Celebrate the 4th of July - Barbeque in Style

The 4th of July should be more than just an outdoor party or activity, boom it up for America. Let's start the morning by raising the American flag; it is Independence Day. This is the day the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for the US Constitution and nailed down the fundamental principles of freedom we still uphold to this day. Show all friends and neighbors your allegiance to the United States of America.

Two hundred and thirty three years have passed since the United States declared its independence from Britain and from anyone else who threatens our beloved freedom. It is not just that one year, 1776, that we are celebrating; it is for every year since that date which we maintain our freedom. So lets' celebrate with picnics, barbeques, and family gatherings.

As you are entertaining your guests on this precious day, enlighten them with some fun trivia about the Fourth of July. Did you know that only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776? They were John Hancock and Charles Thomson. The state of Massachusetts was the first to recognize this day as a Holiday in 1781 and the US congress waited until 1941 to declare it a holiday. The government sure does move slowly. The first anniversary was celebrated with fireworks and parades. Today, most states outlaw fireworks and you need a permit to organize a parade, but we can still have our barbeque.

It's time to spruce up grill and prepare for the day ahead. Soon the guests will be arriving. Items not needed nor wanted are balloons that only get caught in the trees or fancy paper stuff all around your yard creating a cheap atmosphere; instead we need the true and distinctive look of America at its best. It does not have to expensive to impress your guests. It is the quality and thought provoking medium of your decorations that will empress. What you're looking for is items of class and functionality that will set you apart from the rest.

What I have in mind is a functional decoration depicting the United States in its inception. This is, of course, coasters and coaster holders richly engraved with scenes from the Revolutionary War, the Old North Church, and of course, the Old North Bridge. Paul Revere's Ride is always a hit. These coasters can be designed with engraved pictures of early Americana and include saying such as "One if by Land, Two if by Sea" or "The Red Coates are coming." Everyone knows what that means. Then you can sit back and relax as the conversations begin from the first guest to the last.

Any old drab coaster will not be very impressive. I prefer to use cork coasters. They are light weight, slip resistant, absorbent and easy to clean. If you wish to spend a little more money and really get lavish; the black marble coaster will really catch the eye of the most unscrupulous observer. Let's not stop at the coaster itself. It's the picture and words will grab the attention.

The picture must clear and crisp. I find that laser engraved pictures can produce dramatic results. The image is burned into the cork or marble surface and will not rub off or wear off and can be very detailed. Then the words come into play. Choose an Independence Day getting phrase such as "The Old North Church," or "Paul Revere's Ride," or even "Independence Day - 2009." Whatever phrase you choose, the wording should complement the picture.

In conclusion, the theme on your coaster must match the theme of your party. This is true not only for the fourth of July, but for all celebrations. If you are having a fund raiser for breast cancer, you would choose the appropriate logos and sayings attributed to the cause. Religious gatherings are great; include biblical pictures or quote different Psalms. If you are having relatives over for an outdoor barbeque, funny pictures of hotdogs or chips on the run might work. Once you start thinking, the possibilities are endless and rewarding.

The author's website has examples of just such coasters and coaster holders. Take a look at the true beauty of these coasters and let your mind start to wander.

Coasters and Holders
Cork and Marble Coasters and Wood Holders