Our family has always hosted our annual Fourth of July celebration on the Saturday prior to the 4th of July. It traditionally features a massive water balloon fight, several kegs of beer, an amazing firework show, and most importantly, excellent displays of food. We always have something catered, usually chicken and various sandwiches, potato salads, sushi dishes, etc. One year we hired a pig roaster, and it was exciting, but simply wasn't cost effective at all. Last year, however, we decided to do a clambake celebration, and it was the best 4th of July party in our family history.

I can suggest following the seafood route to anyone wishing to organise a summer party like the ones we do. Ok, I admit it's never really unexpensive to hire professional catering services for a party. But - if you already decided to cater anyway - the seafood root is not very more costly than a traditional macaroni, chicken and potato salad or any other similar common food that caterers usually provide.

Our parties for July, the 4th have usually about 200 people more or less. Maybe not 200 all at once, but throughout the day, I can estimate we have no less than that number. One thing it's important to tell is that I don't suggest a clambake celebration unless you have at least about 40 people, since it would be it would be somehow wasteful. Provide you have 40 or more people, I think it's a good idea.

We had a company come in and provide a clambake celebration for us. We had all of the trimmings with the experience. They brought clams (of course), live lobster, mussells, and quahogs. They even boil the live lobster right there for you. The kids and their parents enjoyed the cooks as they demonstrated their cooking skills with a little bit of flamboyance. Additionally, the company brought some decorative stones and other seafood to enhance the presentation of the meal.

We went with the "standard clambake", but optional, a "New England clambake" was also available. The price was similar, the difference was probably a more local tweak to the New England version. The one we ordered was delicious, but I wish I could compare the two. I might go with the other option the next time we eat clambake.

Last year's 4th of July clambake celebration was so wildly popular that we couldn't dream of changing the food this year! This year's party is already fully planned, including the fireworks, water balloon fight, and beer that everyone enjoyed last year, and we can't wait for July to come!