• 2 pounds small new yellow-fleshed potatoes

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick

• 1 50-count bag littleneck clams

• 2 1 pound bags  steamer clams

• 2 lemons, 1 cut into 6 rounds and 1 cut into 6 wedges

• 5 – 6 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled

• 1 bunch fresh thyme

• 2 pounds shell-on large shrimp (about 45 pieces)

• 4 ears corn, broken into 2 or 3 pieces each

• Melted butter, for dunking

• Old Bay seasoning, for sprinkling

• Crusty bread, for mopping

SET THE SCENE

Set up a well-oiled cocktail station. Leave a fresh batch of drinks on ice with plenty of shatterproof glasses and bandanas for cleaning spills. And make sure there are lemons, limes and extra hot sauce for guests to add their own finishing touches.

If you’ve got flowers, flaunt them. Pluck a few from your lawn, then toss into mugs or glasses (choose some sturdy enough to hold up to a strong breeze). Stagger them down the table in a sweetly imperfect pattern.

While dinner cooks, let the games begin. Pull out bikes and skateboards, sporting equipment, or toys like hula hoops and Frisbees from the garage, and let the kids and adults play together.

Turkey Fry and a Clam Bake = Instant party!

I SAID PARTAAAAY!!!

She is not impressed!