Break out the stars and stripes. Tables, chairs, hats, and shirts will be decked out in patriotic fare. But the coolest part of the 4^th of July is the festive spin on food presentation. You’ll see all manner of food transformed into red, white, and blue delight. No holiday uses food as decoration more than this one. Here are some strategies to make your menu more festive.

Play Up the Color

The color palette of the holiday is set, so it’s easy to turn blueberries, bananas, and strawberries into a party creation. Whether it’s Independence Day Fruit Kabobs, a multi-colored Patriotic Drink, or Cookie Cutter Fruit Salad, it’s important to play up color in your preparation. Turns out that adding color isn't just about making the food pretty. A recent study from the Journal of Consumer Research found contrasting the color of food with the color of the plate can help people eat less and may be more psychologically satisfying. Go for plates and tablecloths that contrast well with main dishes and desserts.

Serving Strategies

As you play with color, think of other ways to serve foods and keep portions under control. Buy colored parchment paper and serve hot dogs, burgers, and other foods one by one. If plates are overly available, people may take more than they can hold in one hand. It's fine to have people come back for seconds, but no need to have large plates when there's opportunity to come back for more after you've finished your first serving. Colored baking cups aren’t only for cupcakes. You can serve other portion-controlled sides in them including fruit, pasta salad, or potatoes. Lotus or tulip baking cups are even nicer to use for serving nuts, dried fruit, or other snack foods which can be found in a number of festive designs.

Let Them Make It

Frozen yogurt shops are profiting from our love of personal preference. Certain items don't need to be ready to eat as soon as the party starts. Let your guests make their own. Whether it's a frozen yogurt Sundae Bar, Snow Cones, or even a Healthified Dirt n' Worms Sundae, supply healthy alternatives for guests to assemble for dessert. For the Sundae Bar, frozen yogurt, fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate chips should do it. You don't have to use snow cone syrup with your snow cone machine. Instead use 100% melted frozen juice concentrate - the flavors are endless. Another low-calorie dessert is strawberry shortcake. Set angel food cake rounds and strawberries next to frozen yogurt for another option. Think of a make-your-own food station as an edible arts-and-crafts activity. This will help people socialize and give them memories they won't soon forget.

Here are some other recipes to enjoy from our partner Diets in Review!

Red, White, and Blue Turkey Burger Sliders

Red White and Blue Sangria

Your thoughts...

How will you use food to make your party more festive?