This year, we took the party to the waterfront for some fresh air and a beautiful view that puts guests of all ages instantly at ease. A table set with dinnerware and stars and stripes in iconic red, white and blue enhances the lush lakeside setting. We teamed up with San Francisco–based chef Joey Altman to create an impressive yet easy–to–prepare array of sirloin, spicy lamb, and shrimp–stuffed pork burgers — washed down with tangy, ice cold cocktails — to take the traditional barbecue to a deliciously gourmet level. Simply fire up the grill, soak up the sun, and get ready for an unforgettable Fourth.

Setting Up

When you're working with a bold palette of red, white and blue, it doesn't take a lot of effort to make a big impact. Start by dressing the table with rustic, neutral–toned linens like our Yarn–Dyed Stripe Runner as a counterpoint to the graphic stars and stripes. Pillar candles encased in nautical lanterns emit a soft glow once the sun goes down — and add an understated elegance.

Carnations are widely accessible and affordable, and look chicly festive grouped by color. Classic red, white, and blue bunting purchased from your local party supply store looks great draped on nearby trees and fencing, and a prominently displayed flag completes the all–American look of this party.

Give standard barbecue fare a delicious update using Chef Joey Altman's (joeyaltman.com) exclusive recipes for stuffed burgers and sliders. Williams–Sonoma's Stuffed Hamburger Press makes the prep work that much easier and faster. For a special finishing touch, garnish each burger with a miniature flag: just download and print our flag decals on standard labels, and wrap them around toothpicks or skewers.

Streamline your drinks menu with a lineup of red, white and blue beverages. The included recipes for the Cape Codder, Caipirinha and Blue Margarita make delicious options. Fill one Mason Drink Dispenser with each cocktail, and label them with our Round Handled Wooden Tags for a rustic touch. Have a selection of craft beers available as an easy–to–grab alternative to cocktails, and let guests help themselves to the beverage of their choice by keeping a stockpile of our sturdy Mason Jar Mugs on–hand.