Best of the Web: Fourth of July Recipes and Decor

Fourth of July is a crowd favorite. Loved ones, outdoor dining, and cocktails the color of your outfit give summer’s second holiday cause for first-rate celebration. This year, however, Independence Day’s less-than-ideal mid-week spot makes pulling off the perfect fête a bit of a challenge. That’s why we at Elizabeth Street have taken to the web, pulling patriotic ideas from the most reliable of sources. From giant banana splits to (on-trend) nautical-themed place settings, these recipes and decorations will make certain that your party is worth saluting. —Laura Carroll