How to Throw a Festive Fourth of July Party

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July fourth is fast approaching...celebrity event planner, Cathy Riva shares special tips and tricks on how to throw a great, festive party.Cathy: The food and drinks are the stars of this party, so let me start you off with an easy to make cocktail. Create a DIY Bar and pre-mix this festive Red, White and Sauza Blue Margarita. It's refreshing and easy to make. Sauza uses fresh pressed agave in their tequila, which is why they make the freshest tasting margarita. What I also love about Sauza is that its wallet-friendly price make entertaining at home fun and affordable.For this drink use 1 part Sauza Blue, the newest member of the Sauza family made with 100% fresh blue weber agave. 2 parts cran- raspberry juice, 1 part lemon lime soda. Combine all in a pitcher and garnish with red white and blue sugar or a raspberry skewer. Serve it cold or on the rocks.For the menu, don't feel limited to burgers and franks--try grilling salmon kebobs, veggie, and even sesame tofu kabobs. Kabobs are so easy to make. For example, cube salmon filets, then marinate them for at least an hour. Thread salmon on skewers and grill for about 10 minutes, turning so each side gets browned. This year one of my favorite summer salads is an Heirloom Tomato Salad. It is fresh and easy to make. It also adds a nice pop of red to your table. If you can't find heirloom tomatoes beefsteak tomatoes work too. Do you often have more folks dropping by than food to serve? Extend your menu by adding last minute easy sides. I always like to have chips and dip handy between courses.

For dessert? I created this mini apple pie a ala mode. We used mini muffin pans to create these. You can release your inner child with these other fun treats in red, white and blue. Red velvet whoopee pies, snow cones and frozen watermelon scoops. For party decor, choose one signature color (red) for festive plates, colorful napkins, and tablecloths--then accent with blue and white cups, utensils, votive candle holders, and of course American flags. Avoid being too matchy-matchy. Keep the bugs away with these decorative red citronella candles light them about an hour before all the guests show up to avoid any mosquito mishaps! For more, great margarita recipes check out Sauza on Facebook and Twitter.

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