4th of July

I want to hold a surprise 4th of July party for my American sister-in-law and wondered if anyone could suggest dishes that would remind her of home?  Also anything else that usually happens that I need to consider?

Wow I think you are awesome! What a great thing to do ;-)

We are doing a 4th of July shindig...things required for ME and we will have it all IF I can get it...Remember this is Texas style

1. Fireworks (sparklers will work)
2. Beer - cold beer in a cooler with my fav koozie
3. Snacks/Appetizers - Salsa/Guac/Chips
4. Outside area to hang out in - maybe play horse shoes
5. BBQ - hamburgers, ribs, BBQ chicken (hot dogs)
6. Potato Salad
7. Corn on the cob
8. 4th of July cake (it looks like the american flag - google it)

Of course friends and family is what makes it - its all about the company to complete the package.  I am a geek as I am going red/white/blue theme and most of us will have american flag t-shirts or something representing USA but it will be geeky but a fun 1st 4th of July here

Good luck - I cant wait to see other posts to give me more ideas!

If you're looking for a hot dog that is as close to an American Hot Dog that you can find in the UK it's made by a company in Italy called Senfter and they're sold at ASDA (or that's where I've found them).

I think a barbecue is a must!  Lots of salads like potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, etc.  Potato chips and tortilla chips with salsa are good. Chicken wings, barbecue ribs, hamburgers all good.  Maybe you can get some jelly in red, white and blue which should be like jello which we always had.  I'm sure there are more, but I can't think right now. 

jello salad!
my friends party always had grilled beer marinated bratwursts and polish sausages in addition to burgers. 
chips (wavey plain crisps) and various kinds of dip

Btw, you are an awesome sister in law. 

Perhaps some iced tea in addition to the beer?

And some patriotic music.

Perhaps some iced tea in addition to the beer?

And some patriotic music.

Ohh good point - I have Cold Brew Iced Tea! - Early day starter!

And some patriotic music.

Weather permitting, we might have a small barbecue on the Fourth. I had all my food/drink ideas covered, but hadn't thought of the music! Thanks for that, ManderW! 

(We stocked up on fireworks last Guy Fawkes, so we'd have plenty left for July!)

Wow I think you are awesome! What a great thing to do ;-)

We are doing a 4th of July shindig...things required for ME and we will have it all IF I can get it...Remember this is Texas style

1. Fireworks (sparklers will work)
2. Beer - cold beer in a cooler with my fav koozie
3. Snacks/Appetizers - Salsa/Guac/Chips
4. Outside area to hang out in - maybe play horse shoes
5. BBQ - hamburgers, ribs, BBQ chicken (hot dogs)
6. Potato Salad
7. Corn on the cob
8. 4th of July cake (it looks like the american flag - google it)

Of course friends and family is what makes it - its all about the company to complete the package.  I am a geek as I am going red/white/blue theme and most of us will have american flag t-shirts or something representing USA but it will be geeky but a fun 1st 4th of July here

Good luck - I cant wait to see other posts to give me more ideas!

I know where we're gonna be on the Fourth. 

I think a barbecue is a must!  Lots of salads like potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, etc.  Potato chips and tortilla chips with salsa are good. Chicken wings, barbecue ribs, hamburgers all good.  Maybe you can get some jelly in red, white and blue which should be like jello which we always had.  I'm sure there are more, but I can't think right now. 

I know where I'm going to be... 

I'll bring the Kablooie stuff again! 

Thanks for the suggestions.  Re the iced tea - how do I make it?  I tried it when I lived in the US but just couldn't get my head round cold tea so never got around to trying to actually make any!

Iced tea is easy! Take a big clear jar or jug and fill it with water & add a few teabags and cover then stick it outside in the sun for an hour or so (depending on how strong you want the tea)...then take out the tea bags & put in the fridge...then have ice on hand to put in the glasses before you pour the tea. Some may like it sweetened with sugar or another sweetener but I don't add it to the whole jar in favor of letting those who like it sweet to do it themselves.

Iced tea is easy! Take a big clear jar or jug and fill it with water & add a few teabags and cover then stick it outside in the sun for an hour or so (depending on how strong you want the tea)...then take out the tea bags & put in the fridge...then have ice on hand to put in the glasses before you pour the tea. Some may like it sweetened with sugar or another sweetener but I don't add it to the whole jar in favor of letting those who like it sweet to do it themselves.

DW just makes hot tea, and then after we've had a cup she puts the rest in the fridge! If I can't find the teapot I just look in the fridge!  
My dad often used to drink cold tea...not iced tea, just tea from the pot that had gone cold!

Thanks for the suggestions.  Re the iced tea - how do I make it?  I tried it when I lived in the US but just couldn't get my head round cold tea so never got around to trying to actually make any!

You'll find lots of variations of what people like for iced tea (some must have it sweet, or with lemon, or mint, etc) but here's a list of some websites that have some good recipes:
 
http://www.homemade-dessert-recipes.com/iced-tea-recipes.html
http://coffeetea.about.com/od/icedtea/Iced_Tea_Recipes.htm
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4618/citrus-iced-tea
http://www.waitrose.com/recipe/Lime_Ice_Tea.aspx
http://festivals.iloveindia.com/fathers-day/iced-tea.html

You're so nice to do this for your SIL 

Everyone had great suggestions already, I just wanted to say to marmaladejar that it's sweet to think of her SIL this way. I know she'll appreciate it, I totally would!