Homemade pimento cheese sandwiches on fabulous bread beautifully arranged and garnished.

I like the sandwich idea. Most people will bring sweets and/or chips. My rule is to take what I would like for the time/occasion.

So, a tray of assorted 1/2 sandwiches, and make 2 or 3 types. Or a tray of the ready-to-eat roll-ups from Costco.

Fruit salad is always welcomed. Nestled in ice in a cooler it should travel easily.

Chicken wings. Who doesn't like chicken wings???

In other words...pot luck party. If you cook, then cook, if not, stop at the store on the way. Stick to finger foods that just need a napkin or small plate. Bring whatever serving spoons and bowls needed.

My favorite potluck item is oranges and banana slices dipped in melted chocolate and cooled. Every party needs chocolate. Bring what you're drinking.

Watermelon and feta salad would be refreshing. A platter of grilled veggies and flat bread with tiziki or hummus or babaganoush would make nice rolled up sandwiches.

ETA Actually I think some tahini might be a good addition to the veggies.

Another vote for deviled eggs. 98% chance than no one else will bring them (in my experience.)

If the invites just went out, don't worry about being fancy. If you have time, put together some finger sandwiches, or something else you like to eat. Finger foods will be best.

Never heard of "catch as catch can". Does that mean potluck? What part of the country or world is that?

If it is this Sunday, them just go to a bakery and there will be plenty of red, white and blue pastries for the 7/4th theme.

Bring some Canadian Independence Day theme pastries for 7/1 also, if there are Canadians coming to the party.

dcarch

Canadian Independence Day?

I agree with Linda if it 's a 2PM thing I'd do as she suggests or maybe cocktail meatballs. They hold beautifully in a crockpot. Shrimp on ice with a cocktail sauce.

For sure something "nibbley"

Did the host suggest you bring food? I'm wondering if it doesn't mean a kind of loosely organized "meal" or finger food provided by the host? I'd double check and maybe offer a couple of suggestions as to what you might bring, if, in fact, you find (or already know) you are to bring something.

I agree about the asking the host/hostess for more information. At 2 p.m. in July, I'm assuming it'll be hot. If there were a store open near the party, I'd put some ice in a cooler, let it cool down in the car, and stop at the store there to buy popsicles and ice cream pops, especially old fashioned ones that remind one of summer camp.

"chase_gw Canadian Independence Day?"

Here in the USA, we often call 7/1 Canadian Independence Day.

And 7/14 we call it Bastille Day (French Independence day), but the French do not.

dcarch

I agree that sandwiches would be a good idea, but I'm not sure I'd make them ahead. Easy enough to take the "fixings" along with good bread, and make them there, because it would be easier to keep fillings cold enough, it's harder to keep whole assembled sandwiches cold.

LindaC's cheese and cracker idea is good too, I've found that there are usually several desserts, lots of chips, but not so many savory choices.

I had to smile at "catch as catch can", Grandma used to say that and it meant "you're on your own, find whatever you can to eat". So, as has also been mentioned, I'd ask the hostess if you weren't asked to bring something.

Debrak, I'm in Michigan and often hear it. Grandma was from Ohio and her stepmother (who taught her to cook) was from Kentucky, so it could be from anywhere, I think. Dictionary.com says it means

1.

Also, catch-can. taking advantage of any opportunity; using any method that can be applied:

a catch-as-catch-can life, as an itinerant handyman.adverb

2.

without specific plan or order:

They lived catch-as-catch-can.noun

3.

a style of wrestling in which the contestants are permitted to trip,tackle, and use holds below the waist.

Compare Greco-Roman (def 3).

I don't think they were really talking about wrestling. (grin) So, mostly importantly, have fun!

Annie

I agree w/ bringing something you'd like to have - one never knows if you'll like what else is offered. What if everybody else brings sweets, or something you don't like or can't eat?

Without the hostess's confirmation, my interpretation of "catch as catch can" is that they're not planning on serving a meal and whatever they pull out at random plus whatever the guests bring is what there will be to eat. Carolb has a point with the what if everyone brings sweets. I've been to those kinds of parties and they're miserable. So, I amend my answer to ice cream bars and sliced turkey. :)

Well, I had decided to make deviled eggs and a cake, but the whole thing may be off due to flooding -- both here and there. :p

Great choices to have at home if the party is called off. I make deviled eggs all the time for potlucks, but never for at home, so I'd love to have a plate full of them! Sorry to hear of flooding; I hope all is okay.