Nighttime Fourth of July Backyard Party

This Fourth of July party has been rated S for sophisticated, featuring stylish lighting, stiff cocktails and sumptuous food piled high.

By Gina Hamadey | Photography by Coral von Zumwalt

Blackberry-Ginger Sour Highballs >>
Stacked BLT Salad >>
Double-Decker Stuffed Portobello Sandwiches >>
Grilled Strawberry Cheesecake Towers >>

extras

Fourth of July Recipes, Menus, Decorations + more >>
Grilling Recipes, Menus + Tips >>
All-American BBQ >>
Fourth of July Party >>
Throw an Open-Air Party >>
Easy Outdoor Lights >>

tips + how-tos

tips + tricks

Bugged Out

Basil is a natural mosquito repellent, and much more attractive than the alternatives (spray, zappers). We nestled the plants and votive candles into stacked glass cake stands.

Star Light

Any twinkle lights will work, but these Aluminum Star Party Lights ($25 a strand, lamplus.com) are just right for the Fourth of July.

Star Bright

Sprinkle glow-in-the-dark stars ($12.50, amazon.com) in the grass. As the sky darkens, the lawn will start to gleam. More romantic than fireworks? You be the judge.