 4th!

Leanne said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. You know I love all your party ideas so of course I had to feature this awesome BBQ. I hope you had an awesome 4th!

Leanne said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. You know I love all your party ideas so of course I had to feature this awesome BBQ. I hope you had an awesome 4th!

Leanne said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. You know I love all your party ideas so of course I had to feature this awesome BBQ. I hope you had an awesome 4th!

Leanne said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. You know I love all your party ideas so of course I had to feature this awesome BBQ. I hope you had an awesome 4th!

Leanne said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. You know I love all your party ideas so of course I had to feature this awesome BBQ. I hope you had an awesome 4th!

Marie@Procrastinating in Pink said...

Looks like an amazing 4th! I'm loving all of your festive details and food!

Snap said...

I love back yard bar-b-ques ... complete with bug spray and sunscreen! Home is always best for any holiday! No fireworks for us this year because of the drought. Have a great week!

The Tablescaper said...

Your celebration continues! Thanks so much for sharing it with Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Beth said...

What a fun, fun, fun celebration! All the food looks soooo yummy,now I am craving an ice cold drink and hotdog:)!
Beth

Allison Shops said...

Wow, that's a lot of fireworks! Looks like everyone had a good time with good food.. and family, of course. The 4th is my favorite holiday - it's my birthday!
Dropping by from Met Monday. I'll hope you'll come see the nursery I helped create for my first grandchild.

Allison
Atticmag

Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com said...

This BBQ looks like a blast! Great job!

Entertaining Women said...

I love that you spent so much time and effort to create such a marvelous celebration for your precious boys. I love that you are instilling in them the importance of recognizing this magnificent country of ours. Thank you for sharing your wonderful day with us. Cherry Kay

Unknown said...

These are all such amazing ideas.. your food and drinks look delicious and that banner it too stinking adorable! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo party.. can't wait to see what you share next!

Miss Kitty said...

SO MUCH to love about this blog! Great photography, decorations, recipes! Thank you so much for sharing with us. I am your newest follower...don't want to miss out on your good ideas.

Kirstin said...

All I can say is WOW!!

Anonymous said...

Uh...WOW...and YUM!
I triple love your banner and can't wait to try your layered drinks!

You go girl!

Michelle said...

I love the layered drinks! I have never seen anything quite like that.

Renee Hanlon said...

Wow! Can I come to your house next year for the 4th?!
Renee @ Rustic Crafts

Eve @ Not So Artsy said...

How Fun! I love the pail with skin savers. The drinks are awesome, we will be trying those for my little ones. All the food was so creative. I bet your kids LOVED it! I found you at the Shabby Chic Cottage link party.

Anonymous said...

You are amazing! I am stealing every idea for my party next year! Thanks for so much inspiration!

Kelli W said...

What an awesome way to celebrate! I love that cute hot dog cart and the homemade corn dogs look really yummy!

Unknown said...

amazing! what a fun, casual but done right, backyard party! I hear ya about the fireworks, though! I am glad they are illegal here :)

designdazzle.blogspot.com said...

What a wonderful day and special event! You're amazing : )
Thanks for linking up.
Toni

Crazy Wonderful said...

Oh my goodness, what an amazing party!!!

annies home said...

love it all from the decor to the food bet it was an amazing party

Its So Very Cheri said...

You ALWAYS do such a fabulous job. What great memories for the kids.

xo,
Cheri

Susan @ Oh My! Creative said...

Love so many things about your party - pinned your Red, White and Blue Drinks!

Printabelle said...

Love all of these ideas! I wanted to let you know that you were featured on my Best 4th of July ideas post at:http://printabelle.com/?p=5299
If you would like a featured button, I have them here: http://printabelle.com/?page_id=724 Thanks!

Lindsay Artsy-Fartsy Mama said...

Too cute and awesome recipes!!

I featured your drink recipe on my blog today, feel free to come check it out :)
http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2012/07/pinteresting-features-n-shtuff-38.html

Bethany said...

So cute! We tried making the layered punch drinks though, and sadly, they didn't turn out. The pina colada and red fruit punch Gatorade layers worked and looked awesome! We didn't buy the Sobe pina colade b/c it was too expensive, we just bought a mixer from the alcohol aisle (although it was non-alcoholic). But when we poured the blue G2 Gatorade in it just mixed with the red and turned purple-ish. BUMMER! Ours wasn't pomegranate, it was Glacier Freeze, but I'm not sure why that would make a difference. It had 7 grams of sugar in it compared to the 21 grams in the red Gatorade.

Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate said...

Hi, Lisa! I'm stopping by to let you know that I featured your fun USA Sugar Sips on my blog today: http://www.chattingoverchocolate.com/2013/06/lets-have-pinteresting-4th-of-july.html
Thanks for sharing these! ... Have a terrific 4th!! :)