If you’re choosing to spend July 4th at home, it’s a perfect time to go all out cooking a huge meal for your family and friends. Fire up the grill and plan a whole feast for everyone to enjoy. Below is inspiration for some flavorful and easy dishes and drinks to cook up for everyone.

Appetizers

To start Independence Day off, whip up some appetizers to tide everyone over until the main dish is ready. You can either go all out or do light appetizers, so no one gets full before more food comes. Dips like spinach artichoke, buffalo chicken and hummus are great starters paired with chips for everyone to snack on. You can also go the classic route with deviled eggs and a veggie tray.

Drinks

Fill up pitchers with everyone’s favorite drinks and stock the fridge with cans of sodas and beer. For non-alcoholic drinkers, lemonade, fruit punch, and sweet/unsweet tea can be put out to sip on. For the adults who want to make fun cocktails, go for on theme drinks like strawberry daiquiris, blue long island iced tea, and a refreshing watermelon sangria (or any flavor you prefer). 

Main Course

The smell of the grill sets up the perfect vibe for an outdoor July 4th dinner. Grilling is an essential part of celebrating the 4th of July as it brings everyone outdoors for a nice, delicious meal. Classics like hamburgers and hot dogs topped with your favorite condiments can be enjoyed by the adults and kids. If you want to change it up, grilled steak or BBQ brisket sandwiches will feed the family! 

Side Dishes

Side dishes can be very simple, but still add so much to a meal. To add to the patriotic theme of the day, a red, white, and blue fruit tray will be eye appealing on the table of food set up for everyone. Design strawberries, blueberries, and bananas into a flag or striped pattern. White cheese cubes can be substituted for the bananas if needed! Turning to some classic side dishes, mac & cheese and a tasty potato salad is something everyone will scoop onto their plates. Make your favorite potato salad recipe or get one already made at a grocery store. Mac & cheese can either be simple as well, or you can go all out with extreme mac & cheese with different types of cheeses and toppings in it.

Dessert

The grand finale of July 4th is not only the fireworks, but the dessert. Whether it’s store bought or homemade, you can never go wrong with some delicious treats! Patriotic cupcakes, brownies, and cookies can be picked on and delicious for everyone. If you want to be more creative, fruit pops, chocolate covered strawberries, and blueberry pie can be hits as dessert too!
Now that you have a ton of ideas to go off of, it’s time to start gathering everything for your great 4th of July feast! 

July 4th in Avalon Park

If this year you’re not up for cooking, gather your family and friends for Avalon Park’s annual 4th of July party! With food trucks, games, and fireworks to end the night, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can also avoid the heat for a bit with our 30 restaurants around downtown and enjoy a full meal. For more information for Avalon Park’s July 4th festival, please visit avalonparkorlando.com! 

The distinctive flavor of small-town life and the sophistication of uptown living come together in The Flats. Located in Downtown Avalon Park, these uniquely styled four-story apartment homes place you above – yet at the center of – all the shopping, dining and professional services that downtown offers, including the July 4th Festival.

For more information on leasing at The Flats please click here or call 407-273-4337.