If you are looking for a new way to celebrate America's birthday - go OLD SCHOOL! Colonial-era Americans knew how to party, so this 4th of July, party like it's 1776. But what does that mean?
We put together some ideas below to make your Independence Day celebration feel more authentic at your Chico apartment.
Hand Written Invitations
You need formal, hand-written invitations for a party like this. No Facebook events, or eVite stuff on the interwebs. You need papyrus scrolls and a calligraphy pen to really make these look authentic. Then deliver them on horseback to your guests.
Get Some Powdered Wigs
No 4th of July party would be complete without some colonial style wigs. This trend started in Europe in the 1700's and made it to the new world along with the more distinguished colonists. These powdered wigs or 'perukes' were often greased up with pomade then powdered down with white flour or white clay dust. This fashion trend was born out of necessity due to rampant lice infestations and a high rate of syphilis which resulted in hair loss, scabs and rashes. All fashion trends eventually come back into style, right?
Speak with British Accent - Wait, DON'T!
Apart from the fact that most people sound ridiculous when they try out a British accent. The fact is that the modern British accent we think of today is not an accurate portrayal of what the language sounded like in the 1700's. Americans did not "lose" their British Accents, the British just adopted a new one. After the American Revolution in the early 1800's, a "non-rhotic" style of speech became popular in Southern England. This was first adopted among the upper-middle class and soon became a widespread trend.
Eat like the Founding Fathers
Wait, don't do that either...Even though our forefathers ate chicken, beef, pork, fish, fruits and vegetables, they were not always the best at preparing them. Too many things got boiled, cooking over open flames is inconsistent, and spices were in short supply. Instead, make this American Flag Pizza that Martha Stewart came up with. After all, what's more American than an Italian inspired dish created by a convicted felon? I swapped out the tomatoes for pepperoni in my version, which I highly recommend.
Colonial Era Drinks
Colonial-era Americans drank a lot. This was an inherited tradition from the British that they kept alive through the revolution. Now, to be clear, we are in no way encouraging heavy drinking, we are just giving historical context. They did not drink recreationally, but instead carried on the British idea that water was bad for your health. This may have been partially true at the time, considering sanitation methods and understanding of disease were basically non-existent. Drinking beer, wine and other concoctions with alcohol was preferred since it sterilized the beverage, killing bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Early Americans would start the day by having cider with breakfast, drink beer at lunch, and have wine with dinner. It made for quite a raucous era. For the 21 and over crowd that wants a slightly more sophisticated menu of drinks that are still historically accurate, here are 5 Colonial-Era Drinks You Should Know from Serious Eats.
- Flip - A blend of beer, rum, molasses (or dried pumpkin), and eggs or cream.
- Stone Fence - A blend of hard cider and rum.
- Syllabub - A base of white wine or cider is combined with cream, sugar, lemon juice and egg whites spooned on top.
- Rattle-Skull - The name is English slang for a chatty person, and the drink includes a blend of dark beer, rum, lime juice, and nutmeg.
- Sangaree - An early ancestor of sangria, this drink uses a base of fortified wine combined with lemon juice, sugar, and nutmeg.
[Read the full article with detailed recipes here]
American Revolution Trivia
No 1776 themed 4th of July party would be complete without trivia! Here are 13 questions (1 for each Colony) from braingle.com, here are 3 of our favorites.
Where was the first battle of the American Revolution?
Which fort did the traitor Benedict Arnold intend to turn over to the British?
The final battle of the war was fought in November of 1782.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
No matter what you do at your Chico apartment this 4th of July, be safe and have fun. Celebrate the birth of a country that we are all fortunate to live in. Our opportunities are a direct result of the principles our founding fathers set forth in the declaration of independence. So enjoy your life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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