Wear Where: 4th of July Outfit Ideas

Happy early Friday to everyone who gets a 3-day weekend because of the Fourth of July holiday! I’m sure you’re all gearing up for your various celebrations, whether they involve a laid-back evening of grilling burgers and watching fireworks or something much fancier or more action-packed. We’ve yet to determine what we’ll be doing for the holiday (Harrison most likely has to work), so that means I’ve also yet to pick out my ensemble for the occasion. And in case any of you are in that same situation, I thought I’d put together a few outfit ideas to give you some style inspiration no matter what kind of celebration you’ll be attending.

Lipstick in “Neon Red” / Maybelline Top / Baum Und Pferdgarten Shorts / Madewell Sandals/ H&M Earrings / Henri Bendel Bag / Mix No. 6 Ring / Astrid & Miyu Necklace / Tory Burch

Comfort is key at any casual get together, which is where a relaxed set of shorts and loose-fitting top come in. I love the idea of mixing embroidered prints and topping them off with a pair of blinged-out, slide-on sandals; refined-yet-festive baubles; and a gorgeous, color-packed lip.

Dress / Cynthia Rowley Bikini Top / J.Crew Bikini Bottom / J.Crew Bracelet / Lele Sadoughi Sunglasses / Marc Jacobs Shoes / ASOS Earrings / Kate Spade New York

If you’ll be taking in some rays by the pool, why not look cute and chic all at the same time in a bright bathing suit and casual-but-classy dress/coverup? Finish the look off with a few colorful accessories, a dark pair of shades, ankle-strap sandals and lots of sunscreen!

Dress / Theory Bag / MICHAEL Michael Kors Bracelet / Kenneth Cole Nail Polish in “Va Va Voom” / Deborah Lippman Necklace / Alienina Shoes / Valentino Ring / Rebecca Taylor

Any holiday dinner party calls for a pretty dress that’s both polished and minimalist, along with a few major accessories that help you stand out effortlessly. Try pairing a basic sleeveless shift dress with a metallic bag, bright statement necklace, sparkly nails and one pair of luxe heels to top it all off.

What will you be wearing to your 4th of July celebration?

Festive (and Delicious!) Fourth of July Recipes

With July 4th just days away, I’m sure many of you have already made your plans for the summer holiday. And whether they include a casual cookout, a poolside party or an upscale soiree, one thing is guaranteed: Food will definitely be part of the festivities. So in case you haven’t already planned your entire menu (or were asked to bring over a dish last minute), I’ve rounded up 12 side dishes, appetizers, main courses and desserts that would be perfect for any Fourth of July get together:

Clockwise from top left: Grilled Corn with Bacon Butter and Cotija Cheese from How Sweet It Is; Quinoa and Berry Salad from Yummy Mummy Kitchen; Grilled Blackberry, Strawberry, Basil and Brie Pizza Crisps from Half Baked Harvest; and Watermelon, Avocado and Mint Salad from Foolproof Living.

You may remember that I tried this corn out myself last year for my birthday (refresher: It was AWESOME), but it bears repeating that it’s a recipe definitely worth making. If you’re looking for something a wee bit healthier to start the meal, try one of those pretty salads (the watermelon, avocado and mint looks especially delicious), or make an indulgent (though still pretty healthy) treat with those berry and Brie pizza crisps.

Clockwise from top left: Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro, Lime and Peanuts from Martha Stewart; Roasted Tomato and Pesto Burgers from Confections of a Foodie Bride; BBQ Buffalo Chicken Wings from Susannah’s Kitchen; and Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Mango Salsa from Damn Delicious.

No July 4th party is complete without a little grilling action, but that doesn’t have to be limited to burgers (though who could resist those roasted tomato and pesto creations?). Shake things up with tangy grilled shrimp or out-of-the-box hot dogs, or keep things simple and smoky with some grilled buffalo wings.

Clockwise from top left: Sprinkle + Ombre Cake from Brit + Co.; American Flag Doughnuts from The First Year; Strawberry, Lime and Basil Shortcakes from The Artful Desperado; and Blue Velvet Cupcakes from Sprinkle Bakes.

Dessert is always my favorite part of the meal, no matter the holiday, and with desserts this cute, it will be everyone else’s favorite part, too. Take some time to whip up a beautiful sprinkled + ombre cake or go super patriotic with those adorable American flag doughnuts. If simple is what you’re seeking, you can’t go wrong with blue velvet cupcakes, though a fun twist on a classic recipe—like that Strawberry, Lime and Basil Shortcake—would be sure to impress, too.

What dishes will you be making for your Fourth of July celebration?

Recipe Round-Up: Cookout-Worthy Desserts

Harrison made the mistake of telling me we’re going to a cookout when I visit him in Philly in three weeks, which means I’ve already started planning out what I’m going to bring (he volunteered me to make dessert—my favorite!). The party’s a few days before the Fourth of July, so I really want to whip up something that screams all-American.

And when it comes to sweets, is there anything more American than strawberry shortcake, cupcakes, cherry pie and S’mores? Here a few recipes that put a modern spin on these old-fashioned favorites:

Clockwise from top left: Strawberry Shortcake with made-from-scratch biscuits as cake, via Real Simple; Beer Cupcakes with beer-and-bacon-flavored icing, via 1 Fine Cookie; Roast Cherries and Vanilla Mascarpone Whipped Cream, via InStyle; and Fudgy S’mores Cakes made in a slow cooker, via Betty Crocker.

Harrison has already cast his vote for strawberry shortcake, but which of these do you think would be the biggest crowd-pleaser?