Have a great Fourth of July

This year is billed to be the biggest Independence Day ever, with massive firework displays across the country, and after 231 years of independence, why the hell not?

However, while others shamelessly celebrate, we have rounded up some fun Fourth of July activities, so all you have to do is sit back and relax.

First off why not celebrate with a Yankee Doodle, a Patriotic Punch or the Stars and Stripes? No, we're not talking about sing-songs or flag waving, but a good old American style drink. Curbly has the recipes for some Fourth of July cocktails, in all-American colours, for you to mix up this afternoon. Head over to his site to find out more.

If you're in charge of the holiday barbeque and you've had a few too many of Curbly's cocktails then you might be worried about undercooking those steaks. Not a problem. Real Simple has produced a grilling sheet, in handy PDF from, which covers cooking times from veggie sausages to full blown meat, so your food is perfect no matter how many Yankee Doodles you've downed.

In the midst of the party spirit it's easy to forget that the Fourth of July is the time for families and friends to get together and celebrate together. Unfortunately this isn't always possible, so if you are away from loved ones, why not make them smile with an e-card. A wide selection is available from MSN Greetings.

If you think you're a bit of a Fourth of July buff, then now is the time to prove it by taking the MSN Encarta Independence Day quiz. The questions are pretty tricky, and are fun for all the family. You might even surprise people with a few facts.

All that's left to do now is have a fantastic Independence Day. Enjoy.

Image courtesy of Paparutzi .