Published Articles - While You Wait Magazine

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Family, Food and Fun on the Fourth!
By Jamie Imperati

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our independence and spend valuable time with family and friends. Whether you go to a local beach or lake for the day or have a get together at your house with family and friends, you should try to incorporate activities that will provide fun for all.

-Use an online invitation website such as www.evite.com to notify guests about your party, everyone uses the web and this site will allow you to keep track of who is coming.

-Go online and google some recipes and have a theme for your menu. Instead of your basics like hamburgers and hot dogs, grill some chicken, cut it up and add fajitas to your menu.

-Make some fun desserts that are red, white and blue. A little food coloring and icing can go a long way and add that special touch to your party.

-Create a “drink of the day” one for adults and one for children of course. Kids can never have enough maraschino cherries in their beverage! This and a drink umbrella will make them feel special.

-Visit your local craft store to create your own festive shirts for the day

Every year we celebrate the 4th at our house by throwing a huge party with family and friends. If you are going to be the host of this years 4th of July party, ask each of your guests to bring something and don't be afraid to delegate. I always provide the meat and beverages and ask my guests to bring the sides dishes and desserts. Make a list of what you need so you are prepared to let your guests know what to bring to the get together. Don't be shy when someone asks what they should bring; your guests would rather come with something unique then show up with the same item as someone else.


You don't have to spend a lot of money for your party as you can go to your local dollar store and buy theme plates, cups and decorations. You can also purchase games for the children to play; a frisbee, a ball and a bat can keep the kids occupied for quite some time. If you don't have a pool, you can use a sprinkler and the children will be entertained for hours. Be safe and have fun this July 4th.


Jamie Imperati is President of www.whatandwhen4kids.com, and online calendar of events and activities for children of all ages in the Hudson Valley Region.