How to celebrate the 4th of July

Jul 4, 2011 by cafebebemama

Today is the 4th of July, aka American Independence Day. This will be my seventh 4th of July spent outside of the US. Wow! I hadn’t realised I’d been gone so long.

Understandably, the 4th of July is not really celebrated here in the UK. Unless you live on an American military base or are surrounded by other American expats or go to an American chain restaurant in London on the day, you’re going to be pretty much out of luck. I mean, a holiday which celebrates independence from the tyranny of King George and the “mother land” known as ENGLAND isn’t necessarily going to be high on the list of party days in England is it? I understand this but still always get a bit nostalgic on this day.

In honour of today and the millions of Americans celebrating a Monday off in America today, I’ll share with you a few tips to show you how to celebrate the 4th of July, American stylee.

FOOD:

It is imperative to have the appropriate food items to properly enjoy the 4th of July. All of the stereotypical American foods apply here. Hot dogs, bratwursts (yes, I know…German), burgers, potato salad, coleslaw, corn-on-the-cob (w/ the little holders on the ends so you don’t burn your fingers), Deviled eggs (is this just in my family?), watermelon, chips (crisps), apple pie, cake, ice cream (preferably home churned w/ an old-fashioned ice cream churn) and S’mores. All of these items must be piled on a picnic table with a festive table cloth and you must use paper plates, napkins and cups with festive designs on them. Think Stars and Stripes. This might be difficult to achieve here in the UK but go to the nearest party store and you’re sure to find some American kitsch. All food items should be grilled on a BBQ, in case you were not aware! (Of course I mean the items that need cooking…I don’t recommend grilling watermelon or potato salad)

DRINK:

Drink is exceptionally important on the 4th of July. It does not always have to be alcoholic but it is decidedly more festive if it is. Mind you (health & safety reminder): if you are in charge of any explosive devices during the evening festivities, please refrain from drinking alcohol until the last bang goes off.

It’s always enjoyable to start the morning with a Bloody Mary (even if it isn’t the 4th of July!) but then it’s best to move to non-alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day. Ice cold lemonade (in a jug/pitcher) w/ slices of lemon and/or strawberries in it is perfect accompaniment for the afternoon. Of course, having a cooler filled with every can of soda known to man and chock-a-block with ice for the day will keep your guests very happy. It’s ideal if you can have one large cooler with soda and one large cooler with cans of beer (we’re talking lager here folks…Miller Lite, Budwiser, etc) for the adults. This bodes well for a kick-ass party with happy guests. I believe that Americans would be very accepting of Pimm’s for the 4th of July but unfortunately I haven’t been back to the US on the 4th of July since moving to England. If I am fortunate enough to do so in the future, I will do my level best to start the Pimm’s trend in the US.

FESTIVITIES:

In the US, parades and family gatherings are the order of the day. Yes, we love a patriotic holiday. The chance to fly the flag, having a marching band or two, get family together and throw some pretty explosives in the air is all we really want! In my family, our parade was on water at our lake. The annual pontoon parade was and is a thing of patriotic beauty. My family has participated in the Sand Lake 4th of July Pontoon Parade for at least 60 years now. I tolerated it as a child and revelled in it as an adult. Competition, float-building and frivolity at it’s best! Sigh…I do miss it.

I would suggest that getting a parade going in your village might be a bit difficult and would most definitely be met with some strange stares BUT, having your back garden decked out with fairy lights, American flags, sparklers and fun music will do the trick just fine. Of course, fireworks are most important as well but may not be met with great pleasure from your neighbours. Proceed with caution with this one! Thankfully, fireworks are not illegal here like they are in most of the states of the US (yes, really!) so you stand a chance of producing a pretty good show here but I highly suggest seeking the approval of your surrounding neighbours if you are putting on a pyrotechnic display. Failing neighbourhood approval, go for some party poppers and sparklers and you’re set!

If you follow these tips you will experience a wee bit of what Americans are enjoying today. I truly have a heart-pang on this day every year. It is easy to forget the 4th of July over here for obvious reasons but I always think of my family around 6pm as I know that they will be furiously finishing the pontoon decorations for the 1:00 (CST)pm start time for the Sand Lake Pontoon Parade. One year we’ll be back for it…maybe next year when we are FOUR.

Happy Fourth of July to my American friends and family far and near. Wave the flag today…I will be doing the same!

PS- For a great take on views from an American Expat in the UK and an Expat Mum in the US, read this post by Pond Parleys which inspired me to get the keys clicking this morning.