Mary, Sounds like the tarp made everything work out. Shame you had to use it. Been there done that but we have an umbrella.
Our stuff went off without a hitch too. Waayy too much food but it was planned that way. Figured since we were firing up the smoker for some then why not for more. It's a real pain to clean the thing so hen it get's used........it gets loaded up!
I'd have to agree there was certainly a trend with all those that posted. From what we have been told..... a BBQ was how they celebrated the first celebration after the Revolutionary War. It was also explained that it was one of George Washington's most favorite ways to celebrate. I'd have to say one too.
Struggled with trying to keep things simple and kid friendly but mostly simple. Funny how that never really works out.
I ended up doing a second tater salad. Originally I mentioned a Loaded Baked Potato variety but I misjudged the Russets we had on hand. Could swore I had 3-4lbs. Thought about a roasted corn and B-red but out of corn too. So I combined the two and ended up with a Roasted Loaded B-Red salad. Actually IMHPO......I'd have to say it made a more palatable salad .The potatoes were more moist and held up better when mixed. This may be the new method and...... best of all.....it went over better with the guests.
Cousins brought Mac'n'cheese, Deviled Eggs and Fruit Falad. Never a party in the South without Deviled Eggs. Hehehe Neighbors brought a Mississippi Mud cake All in all it was a great time. Danged if we forgot to crack open the watermelon we bought though. Forgot all about it. Doohhh!!!! We have a party to go to this weekend, maybe we'll do an old fashioned Spiked watermelon (with rum). Just have to pick up a second, smaller one for the kids.
Everyone enjoyed the food unfortunately, after smoking all the meats, I could have gone for a burger.....but that would have been way too much food had we done those too. We did do some franks in the smoke too and those were really good! After all was done, we did our own little fireworks display here at the house. The kids enjoyed that one as did the adults not having to navigate the traffic at Ft. Lee