It’s here, Ladies! Fourth of July has arrived. And with it all sorts of homegrown festivities to celebrate our nation’s independence with parades, concerts, fireworks, and a 4th of July backyard barbecue hosted by yours truly. Independence Day has been recognized as an official holiday since 1870, then became a paid federal holiday in 1941. But the 4th of July has been celebrated since 1776 as the birth of American Independence. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for the colonies’ independence from Britain. On July 4th, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted, and the Revolutionary War raged on.
The first official celebration of Independence Day was in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1777. and we continue to commemorate this exceptional day with organized celebrations and fireworks. If you live in the good old U.S. of A., this is truly a day we should all be proud to call ourselves American.
The Summary
Today, Beth shares her Fourth of July Backyard Barbecue
Her outfit is old, but find shoppable links to a similar outfit
Shop Beth’s Fourth of July Table and Outdoor Grilling Equipment
4th of July Backyard Barbecue
Beth’s 4th of July Celebration
This is one holiday I have always loved to celebrate. I have fond childhood memories of neighborhood parades, homemade ice cream, apple pie, hamburgers, pickup baseball games, and golf tournaments. Then after the games, we would pack blankets and sparklers to head to our local fireworks display to watch the show.
Nothing fancy this year for our 4th of July backyard barbecue, but I am happy to set up a patriotic table. My everyday dishes are white, so it’s easy to bring in shades of blue and red to celebrate the 4th. And I love to hunt for red, white, and blue paper goods that abound this time of year.
American Flags | Patriotic Party Napkins | Star-Shaped Paper Plates | Rectangular Flag Paper Plates | Similar American Flag Food Trays | Patriotic Plaid Paper Napkins | Bunting set of 3 | 4 oz. Ramekins | Heart-Shaped Platter | Similar Table Runner
Cue the Backyard Barbecue
Since I am entertaining with the family at home, a festive casual outfit is perfect. Easy to move in chambray chino shorts are comfortable, which is key, because I am shuttling food up and down the back stairs, from the kitchen to the grill. A sleeveless top is also comfortable since I am outside over the hot grill.
Recreate the Outfit
Similar Chambray Chino Shorts | Similar Chambray Shorts | Alternative Red Top | Ruffle Neck Top | Jack Rogers Flat Sandals
Time to fire up the grill! I love this Weber charcoal grill because it is so easy to use. Grilling out is one of my favorite ways to entertain in the summer. And an easy-to-use grill when I am hosting solo is essential. Is there anything better than the smell of a charcoal grill fired up? Cue the sound of lawnmowers and visions of my childhood dance in my head.
Everyone gets in on the fun at a backyard barbecue, even Oscar – who is especially excited because his best buddy Pax is here to play. These two good boys might even get a bite of a hot dog!
Beverage Station
When entertaining outside for a July party, I love to set up a beverage station so that my guests can help themselves to a variety of cold and refreshing drinks. A Steel Beverage Tub is great to fill with ice and keep bottled beverages cold. Then, I like to have a couple of drink dispensers filled with refreshing drinks, like iced tea and cucumber water. Drink dispensers are also perfect for a batch cocktail. Be sure to keep plenty of ice on hand, as it will melt fast!
Steel Beverage Tub | Beverage Dispenser | Double Drink Dispenser with Stand | American Flags
I like to keep the ice separate so the melting ice doesn’t water down the drinks I have in the Beverage Dispenser. My solution is to prefill cups with ice and then put those cups on ice. This way, my guests can easily grab an ice-filled cup and dispense whichever beverage they like.
Steel Beverage Tub | Beverage Dispenser | Double Drink Dispenser with Stand | American Flags
4th Of July Barbecue Menu
The grill is fired up and ready to go! On the menu for this Fourth of July Barbecue, we have a wonderful spatchcock chicken from Trader Joe’s, ribeye steaks, and bratwurst, plus corn on the cob and hot dogs. All of which will be grilled to perfection!
Grill Tool Set | Weber Charcoal Grill
Recreate the Outfit
Similar Chambray Chino Shorts | Similar Chambray Shorts | Alternative Red Top | Ruffle Neck Top | Jack Rogers Flat Sandals
Also on the menu, we have a refreshing and delicious Watermelon Salad which is juicy and savory with a little bit of heat!
Watermelon Salad Ingredients
¼ to ½ Watermelon, cubed
1 Serrano Pepper, thinly sliced
Feta, to taste
Juice of 1 Lime
Drizzle of Olive Oil
Watermelon Salad Instructions
Step 1
Place cubed watermelon on a tray or shallow bowl.
Step 2
Top with feta, Serrano pepper slices, lime juice, and olive oil.
Tidbit Plates | Oval Platter | Laguiole Flatware Set | Similar Red Stripe Napkins
With all the grilling done, the watermelon salad made, it’s time to lay out the rest of the 4th of July Barbecue Spread. We have:
Grilled Chicken
Ribeye Steaks
Hot Dogs, with all the fixings
Bratwurst
Corn on the Cob
Watermelon Salad
Potato Chips
Sweet Potato Chips
White Frosted Cupcakes
If steaks and chicken seem like too much for you, consider pulled pork and a side like an easy potato salad.
Backyard Barbecue Feast
Our Independence Day Celebration is casual so our side dishes are simple:
The watermelon salad is a simple two steps to put together.
The corn on the cob was grilled with the chicken, hot dogs, steaks, and bratwurst.
The other side dishes are more snack-like, we have a variety of potato chips which are always a hit.
Keep dessert simple with store-bought cupcakes, decorated with festive 4th of July flags.
American Flags | Patriotic Party Napkins | Star-Shaped Paper Plates | Rectangular Flag Paper Plates | Similar American Flag Food Trays | Patriotic Plaid Paper Napkins | Bunting set of 3 | 4 oz. Ramekins | Similar Table Runner | Tidbit Plates | Oval Platter | Heart-Shaped Platter | Laguiole Flatware Set | Similar Red Stripe Napkins
American Flags | Patriotic Party Napkins | Star-Shaped Paper Plates | Rectangular Flag Paper Plates | Similar American Flag Food Trays | Patriotic Plaid Paper Napkins | Bunting set of 3 | 4 oz. Ramekins | Similar Table Runner | Tidbit Plates | Oval Platter | Heart-Shaped Platter | Laguiole Flatware Set | Similar Red Stripe Napkins
American Flags | Patriotic Party Napkins | Star-Shaped Paper Plates | Rectangular Flag Paper Plates | Similar American Flag Food Trays | Patriotic Plaid Paper Napkins | Bunting set of 3 | 4 oz. Ramekins | Similar Table Runner | Tidbit Plates | Oval Platter | Heart-Shaped Platter | Laguiole Flatware Set | Similar Red Stripe Napkins
Happy 4th of July!
I love to decorate for the 4th of July, even if I am not hosting a July BBQ. Seeing my front porch festooned in Red, White, and Blue bunting evokes my fondest childhood memories of summer. This is why every year, at the end of June, I bring out my Bunting and American Flags to add festive flair to my front porch.
American Flags | Bunting set of 3
From all the Djalalis and Style at a Certain Age, we wish you a happy and safe 4th of July!
In Case you Missed it
Yesterday, Beth shared 10 wardrobe items to ditch after turning 50. Make sure to click the title or image below to read the article.
10 Wardrobe Items You Need to Ditch After Turning 50
About The Author
Do the fur babies get a hot dog? It looks so festive and fun. I do wear red, white and blue on the fourth. Love the polka dot shorts. I’ve learned not to wear white to a cookout but blue jeans, red top with white sandals or tennis shoes works.
The good pics are awesome! Happy Fourth.🇺🇸
no hot dogs for the fur babies. but they do get extra treats! Happy 4th, Eve!
Happy 4th Beth. What is that delicious looking chicken you’re making?
that is spatchcock chicken from Trader Joe’s! it’s delicious.
What a festive spread! You look so cute & patriotic. I know you’re enjoying your new backyard. Beautiful! I love your front porch decorations too. I so enjoy the 4th of July celebrations. All our kids & grandbabies will be here Sat.
Enjoy time w/all your kiddos & be safe🇺🇸💙❤
Hi Beth, your house looks so beautiful for the holiday! Had to snag a pair of those adorable shorts that you have on at Talbots….so cute for the holidays and they are on sale!! Great recipe and of course, you and Oscar look adorable together….. thanks for all the hard work that you do..hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend ❤️
thanks so much, Janet! you will love the shorts. nothing like a bit of whimsey now and again to bring a smile to your face.
Happy 4th!
We’re expecting rain and more rain over this weekend. It’s badly needed but why on the 4th of July? I feel most badly for those with huge plans at their rented beach houses all up our coast – awwww. I’ll still get my toes done in red, wear blue and white and my new Banner tee from Talbots!
ugh! nothing worse than rain over the long holiday weekend! why can’t we schedule the perfect time?
Happy 4th, rain or not!
Greeting Beth,
I love your holiday outfit, so beautiful, as usual. Who is Oscar’s friend? He looks so happy playing with a mate.
Enjoy the 4th with your family!
that is pax he belongs to one of my kiddos.
The barbecue looks very inviting!!
the outfit very appropiate.
Love your patio
Have a nice weekend
Happy 4th, gloria!
Great post Beth. Everything looks so festive! Throughout the years I’ve collected a lot of 4th of July stuff which I have fun using but I’ve never seen the cute hot dog servers. Where did you get them?
Happy Independence Day!
the hot dog holders are from Hobby Lobby.
Beth, great post for some ideas for the 4th. A barbecue is a must!! Love all the festive red, white and blue. Happy 4th! Looks like Oscar and Pax are having fun.
those two are the best of friends! Happy 4th!
Hi Beth, it all looks lovely, can hubby and I come join. Wishing you a Happy 4th July weekend regards Julie and hubby from England 🇬🇧 x 🍿🍿🍾🍾
wouldn’t that be lovely! always love to hear from you.
Wow, Beth, you tables never disappoint🥰. How could a guest not feel welcome and festive just at the site of your table greeting them!
Those two gorgeous buddies almost make me want to hit the Humane Soc. I do so miss the cuddles and unconditional love.
Enjoy your celebrations, Beth. Best wishes 🥂
Happy 4th, Beth! I purchased the same shorts for Memorial Day but it turned out cold and wet (drat!) but will definitely wear them on the 4th. They are just too cute. Love Oscar and Pax. Hope Ollie gets a treat, too!
We just had our July 1 with hot dogs, corn on the cob, etc. in red and white containers like yours. Everything on the side was orange this year, in recognition of the children who fell victim to residential schools.
Enjoy your holiday.
Great post as always 🙂