For years I’ve been celebrating the 4th of July while away on holiday. When it fell on Wednesday this year – and I was home! – I decided to embrace our northern neighbors and celebrate their independence, too, as a way to kick off the week. Truth be told, for me it fell on a Sunday, July 1st, so rather than a hump-day, mid-week gathering, and being a lover of all things British (including her Commonwealth!), I decided to throw an impromptu party to celebrate Canada’s independence, the end of a weekend and a hazy hot and humid week.
Having several wonderful Canadian friends and being no stranger to throwing a festive alfresco party, I thought it would be fun to do. I planned to keep it small – around six guests. But soon word got out and it turned to eight, then ten, and when it was all said and done I had a grand total of eleven guests plus one schnauzer. I had no idea so many people were so fond of Canada. This would be a sit-down dinner barbeque, served under the pergola.
Rosebrook Gardens would host the event, I would serve as grill master and co-host, and my devoted friends would jump into action to help serve. How lucky am I? A perfect summer night that took less than 24 hours to coordinate.
What’s my secret? Well, as in life, I begin any planning with: What are my resources? What do I need? Fresh hydrangea flowers from the garden provided a vast array of flowers for the dining table and house. As much red and white decor as I could muster to honor Canada’s flag (I was able to borrow one.) Two cases of French rose and a simple menu: A fabulous cheese platter to start, then sliders, hot dogs, an assortment of seasonal salads, and fresh local corn.
I may not live in Canada, but I do live in a country that embraces and welcomes all to our big melting pot of a country. Red, white and blue may be our country’s colors, and there is no one more patriotic than me, but when it comes to entertaining and social affairs I prefer using all my crayons as my inspiration.
