Fourth of July

Look for deveined shrimp still in the shell at the seafood counter or in the frozen foods section of the market. If you like, marinate the chicken and shrimp for an hour at room temperature or two hours in the fridge, turning skewers occasionally.

Grilled and then tossed with a simple mustard vinaigrette, these vegetables turn tender and juicy, providing an ideal foil for the hearty grilled steaks.

Serving the berries and cream on top is easier than splitting the biscuits, and it's a fun and pretty twist.

Pasta, cheese, and a few summer vegetables make a quick and easy main course.

Potatoes in three colors give this salad an all-American look.

If your pulse quickens at the suggestion of salt and vinegar potato chips, you'll be hooked on this warm potato salad after one bite. A little Old Bay seasoning gives it a modest kick.

To make your cocktail party more participatory, have your guests grill their own skewers. A hibachi is even more user-friendly than a grill, since the ends of the skewers hang out over the edge, eliminating the need for tongs. If you're cooking everything yourself, it's easiest to use a large grill or a broiler (see cooks' note, below) and serve the skewers in batches.

The little green chile makes an appearance in the burger and in its creamy ranch sauce. What to drink: Chateau Souverain 2002 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($22).

Editor's note: This recipe is from Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living. For Maxwell's tips on throwing a summer pool party, click here. What family reunion would be complete without potato salad? This is my mother's recipe. It's delicious — tasty and tangy, just as potato salad should be.

We've spiked this lemonade with vodka to make a refreshing summer cocktail, but you can omit the alcohol. One batch will completely fill your blender, so if you need more, make multiple batches rather than doubling or tripling the recipe.

Take this lemonade along on a picnic in a large Mason jar or a plastic container, stowed in the cooler with the other drinks.

Limas Congeladas Rellenas de Sangrita y Tequila Most sangrita recipes include tomato as well as orange juice, hence the name ("little blood"). This spicy, salty juice mixture is a traditional chaser for straight tequila. If you don't have time to prepare the frozen lime cups, just pour the sangrita and tequila into shot glasses. Pair the sangrita with a reposado tequila, which has been briefly aged to impart richer, more complex flavor and a smoother sip. (See "Wine & Spirits" for some great top-shelf tequilas.)

Omit the alcohol for a kid-friendly drink.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.