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 would suggest going the seafood route to anyone contemplating throwing the sort of summer celebration that we normally do. True, it is never actually "cheap" to hire professional catering for a party. But, if you are already set with decision of catering the event, the seafood route isn't much more expensive than the usual chicken, potato salad, macaroni, etc, that caterers typically offer.

For the last couple of years there have been approximately 200 people to our 4th of July parties. Experience tells us that it is not likely for all 200 to be there at the same time, but an overall estimate for this year is the same as usual. I wouldn't suggest throwing a clambake celebration with less than 40 guests, due to it being a little wasteful. If you expect more than 40 participants though, a party of this kind might be fun!

The clambake celebration that we hosted was obviously through a catering company. We ordered a full menu, including clams, mussels, lobsters, and quahogs. They bring over live lobster, and kill/cook them in front of you. Half of the fun (both for the children and the adults) is to watch the showmanship of the chefs doing this. They also have a lot of rocks and seafood laid out that they serve the food on top of.

What we ordered was considered to be a "standard clambake" but they also had an option for a "New England clambake". Both were similarly priced, but I guess that the New England one had more local menu offerings for New England stuff. I was pleased with the one we ordered, but I cannot say anything about the New England style, because I haven't tried it (yet!)

We are very delighted to do a clambake celebration once again for the 4th of July party this year. Everything is already planned, and we just can't wait for July to come! It's such a great food that we didn't consider anything else to eat. But of course there will also be lots of beer and water balloon fights.