The following content is created in consultation with Northern California Honda Dealers. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC BAY AREA's editorial staff. To learn more about NorCal Honda, visit norcalhondadealers.com.

July Fourth is nearly upon us, folks, and while we know you all packed your patriotism, there are a few other essentials you’ll want to stock up on to ensure this long weekend is as memorable as it is merry.

To give you a head start on owning the festivities, we’ve put together our Fourth of July cheat sheet, jam-packed with 10 must-have items — from grass-fed meats to roomy Hondas — for maximum weekend fun.

So dig in, stock up and make Uncle Sam proud.

Next Level BBQ
What’s a Fourth of July party without a backyard BBQ? Step things up this season with Char-Broil’s Commercial Series™ 3 Burner Gas Grill, a sleek system that’ll have all your culinary needs covered. Features like an electronic igniter (see mom, no matches!) and porcelain coated grates make it easy to use and clean, but nothing tops the grill’s infrared technology, which allows even the most novice of pit masters to serve juicy meats without any flare-ups.

Grass-Fed Grilling
Next step is deciding what type of meat will be gracing your grill. Go grass-fed with Fresh Direct’s 100 percent organic local beef share. You’ll get everything from rib eyes and short ribs to brisket and ground beef perfect for patties, all from one of Upstate New York’s finest GMO-free farms. Satiate your carnivorouss guests and thank us later.

Blended Beverages
Vitamix produces a fleet of the world’s most powerful blenders, and the new S30 comes in a much more affordable package. Mix up everything from smoothies and cocktails to marinades and even your own ice cream.

Honda CR-V
With so much to stock up on, you’ll need a car capable of helping you run all your errands. Enter the Honda CR-V, named Motor Trend’s 2015 Sport/Utility of the Year. Spacious, fuel-efficient and packed with safety-first technology features like a rearview camera and Honda LaneWatch, the CR-V is the ideal vehicle for your Fourth of July needs.

Movie Night: Jaws
Jaws, the Blockbuster that began all blockbusters, turns 40 this year. What better way to celebrate this milestone than with a Fourth of July screening? Once the sun sets, fire up the projector and host an al fresco viewing.

Patriotic Blankets
But first you’re going to need a bigger blanket. Where else are all your friend going to sit for the screening? Stock up on some from heritage brand Pendleton, whose patriotic “Dawn’s Early Light Blanket” stylishly commemorates our nation’s Bicentennial. Don’t feel like sticking around your place? Pack it up and head to the local fireworks.

Proper Pants
It’s summer, everyone, which means it’s time to start dressing like it. This year, it’s all about the off-white denim — dressy enough for a party, seasonal enough for a casual ‘cue. Head over to J.Crew, where they’ve got his and hers pairs. Sure, the condiments will be flowing, but when did you ever let a little ketchup stain stop you?

Pump Up the Jams
The bluetooth enabled Jambox means you can stream tunes straight from your phone, keeping the party primed with the perfect summertime playlist. Don’t let the small size fool you — this compact system packs some serious sound; plus, you can even customize your colors (we suggest some holiday appropriate red and blue).

Safe and Stylish Sparklers
Steer clear of the illegal fireworks and class up your backyard affair with Catbird’s Sparklettes. With eight sparklers to a package, they make for the perfect party favor, ensuring that your guests can spray some golden sparks come nightfall.

Honda Civic
Or maybe you just want to get out of dodge for the long weekend. No shame in that, especially when you get behind the wheel of a Honda Civic, a vehicle as fuel-efficient as it is stylish. Loaded with road-trip ready features, from the efficiency-boosting ECON Button to tech like HondaLink Next Generation (putting social media, Internet radio and more all at the swipe of your finger tips), it’s the perfect escape vehicle for that last second Fourth of July getaway. We’ll even help you get started with these five secret NorCal destinations.

To make your July Fourth Weekend a memorable and to get a great deal on your next car, visit NorCal Honda.
 

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