Search Results for: blog set a festive table for fourth of july

Fourth of July Fun Without Fireworks

The scorching heat continues across the country, including here in the Midwest. In fact, our county has experienced such hot, humid and dry conditions the past few months that officials have banned fireworks. Yes, a fireworks ban leading up to and including the Fourth of July. Since we don’t want to end up like the poor folks in Colorado, who have lost so much due to a rash of destructive wildfires, we’re planning a festive Fourth minus the sparklers and other colorful explosives. Rather than celebrating Independence Day by lighting up, we’re planning a slew of kid-friendly outdoor activities, such … Continue reading →

Some Simple Ideas for Fourth of July

With more and more families staying at home or doing things together such as camping, we find that items featured in stores this time of year are geared toward activities such as eating outdoors. Camping and picnic gear is very popular and you can find a great variety not only in disposable tableware but also in reusable, hard plastic items. From plates to tumblers you can choose from a large assortment of brightly colored solids or prints. If using paper plates, look for colored plate holders. For some patriotic table setting at your Fourth of July get-together, try stacking solid … Continue reading →

A Few Fourth of July Party Planning Tips

Holiday parties and picnics can be a lot of fun. They are even more relaxing when you’re organized and have a plan. There are a few little things you can do to help make things go smoothly. Start by preparing your yard if you intend to entertain outdoors. Cut the grass and if you intend to use a product to prevent pests, use it in advance. Then, begin setting up tables and chairs. You’ll be able to see if insects are drawn to the seating area. If so, and if you don’t really have another good spot, you might want … Continue reading →

Elegant Fourth of July Decorations

Who says you can’t be festive and still create an elegant look? There’s no reason that an outdoor gathering can’t be chic and attractive. Even though some bright red, white, and blue decorations may not seem to lend themselves to elegance, it’s all in the way you put things together. You can try country chic with nostalgic Americana accents. Another idea is to simply choose deeper colors. Deep blues and darker reds create a richer backdrop. Then, instead of fun and funky decorations that you see at most Fourth of July picnics and parties, you can try something a little … Continue reading →

The Dogs at the Party

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If you caught yesterday’s blog about fireworks, you may remember that Moose and Lally were invited to attend a barbeque with me. I wasn’t sure if I should bring them, but in the end, since I was going to be out of the house for more than eight hours, I let the pups tag along. They’re good car riders. Moose flopped out on the back seat of my station wagon; Lally rode half the time in the passenger seat next to me and half the time in the way-back of the wagon. I was the one who had trouble — … Continue reading →

Past Time for Red, White, and Blue?

Even though Fourth of July has come and gone (so quickly!) that doesn’t mean that red, white, and blue can’t still work for home decorating. You can use them together, separately, or mix and match. The Americana look is a tried favorite and there’s something about it’s rustic charm that makes it perfect for bringing the outdoors in or indoors out as is so popular during warmer months. White is always a great summer neutral and various shades of blue and red can be quite summery. Putting bright red and white together always make a statement. A hot and a … Continue reading →

Creative Napkin Rings

Napkin rings are coming back into popularity, but with a twist. Instead of the old rings that might have been used by your mother or grandmother, today’s napkin rings are full of whimsey. And napkin rings can really turn a boring table into something special. Whether you have a formal party planned or just a casual family dinner, creative napkin rings can set the tone. Here are some ideas. I’d love to hear yours as well. Wooden drapery rings from your local home improvement store are an obvious choice for somethings that can double as napkin rings. The wooden rings … Continue reading →