Have a great 4th of July and summer parties! It's that time to wave your flag for the celebration of our great country and summer, too! What could be better this time of year than picnics, barbeques, and friends over for a relaxed afternoon or evening 'do'? The trick is to get it all done and stay relaxed yourself!  I have some ideas for you...

Remember the appeal of candied apples when you were a kid?  Look at these Cinnamon Candied Apples plus 18 more 4th of July festive desserts from Better Homes & Gardens! 

Martha Stewart has teamed with Emeril for the best summer ideas ever!  Take a look at great summer-time recipes including this Macaroni Salad by Emeril.

Martha also gives you a wonderful Alfresco Steak Menu that will be almost effortless!  The menu takes you from a cool gazpacho soup to the blackberry gelatin dessert.  Go ahead, give it a try!

Gather for a spectacular celebration this year.  Betty Crocker has a wonderful July 4th Blast Menu and Party Plan plus Best Recipe Bets for the Fourth!

These Star Spangled Shortcakes from Land O' Lakes are perfect for your 4th of July or summer party!  You can make these delish desserts in 30 minutes. 

Food Network has this awsome Berry Napoleon made with wonton wrappers - easy and elegant!   See also party tips and top 10 fourth of July burgers!

Set the mood with this Patriotic Fruit Pizza from Pillsbuy!  The festive raspberries, blueberries and creamy filling make the red, white, and blue for your table.

These books will get you started with your own party:

• 'Mom's Meal Collection: What's for Dinner?  30 30-Minute Menus' shows you how to create dazzling BBQ's and meals in less time than a sitcom!  Elizabeth Randall, the cookbook author and this website developer, has collected 30 of her favorite menus all in this one cookbook just for you! We’re not talking wimpy affairs here - Mom’s Meal Collection offers scrumptious menus like: 
  •Vegetarian Fresh Tomato and Double Cheese Tart;
  • Grilled Salmon with Dill Butter and Lemon Affogato;
  • Tuna Medallions with Wasabi Sauce and Orange Souffles;
  • Even more holiday meals in just 30 minutes!
• Rachel Ray will show you how to prepare a fun party for a couple or a crowd.  Check out her book 'Rachel Ray 2,4,6,8'.
• 'BBQ Bash' is the book for you if you love backyard BBQ's!  It is the 'Be-all, end-all party guide to take your BBQ to the next level'.  The authors give you budget decorating ideas, menu plans, and more than 100 recipes. Have a look!
• And, of course, it just wouldn't be summer without Emeril!  His book, 'Louisiana Real & Rustic', kicks up the normal grilling a notch (or two). It is a must-try for sure!

No time to cook?  No problem!

David's Cookies offers a whole array of freshly baked cookies including this delightful summer beach bag.  This bag will make a great hostess gift or a mighty fun gift for you!  Get your cookies today.

These cute pigs in a blanket plus other perfect summertime appetizers and meals are waiting for you at  ArtikoChef.com.  Order some today!

Finish your backyard fest with these and other patriotic themed desserts at Mrs. Field's!  Cookies are a great  easy-serve / easy-eat treat for the whole family.  Grab a handful of fun!  

Take a bite of success from AppetizersToGo and get free shipping, too! Your guests will sure enjoy any appetizers you pick especially this 'Good Eats Combo'!   

Stonewall Kitchen has wonderful combos for the grill.  This Grill Basket Gift Set is just one example.  Check out StonewallKitchen.com for your grilling items!