8 Tips for a 4th of July BBQ from Costco
Make your Fourth of July BBQ memorable with exciting activities the whole group can enjoy – from relay races to karaoke games, and more. Here are 8 suggestions for your upcoming BBQ:
1. Cheers to the 4th
From fresh-squeezed, homemade lemonade to chilled apple juice – keep an assortment of ice-cold beverages handy as the Fourth of July heats up. You can order a wide variety of items online through CostcoGrocery.
Get creative with the drinks you serve this year. Choose three beverages to represent red, white and blue. Put sliced strawberries and whole blueberries in a pitcher of water to add color and flavor.
For adults only – here are 5 summertime beverages from the Costco Connection that you can make at home. No bartender needed! Please drink responsibly.
2. Stock up on party essentials
A key component of a good party is the food! When you are cooking up burgers and hotdogs, think of a convenient way to serve your group.
Stocking up on essentials – from cutlery to paper towels – can help reduce the stress of washing dozens of dishes. Neutral-colored plates or napkins are a great way to stay stocked for future holidays or parties.
Paper plates are excellent to use for leftovers. Offer extra food to partygoers as they leave. Most food-soiled paper plates are compostable – which is great if you’re separating out waste at the end of the day. Just check the label.
3. Set up the karaoke machine
Put on your most festive Fourth of July outfit and take to the stage! Karaoke is a great way to engage the crowd, especially when their favorite song comes on. Turn on red, white and blue lights for ambiance and start the show.
Try switching things up with musical chairs – karaoke edition. It’s just like a classic game of musical chairs, but instead of the song ending suddenly, the karaoke singer stops singing! Once the singer has stopped, guests will run around to find an empty chair. Remove one or more chairs after each round is over. The two remaining have to compete in a karaoke duel. Rate them on three factors: accuracy of lyrics, performance and overall entertainment value.
4. Add seafood to your dinner selection
If you’re hosting a smaller group of friends or family, make it a dinner party instead of a BBQ. Along with burgers, serve up some seafood – from salmon patties to lobster cakes. Ask guests about food allergies before selecting your dish.
Make sure there is variety to your dishes. Some guests may not enjoy seafood, so set out some easy alternatives. Create a cheese and cracker platter, or go all out with a charcuterie board. Complement your seafood entree with roasted potatoes, cheesy broccoli or other seasoned vegetables.
Ready to get started? Here are some recipes to try from the Costco Connection:
- Baked Stuffed Maine Lobster Tails
- Dungeness Crab Cake Salad with Berry Sweet Onion Salsa
- Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- Salmon à la Plancha with Citrus-Dill-Vodka Marinade
- Pistachio-Crusted New England Flounder
Pick up easy grab-and-go options at Costco, such as veggie trays, pre-packaged salad, potato salad, corn and more. Remember: Costco is closed on the Fourth of July, so shop ahead!
5. Count the crowd
Before the fireworks go off, do an outside seating survey. Make sure everyone has a spot, whether it’s in a folding chair, on a pool towel in the grass or on patio furniture. Keep throw blankets handy for when the temperature drops.
As the sun starts to fade, turn on outdoor string lights to set the mood. Use a gazebo or pergola to wrap up lights. Keep an extension cord handy.
Set up patio heaters to keep your guests cozy. Before your guests arrive, stock up on fuel for the heaters. Fireworks can go late into the night, so you may need to warm up your crowd for over 5 hours.
Little ones may not be able to keep their eyes open all night, so set up a mini fort inside the house. Pack the area with pillows, blankets and bedtime books. Leave a nightlight on nearby or hang up a few string lights around the room.
6. Start a relay race
Pool floats are a great way to add extra outdoor seating, but make sure to keep them away from the fireworks. Guests can lean back in them to watch the show.
If you have a pool, set up a mini diving competition or relay race for strong swimmers. Split into teams, and then coordinate activities, such as diving to fetch the most items at the bottom of the pool, or swimming across the pool while doing the butterfly stroke.
7. Set up outdoor activities
While everyone waits for the big show to start, set up activities around the backyard. Start with team games, such as volleyball or badminton. If you have competitive players – or even some self-proclaimed pros – create a bracket so teams can compete against each other.
With kids around, an easy way to stay busy is hosting an old-fashioned water balloon fight. No balloons? No problem. Turn on the sprinkler and have them run through it.
As it starts to get darker, set up a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
8. Stow away the supplies
All great parties have one thing in common: They need to be cleaned up. Have outdoor storage ready to put away your games, lawn gear and more. Set up labeled bins outside – each with a lid – so guests can sort their trash, compost and recycling as the night goes on.
Keep leftover party supplies such as cups, plates and napkins in one place; it makes it easier to find them for future gatherings. Store supplies in sealed containers to avoid dust or contamination.
Enjoy your Independence Day gathering. With music, meal inspiration and festive activities, guests will be set for the final hurrah: the fireworks show!