The 4th of July is barely two weeks away; do you have a big bash planned for your back stoop? Will the grill be going in full force? Well, we're not waiting until the last minute to give you ideas for a classy Independence Day celebration. Here are a few recipes from the archives to get you thinking about Independence Day, plus a couple good ideas for the table that fit the theme. More

We’re hosting a small gathering of friends and family for Independence Day this year, and have been busily browsing through some of our favorite cocktail books for inspiration.

Here are four of our personal top picks for Fourth-of-July-themed drinks: More

Yesterday we took a "Hot or Not" vote on flag cakes (at the time we're writing this, it's pretty much a tie), and then we saw this smaller, round version. Just as festive, but not quite as kitschy. We vote "hot."

See another photo, without the raspberries, below... More

Have you ever made one of these? We certainly have. These sheet cakes iced with white frosting and topped with strawberry (or raspberry) stripes and blueberry stars are all the rage on the 4th of July. But are they sweet? Or too cutesy?

Click below for a new twist on the flag cake from (who else?) Martha Stewart. More

Friday July 4th - we'll be off tomorrow (except for a couple special posts - think cocktails). We're curious about your food plans. Are you cooking out? Staying in and enjoying the three-day weekend? Are you going for classic July food - corn, steaks, grilled vegetables, fruit pie? Or are you celebrating in some other way?

Tell us about your July 4th traditions and plans here! More

July 4th is a very important celebration. When thinking about what wines to choose, many people feel particularly nationalistic on that day and opt for wines produced in the United States. Bravo!

Americans should feel very proud of their country’s position in the global world of wine. Despite being a relative newcomer in terms of wine consumption the United States is now the largest wine market in the world by value, with 2007 sales tipping $30 billion. What an achievement for a nation that has struggled with the aftermath of Prohibition, and still has one of the most complex wine distribution networks in the world. More

As we told you yesterday, July is Grilling Month here at the Kitchn. And we realize that we may have lost many of you with that sentence — all of you who lack any outdoor space, even for a tiny charcoal grill.

Well, many of us editors are in the same position. But we are also surrounded by beautiful public parks in this city. The trick is knowing where you can grill in them. We have some information below, but we also want your suggestions... More

Happy 4th of July to all of our American readers! We hope that you are enjoying the day off, relaxing with friends and family and eating some darn good food. It sounds like many of you have delicious plans, with everything from seasonal peaches to Jell-O shots to fried chicken.

We just stuck an extra-big batch of strawberry ice cream in the freezer to harden. We'll meet up with friends later and grill burgers and chicken, eat baked beans, chocolate chip cookies, and potato and macaroni salads.

Here's a few recipe tips from the archives, just in case you need a last minute side dish to round out your meal... More

What are you doing on our national holiday tomorrow? Are you cooking anything special? We always associate 4th of July with good old-fashioned comfort food, made for eating outside on flimsy paper plates or with our fingers.

We're cooking up some veggie burgers and salsa , and some strawberry ice cream and maybe a cake for dessert.

Tell us what you're making and eating! It's a middle-of-the-week holiday, and we can hardly wait to relax and enjoy it outside with a plate of good food balanced on our lap.