The 4th of July is coming up, and millions of our fellow Americans will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate this most important of days in our history. The most common type of gathering will involve barbecuing lots of tasty meats and serving it with delicious appetizers, side dishes, salads, and desserts. The thought of all those culinary options awaiting us is enough to make our mouths water. However, once the realization that you will be entertaining 30 or more people sets in, planning for the big event can seem daunting... Yet, it does not have to be.

Here are few simple tips you can use to entertain like a pro, and reduce stress too:

*Plan your menu a few days in advance.

*Prepare what you can a day or two before (such as macaroni or potato salads).

*Enlist the help of others (older children are perfect!) to help clean the house and do yard work a day or two before the barbecue.

*Do not be ashamed to ask guests who are known to produce crowd-favorite recipes (such as Aunt Agnes and her apple crumb) to bring their specialty dish with them.

*Offer your guests a “signature drink”. Ideally, make this beverage alcohol-free to allow guests of all ages to indulge in and enjoy. We have a sure-fire crowd pleaser with our Frozen Coconut Limeade. We love it so much; we’re sharing the recipe (see below).

Lastly, from our family to yours... Have a fun, relaxing, and safe 4th of July!

Frozen Coconut Limeade

*5 cups ice

*¾ cup Lite Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut (found in the alcoholic mixers aisle at the grocery store)

*4-6 Tbsp. frozen Limeade concentrate (adjust for desired level of tartness)

*3 Tbsp. water

Combine all ingredients together and blend on HIGH until smooth.

Yields approximately 7-8 cups (8 oz. cups)