Some bloggers want their 4th of July cocktails served on pretty Lucite trays and decorated with festive straws and stirrers.  Not me.  For a three-day weekend get together, I want easy refreshment that can be made in advance (and in bulk) and served in plastic cups.  If I tried to serve my nearest and dearest anything in a champagne flute or martini glass, my dear friends would burst out laughing.

This is the Summer Hoedown from Chow.com (photo c/o).  It features watermelon, maraschino liqueur, Hoegaarden white beer and just a hint of sugar.  Having made this once before, allow me to also suggest having lime wedges handy for those who want them.  (It really brightens the flavor.)  And if you have a margarita maker, add ice and let the rotating blades turn this into the best slushy ever.

Holiday weekends mean sales at major retailers.  Here are my favorite picks from some of my favorite sites:

Vince Camuto Circle Eyelet Dress ($80)

Bloomingdale’s. This blush Adrianna Papell top is incredibly light and feminine.  This Nanette Lepore jacket has a lovely tailored style and fun details.  And if you love resort wear, this flowy DvF dress with a big print is fab.

DvF.  Speaking of Ms. von Furstenberg, she’s having a sale of her own that entitles you to 40%-off sale prices.  This red mini a-line dress is fantastic.  This Jaden tunic top would look amazing with white jeans.  And if you need a basic wedge for work, this black, pointed-toe shoe is what you need.