Southampton - The Fourth of July calls for a carefree party, with good friends, fab food, fun and fireworks - a real star-studded holiday celebration.

The entertaining experts from Wilton have plenty of ideas to add star power to the occasion, beginning with the decorations. Festive stars and stripes napkin rings in red, white and blue dress up napkins and containers of colorful blossoms to brighten up the table. Then, on to the main course. Serve an all-American favorite meal of grilled burgers and corn on the cob, appropriately topped with a star-shaped pat of butter.

The grand finale is always part of this all-American celebration. Patriotic Pops cut into star shapes definitely say "Happy Fourth of July." Decorated in red, white and blue icing, red licorice and colored candies, these easy-to-make crispy rice treats are a favorite for both youngsters and the grown-ups. The kids can lend a hand to help decorate by placing the candy pieces on the stars.

Even beverages can boast the star treatment. Star-shaped ice cube kabobs in the colors of the day are a celebratory way to keep lemonade icy cold. Or, they're perfect for chilling the holiday cocktail.

Patriotic Pops Makes about two dozen pops
 • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
 • 4 cups mini marshmallows
 • 6 cups crisp rice cereal
 • 24 8-inch Cookie Treat Sticks
 • Red, Blue and White Cookie Icing
 • Red and blue candy-coated chocolates
 • Red licorice

Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray. In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared pan; insert cookie sticks. When cool to touch, remove from pan. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50 percent power 30 to 60 seconds to soften). Outline treat as desired with Cookie Icing; add candy and licorice. Let dry at least one hour.