Red, white, blue and green: Fourth of July party tips

NEW YORK — Fireworks. Hot dogs. Small town parades and melting ice cream.

The Fourth of July is right around the corner. And that means barbecues, picnics and parties with a patriotic theme.

Whether you're planning a fancy party at your home or a picnic at the park to watch the fireworks, experts Anna Post from the Emily Post Institute, Seattle style expert Kelley Moore and Julie Fitzgerald from the Entertaining Company in Chicago offer up party tips to make your holiday sparkle.

First, decide whether you want to organize your party around an event — like a town parade or fireworks. And know the rules on whether buying and lighting fireworks are illegal in your area. The nonprofit National Council on Fireworks Safety has a handy map on state laws here: www.fireworksafety.com/laws.htm.

From there, choose decor. Want to make it a little fancier this year? Use red-and-white cloth liners for tables, and put the condiments in bowls instead of leaving them in their containers, Post suggests. You can add a little spice to everyday dishes. Make fancy mac 'n' cheese with gruyere and Swiss, Fitzgerald suggests, or skewers with Kobe beef. Or serve ice cream in dishes with red berries and blueberries for desert.

For a bohemian look, tie-dye an inexpensive white sheet with red dye. Decorate with white dishes, brass lanterns and red jeweled votive candles along with artifacts from your travels to other countries. "Remember, celebrating the Fourth of July also celebrates our freedom to explore other worlds and share new ideas," Moore says.

If you're looking to go as low-key as possible, you can cut flowers from a garden and use them as centerpieces and set out recycled paper plates. Supply one thing, like hamburgers or hot dogs, and suggest guests bring complementary dishes.

But make sure everyone has someplace to sit, Post says. "It seems silly, but it's hard for people to stand for several hours at a time," Post says.

You're on your way, and here are some more tips organized by the colors of the holiday.

RED

If you live in a city like New York, where buying fireworks is illegal, you're probably headed to a rooftop or park to catch the spectacular city-run shows. Moore suggests putting two red buckets filled with ice into a little red wagon. In one bucket, place oysters right on the ice, and fill small bowls with lemon slices. The other bucket is for your favorite beverage. In between go the plates, napkins and a bottle opener. Voila! Instant party at the park for the fireworks.