No Plans for the 4th, No Problem

As the 4^thof July approaches, summer begins to settle in and thoughts turn to festivities with friends and family during these long warm days. No plans for the holiday this year? No problem. We’ve put together a list of classic activities to do so you can kick back and relax this 4^thof July.

 Patriotic Picnic

What better way to enjoy summer than to pack a picnic and head to a local park, or outdoors get-away? Sandwiches, chips, cold salads, and coleslaw are easy to pack and make for a delicious lunch. Embrace the holiday’s stars and stripes theme with red, white, and blue-based dishes like a delectable blueberry and strawberry fruit salad topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

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Beautiful Beach Day

The sun is shining and almost nothing sounds better than a beach day. Rally a group of friends and family, pack a few umbrellas and towels, and take in the cool ocean breeze! A speaker and a cooler with lemonade are perfect additions for a refreshing day. With highs being in the mid 70’s at the beaches in LA this week, it’s the ideal weather to take a dip in the ocean and then lie out on the warm sand.

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Check Out a Local Parade

 Many towns host a 4^thof July Parade. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy all the festivities the parade has to offer. From cotton candy to fanciful floats, a 4^thof July parade is sure to invoke nostalgic Americana.

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Host a Potluck 

Don’t want to do all the cooking? There’s a great solution: a potluck! Potlucks are a great way to have a variety of food and not having to worry about last minute meal prepping. Everyone contributes and is a great get together for any group. Check out our red lentil recipe for a simple vegan-friendly side dish.

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Fireworks!

 Nothing is more of a staple for the Fourth than a fireworks show! Check out your local papers or blogs to see where the closest show is being hosted. You can’t beat looking up and seeing sparkling colors illuminating the night sky.  A cozy blanket keeps the cool summer eve at bay. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, some spots with spectacular shows are the Pacific Palisades, Exposition Park, the Rose Bowl, or after the Dodgers/Padres game at Dodger Stadium.

 Image via Pinterest

Enjoy the fun, relax, and have a fun and safe 4^thof July!