1. Make your playlist
now.
90s throwbacks? Marvin Gaye? John Phillip Sousa? Whatever
your style, start compiling your party’s mix sooner, not later. Great things
take time—and collaboration—so get started now and tweak the tunes throughout
the week. We like the hamburger method: start with the bun, the songs that set
the mood. Next comes the burger patty itself: classic crowd-pleasers, back to
back. The lettuce and ketchup are
the filler songs that provide cohesion throughout the party. Throw in some
curveballs—the bacon or the fried egg of the burger, if you will—and finish
with another mood-setter, the satisfying bottom bun.
2. Know your menu.
Plan ahead and pick easy, yummy recipes for your Fourth of
July celebrations. Try choosing make-ahead options without complicated
ingredients/cooking instructions to make the day easier. Knowing your menu a
week in advance can also help you plan your grocery shopping around the mobs of
stressed holiday shoppers.
3. Buy the easy
stuff.
You know you’re serving on plastic/paper? Great. Go get
that, stat. You know the cocktails (or mocktails) you’re making already?
Alcohol and mixers/drink garnishes won’t expire in the week before your party.
Get those this weekend, and avoid the liquor stores and beer distributors on
the 4th. Your family is already asking about your famous bean dip or
pasta salad? Excellent. You can buy non-perishables like beans and pasta this
weekend and cut down on the time you’ll spend in the store getting the fresher
stuff later in the week.
4. Outsource early.
If you’re okay with outsourcing some of the dishes you’ll be
serving, know which ones and where they’re coming from. If your sister makes
great desserts, ask her ASAP if she’s willing to bring something over to your
party. Know where you’re getting it and how much you’ll need so you can order
ahead!
