“I love any excuse to swing around a sparkler,” says designer—and outdoor entertaining extraordinaire—Lela Rose of her pyrotechnic proclivities during the Fourth of July festivities on her Texas ranch.
Handwritten invitations establish the event’s relaxed spirit—a feeling reinforced with beers iced down in a wheelbarrow, neckerchief party attire, and old-school vintage finds, including a wooden ice-cream maker-turned-planter.
For the menu, Lela often calls in the ’cue—smoked ribs and kielbasa—from local purveyors. (Some of her favorites include Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse, la Barbecue, and Pecan Lodge.) Then she focuses on giving classic summer sides like coleslaw and baked beans her own twist with the addition of unexpected ingredients such as root beer and peanuts that “evoke a spirit of baseball game pastime,” says Lela. Single-serve metal sheet trays lined with gingham wax paper make it easy for guests to pile on all the fixin’s before they take to benches softened with ruffled pillows and raise a glass of sangria to the ol’ red, white, and blue. Below, get all her tips and recipes for an Americana-filled star-spangled celebration.
THE SETTING
Set the Scene
Handwritten star-shaped invitations with stitched edges establish the “Red, White, and ’Cue” event’s Americana palette and relaxed spirit.
Embrace Patriotic Patina
“I love anything vintage Americana, like textiles and flags,” says Lela. “To me, they encapsulate that feeling of old-time Fourth of July parades.” Faded blue antiques—spatterware serving pieces, a weathered farm table—against a red barn reinforce the rustic palette. Adorned with ribbon and metal stars, a longhorn supervises the scene.
Beat the Summer Heat
“I like to keep the Texas temps at bay with a neckerchief,” says Lela. Silver and turquoise scarf slides add flair. For refreshment in beverage form, Lela looks to big-batch Firecracker Sangria and a wheelbarrow filled with beer.
Spark Up the Table
Single-serve metal sheet trays lined with gingham wax paper provide a fun, laid-back feel, plus ample room for plenty of BBQ, sides, and more. DIY napkin rings—simply wrap two-inch wood rings with shiny silver thread and adorn with a two-inch-long tassel—hint at fiery festivities to come.
Celebrate Like a Kid
Come dusk, friends gather at the sparkler station to light up the night with a touch of whimsical nostalgia. Smaller “sparklettes” add shooting-star ambience.
THE MENU
Firecracker Sangria
This all-day sipper is perfect for cookouts, barbecues, and, of course, your Fourth of July celebration.
Get the recipe for Firecracker Sangria.
Root Beer Baked Beans
This classic summer side gets a boost of unexpected flavor.
Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.
Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint
This BBQ-ready summer side dish is filled with a few surprisingly delightful extras (peanuts, for one!), adding sweetness and crunch. The slaw can be made up to one day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Then, add the mint, dates, and peanuts just before serving.
Get the recipe for Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
These simple “cookies” couldn’t be easier. If at any point during assembly the dough starts to feel very soft, pop it onto parchment paper–lined baking sheets and refrigerate until slightly firm but not stiff. Then proceed as directed.
Get the recipe for Puff Pastry Star Cookies.
