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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 4th of July parties usually have about 200 people give or take. There may not be 200 at once, but throughout the day, I would estimate that we have at least that number. I think it is important to say that I would not recommend a clambake celebration if you have anything less than 40 or so people. At that point it might be a bit wasteful. If you have 40 or more though, I would think it is an idea to pursue.

The food for last year's clambake celebration was provided by a catering company. The main attraction was the live lobster. Kids and adults enjoyed watching the entertaining performance of the chefs as they prepared and cooked the lobster right in front of them. The catering company also did a great job displaying the rest of the full menu items on rocks and seafood. In addition to the lobster, we were served clams, quahogs and mussels.

When we purchased, we chose the "standard clambake," but they also offered a "New England clambake." The difference in price between the two choices was negligible but the New England one seemed to have more items from that area. The standard clambake was perfectly fine for my needs. I don't have any experience to comment on the New England clambake but I wouldn't mind trying it.

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!