4th of July for Couples
You might not think of romance when you are planning your 4th of July festivities. But why not? With a little planning and some thought, any holiday or occasion can be a cozy celebration for two. The best part of any party for you and your spouse is that the prep is easy. Also, you can usually do more with less, and even the party planners get in on the fun. Here is a guide to making your 4th of July for two your best ever:
Fourth of July is all about barbecue. While most backyard barbecues for a gang feature hot dogs and hamburgers because they're cheap and easy to cook for a lot of people, you two can splurge. Grill up some steaks and clams, perhaps. What about lobster? You could dish up special side dishes, such as fresh-from-the-farmer's-market, grilled corn on the cob, tomato and avocado salad, or homemade cole slaw. For dessert, you can make your usual strawberry and blueberry parfaits or a an American flag pound cake (it's smaller for two). Or you can pick up your favorite dessert at the local bakery. Or you could whip up homemade sorbet using your ice cream maker. For a bit of kooky romance, you might put two straws in a milkshake or root beer float, both of which are refreshing summer treats. It's easier to plan a fancier menu with just two guests - and you won't break the bank either. (For barbecue recipes, visit the About.com Guide to Barbecues and Grilling.)
Your friends might be heading to the beach or local pool.
You can certainly join them. Or you two can soak in your own hot tub or bath. If you share the tub, you can always had perfumed oils or bubbles to make it more relaxing. Best part? When it's just you and your beloved, bathing suits are optional. Feel free to get frisky and lounge around in the buff or your robes afterward. You could also give each other massages to make it like a real spa experience. Of course, you could end this part of the day with a lovely little nap. Bet you haven't had one of those in a while.
Volleyball, badminton, frisbee, and bocce or lawn bowling are among the games at many a 4th of July barbecue. The good news is that most of these activities are well suited to two players. So, get in your backyard and throw around the frisbee or have a badminton tournament. If it's a rainy Independence Day, you could even test how well you know each other with your own version of the Newlywed Game. Or you can consider two-player card games, board games - anyone up for Monopoly - or the same outdoor games on the Wii or XBox. Bowling on the Wii guarantees a good time. The point is to get moving together. You don't need a group to play games. And it's nice to keep up the traditions you might have had as a kid in a more grown-up fashion.
The 4th of July wouldn't be the 4th of July without fireworks. Your town might put on a show, which the two of you could view hand in hand. Not a bad date night, eh? Your town newspaper or Web site probably has the scoop on all holiday-related activities in the area. You can also light sparklers and gaze at the stars from your own backyard. Or you can watch the New York fireworks display on TV. Most importantly, top off the night by making your own fireworks in the bedroom. It's your duty as newlyweds and Americans or America-philes.
Food
Fourth of July is all about barbecue. While most backyard barbecues for a gang feature hot dogs and hamburgers because they're cheap and easy to cook for a lot of people, you two can splurge. Grill up some steaks and clams, perhaps. What about lobster? You could dish up special side dishes, such as fresh-from-the-farmer's-market, grilled corn on the cob, tomato and avocado salad, or homemade cole slaw. For dessert, you can make your usual strawberry and blueberry parfaits or a an American flag pound cake (it's smaller for two). Or you can pick up your favorite dessert at the local bakery. Or you could whip up homemade sorbet using your ice cream maker. For a bit of kooky romance, you might put two straws in a milkshake or root beer float, both of which are refreshing summer treats. It's easier to plan a fancier menu with just two guests - and you won't break the bank either. (For barbecue recipes, visit the About.com Guide to Barbecues and Grilling.)
Cool Off
Your friends might be heading to the beach or local pool.
You can certainly join them. Or you two can soak in your own hot tub or bath. If you share the tub, you can always had perfumed oils or bubbles to make it more relaxing. Best part? When it's just you and your beloved, bathing suits are optional. Feel free to get frisky and lounge around in the buff or your robes afterward. You could also give each other massages to make it like a real spa experience. Of course, you could end this part of the day with a lovely little nap. Bet you haven't had one of those in a while.
Fun and Games
Volleyball, badminton, frisbee, and bocce or lawn bowling are among the games at many a 4th of July barbecue. The good news is that most of these activities are well suited to two players. So, get in your backyard and throw around the frisbee or have a badminton tournament. If it's a rainy Independence Day, you could even test how well you know each other with your own version of the Newlywed Game. Or you can consider two-player card games, board games - anyone up for Monopoly - or the same outdoor games on the Wii or XBox. Bowling on the Wii guarantees a good time. The point is to get moving together. You don't need a group to play games. And it's nice to keep up the traditions you might have had as a kid in a more grown-up fashion.
Fireworks
The 4th of July wouldn't be the 4th of July without fireworks. Your town might put on a show, which the two of you could view hand in hand. Not a bad date night, eh? Your town newspaper or Web site probably has the scoop on all holiday-related activities in the area. You can also light sparklers and gaze at the stars from your own backyard. Or you can watch the New York fireworks display on TV. Most importantly, top off the night by making your own fireworks in the bedroom. It's your duty as newlyweds and Americans or America-philes.
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