Fourth of July Barbecue Shopping List

Everything You'll Need For a Fourth of July Barbecue

Ah, Fourth of July—the granddaddy of all American summer party occasions. The flag-themed food! The fireworks! The patriotism! No time of year is more American, or heavy laden with delicious picnicking treats. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, or just bringing along a dish to pass, we know you need the definitive list of classics.

 Start things off with some light appetizers—your usual suspects are all here: deviled eggs, chips & dips, veggie trays, sliced watermelon and maybe some cheese and charcuterie nibbles.

Next up, the drink station! First things first, keep the water flowing with a giant beverage dispenser full of H2O. For fun, throw in some pretty citrus slices or mint leaves! Keep some clearly marked coolers off to the side, one with adult bevvies, should you choose to provide them, and another with sodas and juices. A cheery bowl of punch with fun fruits or sherbet floating atop never hurt anyone either.  Keep a stack of festive Solo cups nearby along with a Sharpie for keeping beverage ownership straight.

Getting down to business over at the grill—get your protein game on with plenty of options for eaters of every kind. Burgers, hot dogs and brats take center stage at any Independence Day gathering, but make sure you have chicken, fish, veggie, and tofu options if needed. Even if you take stock of your guests’ preferences beforehand, there may be surprises—or last-minute interlopers.

Dessert is where the festivity really gets going. Pinterest is teeming with fun flag-themed cakes and dessert recipes for you to try your hand at, but don’t forget the summer classics—smores, ice cream, and popsicles will certainly be asked for. Now just sit back, relax and enjoy your epic party spread!