If you’re not done yet with your menu list, try the grilled lime corn recipe. This healthy grilling recipe It’s a perfect grilled recipe for your Independence Day celebration. You can have it done on the side of your main grilled meat recipe. You will never fail to impress your guest with this tasty grilled lime corn.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Recipe

Corn on the Grill Ingredients:

8 ears fresh corn, husks removed

Vegetable cooking spray

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 small garlic clove, pressed

1 tablespoon lime zest

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

Garnish: lime zest

Grilled Corn Directions:

1. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Coat corn lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper. Grill corn, covered with grill lid, 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, stir together butter and next 5 ingredients. Remove corn from grill, and cut into thirds. Serve corn with butter mixture. Garnish, if desired.

You should be able to serve at least 8 persons with this tasty grilled lime corn recipe. And this can be done in around 30 minutes only. This is not only easy but a quick grilled recipe that you can make. The lime doesn’t only provide a great flavor but an appetizing aroma as well. You definitely have to try this one of a kind grilled corn recipe.

For more summer food recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Make Delicious Grilled Vegetables

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Many people stay traditional and others try new things in the menu of their Labor Day party. Whatever you try, a veggie menu will be a great choice given that the abundance of summer produces at this time. Check out some recipes for vegetables for your Labor Day party or dinner.

Grilled Vegetables Main Dishes:

Roasted vegetables are both mouthwatering and good for health. Grilled green beans, peppers, and other garden produce can be served beside the main dish. Alongside this grilled recipe, you can opt for grilled eggplant Panini for your party. This end-of-summer yummy treat is simple to make. You will need sliced eggplant, mayonnaise, bread, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, red onion, basil olive oil, and garlic salt to make this rich and creamy delicacy

If you are not too strict with the word ‘veggie’, you can make a mix of vegetables and delicious shrimps for a relishing main dish. Make kebabs with juicy plums, shrimps, fresh jalapenos, lime juice, chopped cilantro, lime zest, sesame oil, and salt. You will be happy to know that this deluxe meal will not take more than 35-40 minutes to be prepared.

Need tips for grilling your vegetables perfectly? Take a look at these 5 tips from Eating Well.

Roasted Vegetables Side Dishes:

At this time of the year, you will have a number of options for healthy veggie side dishes. Corn is probably the most available option for a party or dinner menu. Grilled sweet corn with smoky chipotles and fresh lime will make a juicy, mouth-watering, and wonderful side dish. Pesto-tossed roasted zucchini or a grilled salad made of a mix of grilled bell peppers, sweet tomatoes, and salty olives can make its place to your table too. The great thing about the grilled salad is that you can easily turn this dish into an appetizer by topping it with crostini mixed with goat cheese.

We love these Top 10 grilled vegetable recipes from Taste of Home

Accompany your Vegetables with a Dessert

A fruit pie, especially a raspberry-peach pie, will be the best choice to complement a Labor Day meal. A sweet and sour combination of raspberries and peaches coupled with a lightened piecrust will make a healthy, winning dessert. The same raspberries can be used to make delicious drinks. Use frozen raspberries, raspberry-flavored syrup, fresh mint, seltzer, and ice cubes to make this super easy and refreshing drinks. It will serve as a low-calorie alternative to sugar-laden sodas normally served in parties.

These delicious but easy end-of-summer recipes served on a casual table decorated with flags and red, blue, and white colors will rock your party and take care of your health at the same time.

For more healthy grilled vegetables recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

Free Labor Day Patriotic Kids Crafts & Activities

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Here are just a few fun and free activities that your young party goers can do:

Patriotic Printables or Coloring Pages:

It looks like this Labor Day is going to be a hot one! So maybe set up a blanket or picnic table under a nice shade tree and turn it into a coloring station. Fill colorful bins with crayons and markers and print out some free coloring pages online. There are numerous sites that offer free or low cost coloring printables that follow the Labor Day theme. For example, Enchanted Learning.com has free printables that allow children to color in images of what kind of job they would like to do when they grow-up ̶ what a perfect theme for Labor Day!

We love these Etsy shops coloring pages for your kids:

Patriotic Printables

These printables are cute for 4th of July or Labor Day activities

Patriotic Kids Crafts: Make a Patriotic Flag:

What better way to celebrate this iconic American Holiday than by waving around the red, white and blue stars and stripes of our flag?

Children can easily make their own flags with construction paper, straws, and tape. Simply have them color a flag on a sturdy piece of construction paper and then tape or staple the straw to the side of their homemade flag. They will be sure to have fun waving their own creation while singing our anthem.

Another, easier option is to download printable flags such as the ones on examiner.com and have the children simply cut them out and glue or tape them to a wooden dowel or straw.

This patriotic banner kit is perfect for little hands to make from Etsy shop Sweet Pea Sprout.

Patriotic Sparklers:

A Labor Day bash is not complete without sparklers! Provide sparklers for all your party goers’ ̶ young and old alike! Just be sure to have Mom or Dad light the sparklers and assign a parent to watch over the kids while using them – the sparklers may be small, but they can get hot!

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

For more patriotic kids crafts on Stagetecture, click here.

Don’t Forget these Fall Tailgating Tips

Image via: Four Generations One Roof

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Get Up and Out Early

First come, first serve. Keep this in mind when you are planning on tailgating at any game. You want to be able to get the best parking space that is convenient and perfect for you and your party. Plus, this will give you more of an opportunity to set up your food stand, equipment and other game favors the way you prefer. Also, you might even be able to get a spot that would have easier access to the restrooms or entrance/exists.

Image via:  I 4 Color Inc

Be Prepared for Tailgate

Anything can happen at a football game. So have the first aid kits, jumper cables, safety tools and coolers all fully packed and ready to go. This topic can go as far as when you are getting the food together for the tailgating party. Marinate your foods the night before, label your drinks so it will be simpler for your guests to get them, and place some extra utensils in the back. Also, if you plan on being the first to the game tie a banner or balloons to your car so your guests will better find you in the crowds.

Image via: Miss Fanantic

Give your Guests a Variety

Now we all know that one of the best parts of a tailgate is being able to gorge on all of the foods that are available, so here are some tailgating tips on that area. Set up a buffet like areas or bars and it would be best if you all had foods that you can hold in your hands, napkins, bags or cups. You can even, if you are planning on leaving early in the morning, cook breakfast at the tailgate. Have game day food like hot dogs but with a condiment bar for them or a bloody Mary bar or even fill an empty bag of Lays potato chip bag with nachos or chili. The ideas are endless.

Image via: My Recipes 

Tailgating will always be a force that gathers everyone together from every walk of life to show team spirit, eat, drink, trash talk and be merry!  So with all of the festivities that go on within the tailgate wouldn’t you want to make the most out of it? Get up early to get cleaned and out early, prepare your cases and coolers, and give your guests a variety of binge foods that they love.  Push the limits on your tailgating game, also Stagetecture reader can you think of any tailgating tips that you like?

Whats your favorite tailgating recipe? Look to Stagetecture Recipes for ideas.

Patriotic Crafts: Easy Fourth of July Decorations 

Red, White, and Blue Flower Pots

Image Via: BHG

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Nothing adds interest like beautiful flowers.  Buy red, white, and blue flowers and put them in colored pots. If you can’t get pots in patriotic colors, buy regular ones and paint them. Line the pots on your front stoop to attract all who pass by.

Patriotic Paper Rockets

You can make these with the younger members of your family. Create a rocket by rolling scrapbooking paper into a tube and securing it with glue. Make the nose cone by cutting a paper circle, making a slit to its centre, overlapping the ends, and sticking them together with glue. Afterwards, make a fuse by gluing a strip of ribbon inside the rocket. Support the rocket by gluing a long dowel to its tube then fill a bucket with sand and put all the rockets inside.

Image Via: BHG

Paper Lanterns

Image Via: Pier1

Paper lanterns make a wonderful focal point over a dining table. Get red, white, and blue lanterns and attach them to a long and strong piece of string. Fold the string in half when hanging to create a beautiful, layered look.

Beautiful Stars

If you’re throwing a Fourth of July party, give your grass star-spangled treatment. Create stars near your yard’s entrance to give your visitors a dramatic welcome. Make a star cut-out from a cardboard, lay it on the lawn, and sprinkle the grass inside it with water. Leave the cut-out in place and fill it with flour using a flour sifter then remove it and repeat the whole process again.

Image Via: BHG

The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate being American and show off your patriotism. The day is filled with fireworks, parties, and parades. Enhance the fun of the day with the above Fourth of July decorations and make your home the envy of the neighborhood.

For more Fourth of July ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Fourth of July Outdoor Decoration: Fun Lawn Decoration Ideas

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Add Festivity to the Outdoor Table

The outdoor table where you enjoy breakfast or lunch on a holiday, or just relax with your family at a lazy evening should be decorated. At first, paint the chairs in red or blue color, or a combination of both. Then, decorate the table with napkins, runner, and other accessories. Make a runner of trimly pressed bandanas. Use the colors blue, white, and red to keep the look fresh and the table in theme.

Shiny Mini-Tables

Instead of setting up a big table, you can set up a number of small tables in your lawn or backyard. Give them a festive twist by placing battery-operated camping lantern or garden stake lights under the tablecloths (use full-length tablecloths in this case). Use colorful cloth or taffeta as tablecloths for extra shine. When the lights will be lit at night, the mini tables will look like a bunch of colorful hot-air balloons about to take off the ground.

Image via: Savvy Sugar

Cheer with Pinwheels

Pinwheels may sound childish but the Fourth of July is about fun too, right? Make pinwheels with red, white, and blue papers that will reflect the theme of the Independence Day and mimic the fireworks you will see later on. Put them on tall vessels and line them along with your sideways. You can also garnish your outdoor table with pinwheels. Fill four to five slim vases with cheery paper pinwheels and place them on the table, giving it a festive look.

Décor with Colorful Potted Plants

Mark the edges of your lawn with colorful potted plants. A tower of potted plants marking a tread-on-me path can distinguish your lawn from that of your neighbors. Gather three potted plants of different sizes and stack them on one another with saucers in between. Make two or four such showpieces and put them in pair at the opening of the lawn path. Finally, pop in a pair of flags on the pot that is on the top. The pots can be painted in red, white, and blue. You can also fill painted pots with red, white, and blue blooms, and line them up along your driveway, on your front stoop, or deck.

Image via: Pinterest

Cheery Chinese Lanterns

Another inexpensive but fun lawn décor idea is to run paper lanterns up the branches of plants and trees. Use bright-colored orbs or belt white orbs with red-, white-, and blue-striped ribbons. Their colorful glow will enhance your outdoor and add to the curb appeal of the home.

Image via: May Arts

Hope these Fourth of July lawn decoration ideas will help you enjoying the holiday with a full festive mood. This 4th of July instead of just getting patriotic decorations from your local convenience store, try these fun decor ideas for your outdoor home!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Memorial Day Picnic:  Salmon Crab Cakes Recipe

Image via: Fine Cooking-Tom Douglas

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Total Time: 30 min.
Serves: 46

Ingredients

½ cup of Miracle Whip or Mayo with Olive oil
1 ½ cup of Club Crackers (Crushed)
½ cup of Green Onion, finely chopped
1 Egg
1 pkg (12-ounce) of Imitation Crab Meat
1 can of Salmon
2 tbsp of Vegetable or Olive Oil

Optional: 1 tbsp of Crushed Red Pepper, for spice

Image via: Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Directions

1. First take the Mayo, 1 cup of crackers, onion, egg, crab meat, the Salmon and mix it well in a bowl. Then let the mixture sit in the fridge for 30 min.
2. Then heat the oil in a skillet, throw a pinch of the mixture in the pan to see if the oil is hot enough. If the oil sizzles after the pinch is in then the oil is hot enough.
3. Take the cake mixture and begin forming patties the size of your palm. You can use your hand or a spoon to help scoop out portions of the mixture.

Image via: Kalamazoo Gourmet

• Roll the scooped out portion in your hand then press down with your palm to create a burger pattie shape and place some of the remaining crackers on each side of the patties.
• Once you have made the pattie place it in the skillet, cooking 4 minutes on each side or until the patties turn brown. Repeat the process until the entire mixture has been created into patties and cooked.
• When removing them from the skillet place them on a paper towel covered pan to help soak up the excess oil from the patties.
  • If you prefer not to have the salmon, then just use more crab meat instead. Also with the crab, place it on a paper towel and dab to help drain the excess juice, so the mixture won’t be so messy or fall apart.

For more Memorial Day picnic recipes on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Create the Perfect Memorial Day Picnic

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How to Create the Perfect Memorial Day Picnic

Plan Ahead

In order to not get overwhelmed the last minute, planning ahead is essential. Make a list with the menu, the necessary utensils and a few things to entertain the kids with. Buy the items that don’t get spoiled at least a week before Memorial Day, like all eating and drinking utensils and tablecloths or blankets. Also think about the decorations and make sure you have everything you will need. While choosing the decoration, keep in mind the cause of the celebration and decorate accordingly. Decide early on whether you want to have an all patriotic decoration or a more discreet Memorial Day décor.  Stars, the colors blue, white and red, flags and banners are all great to be used at such an occasion.

Prepare the menu

The menu should consist mainly from finger food and other easy to eat meals, like sandwiches, kebabs and salads that can be eaten cold as well. In addition, fruits are always a great idea, like strawberries, blueberries and watermelons. As for dessert, cupcakes and cookies are just ideal for picnics. Make sure to make some clever food combinations in order to have some blue-red-white snacks. For example, fill jars with layers of yoghurt, strawberries and blueberries to create a great visual effect, along with a healthy snack! Don’t forget about drinks and refreshments. Always pack some extra bottles in case something gets spilled.

Image via: Pinterest

Packing for Memorial Day Weekend

After making all those preparations, it would be a shame if anything would be left behind. The best thing is to make themed checklists with all the items that will be needed. Involve all family members by assigning one list to everyone; one can take care of drinks and cups, another of tablecloths, utensils and blankets and so on. This way it will be easier to keep things organized and involve everybody to build up expectation for the celebrations.

Image via: Alexan Events

Keep in mind that this whole picnic has one purpose only: having family quality time and paying tribute. Don’t let minor things like a runny sandwich or a misshaped brownie disappoint you or spoil your good mood!

For more Memorial Day ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

September has already crossed its midway and it will be too late if you do not start planting your fall vegetables right now. The good thing is you do not need a quarter acre garden to grow fresh vegetables. A small balcony that receives sunlight is enough to produce fall herbs and grow vegetables. Take a look at these vegetables that you can grow in your balcony.

Image via: BHG

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Kale in Containers

Kale is a lovely looking plant but a little bit hard to harvest. It will grow well in fertile, moist, and rich soil. This vegetable will grow faster with a steady supply of water and nutrients. You will get good results by adding a bit seaweed extract to the watering can once a week. If you are growing them on containers, add 2-4-inch of compost in the middle of two layers of soil. Plant them about 10-inch deep and 15-inch apart. Stop watering after the first frost.

Kale is rich with vitamin A and C. Many delightful recipes like salads, soups, chips, etc. can be made with it.

Leaf Lettuce Raised Beds

Greens are the best option to plant in the autumn because they are able to survive the slight chill. If your balcony gets six hours of sun per day, you can consider growing leaf lettuce on containers or on small beds framed with wood planks.

Plant the seeds 8-inch deep and 9-inch apart. Take care that the plants should not get crowded because it will affect their quality. However, plant the seeds closer to each other if you decide harvesting outer leaves after they are mature. Lettuce needs moist soil because dryness will make the leaves bitter.

Image via: BHG

Brussels Sprouts on Pots

Brussels sprout is a great option to try in the balcony during the fall season. Plant them in deep pots and apply a complete dose of fertilizer before the forming of the sprouts. You can harvest and grow vegetables when they reach a bit smaller size than a golf ball. Sprouts at the bottom of the stalk will mature before the ones at the top.

It is possible to have 50 to 100 sprouts from a single plant. Some people do not like sprouts but they are good source of Vitamin A, C, K, and folate and can make great recipes if cooked nicely.

Grow Vegetables – Chard on Hanging Pots

Chard will grow well if your balcony gets sunlight for 6 hours per day. Plant them 8-inch deep on the raised beds or hanging pots. They can grow 2-foot tall with the help of regular watering and proper nursing. This leafy green vegetable is great when deeply fried or used in salads.

Image via: Vertical Gardener

The choices of plants and vegetables in your balcony garden will mainly depend on how much sunlight it gets and how much space it has. In case of container gardening, you may use self-watering containers to make the job easier.

For more gardening ideas this fall on Stagetecture, click here.

People start observing the Labor Day holiday since 1880s to show honor to the workers for their contributions to the society. Like other holidays, people celebrate the day with parties, outdoor activities, traveling, cooking, and enjoying time with their family. Throwing a party is a very common Labor Day activity. Check out these theme ideas for your Labor Day party:

Image via: LoulaM via Flickr

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Southern States Theme

Southern states can be the theme of your party that will celebrate the trends and culture of the country’s southern states and Hawaii. You can create a combination of exotic Hawaiian and typical southern atmosphere by decorating your yard with tiki torches and red, white, and blue Christmas lights. Fill the air with some compilation of Hawaiian music alongside scores of jazz and blues. Choose a menu that includes southern recipes along with a few traditional items.

Image via: Pinterest

Old-Fashioned Block Party

An old-fashioned block party is a great way to know your neighbors, especially if you have newly shifted into a neighborhood. Without arranging for everything, ask the guests to bring games, music, and food to share. To make the party interesting, you can throw an old-fashioned dance party that can be enjoyed in the warm night. Dancing under the stars with retro dress up and swing music or big band will be a treat to everyone.

Image via: Party City

Back-to-School Theme

Many people miss their crazy school days and rear a secret wish to relive those days sometimes. So, recreate the school spirit into your backyard with plenty of cheap eats, rocking music, and your old pals from those raging days. Apart from that, you can enjoy the party by playing softball, volleyball, flag football, and some lawn games like croquet, horseshoes, bocce, etc. Instead of the backyard, such a party can be arranged in a beach too. The warm sand and bonfire will allow you people to squeeze the most out of the fleeting summer days.

Carnival Theme

You can decorate your Labor Day party after the summer carnival theme too. In this case, the decorations and necessary accessories should be colorful and music should be loud to bring the carnival feeling. Multiply the enjoyment by setting up booths for the guests to play games and win prizes. Arrange for easy but competitive games. Set up bottles and see who can knock down the highest number of bottles with a single strike of baseball or set up a dartboard and watch who can hit the bull’s eye. In such a party, you can serve typical carnival foods like hamburgers, corn dogs, soft pretzels, and lemonade.

Image via: Celebrity Party Planner

While many people like to concentrate on patriotic themes, you can include a unique mix of decorations and foods representing cultures around the world because Labor Day has a universal appeal that appreciates the hard effort of all the working people around the world.

For more Labor Day ideas on Stagetecture, click here.