I really and truly love entertaining. Every year I host for the same occasions, one of which is July 4th. Weeks before the holiday I begin scouring the internet for new ideas. I do my best not to repeat decor. It's a game I play with myself - can you decorate without reusing old stuff?
This year all of my inspiration came from a particular set of paper straws I found in the Oriental Trading Company catalog. I built the entire tablescape around those straws, focusing on the classic red, white and blue color combination.
Before taking food and drinks outside into the backyard I piled all of the cups and bottle openers into this metal drink caddy I found at Pottery Barn a few summers ago. I love the chalkboard on the front. You can change the phrase for any occasion.
And here are the straws that started it all! How fun are these? They look just like Uncle Sam's signature hat.
In the center of the table I placed a vase with white roses. I've said this many times before, but the quickest way to add major punch to any party is fresh flowers. They are easy to get and inexpensive. I find the best, highest quality selection is at Trader Joe's.
I found this beautiful blue vase during the Watertown town-wide yard sale. Just $2 dollars!
The flowers also add a beautiful, fresh scent to the space.
For all my soirees I try to serve food on paper plates or plastic plates. It just makes clean up so much easier. For this year's 4th of July BBQ I kept it simple. Sold blue plates and blue and white striped napkins.
I love the way the blue and white stripes look against the red and white stripes of the tablecloth.
To encourage people to get into the holiday spirit I provided sunglasses with a stars and stripes pattern. Like the straws, I also found these in the Oriental Trading Company catalog.
In addition to being fun to wear, these proved to be tremendously helpful in keeping grill and fire pit smoke out of one's eyes.
On the sideboard in the dining room I put down a red, white and blue runner (a gift from my mom) and arranged two vases of red roses.
I am so used to red roses paired with gold decor from my awards show parties, it was fun to mix up the color scheme. These blooms are from Star Market on Mt. Auburn Street and though their flower selection is usually pitiful, I lucked out.
Though I don't cook, I did find a cool red, white and blue food idea on Pinterest. You add blueberries, blackberries and strawberries to your ice cube tray to create red, white and blue ice cubes!
I put a ton of fruit into every cube. Guests put them into water, lemonade, ice tea and even rosé.
The outcome was so yummy that I think I may start making these every week.
I was excited to surprise my guests with the fruit ice cubes but also with a new kind of snack food I just discovered a few weeks prior. Jamie Mammano, chef and owner of the Columbus Hospitality Group, has a tortilla chip company, Mi Niña, named after his daughter. His wife grew up in Mexico and he makes the chips from his mother-in-law's tortilla recipe. As the bag states, they are "just a better chip."
The chips are made right here in Massachusetts and you can find them at Whole Foods, Roche Brothers, Star Market and Wegman's.
I paired chef Jamie's tortilla chips with guacamole, a perfect backyard snack.
I am very lucky that my friends and family all offered to bring things for dinner. The chips and guacamole were later joined on the table by veggies and dip, The Pioneer Woman's hot corn dip, fruit salad, pasta salad, burgers, veggie burgers and piñata cookies (cookies with a candy surprise inside).
Once the sun went down, we had a fire pit, lit and played with four boxes of sparklers and listened to the sound of fireworks going off around the neighborhood. It was a delicious and relaxing evening.
Happy birthday, America!
Comments
Kristen Fenton
Tue, 07/05/2016 - 13:39
you throw the best parties! I love getting to wear red white and blue all weekend long, too!
Molly
Wed, 07/06/2016 - 11:17
Thank you! Yes, I agree, the red, white and blue wardrobe all weekend is extra fun.
Neela M
Mon, 10/21/2019 - 02:43
Thanks for the info.
====================================
Automation solutions in bangalore
telecommunication projects in bangalore
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 04:34
Wow! This could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on thesubject. Actually excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort. duitcloud review
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 04:39
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers پوکر پولی
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 04:42
Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style. bisnes dari rumah
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 04:53
Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it! Real Cash poker Philippines
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 05:03
This article is an appealing wealth of informative data that is interesting and well-written. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information. You’ve got what it takes to get attention. smm panel
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 05:40
I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. Terpenes for sale
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 05:43
Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. authentication legalization services Ottawa
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 05:45
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. regalos
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 05:47
I felt very happy while reading this site. This was really very informative site for me. I really liked it. This was really a cordial post. Thanks a lot!. Divorce planning Mississippi
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 05:53
This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. work from home business
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 05/23/2020 - 06:13
howdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work. helicopter trips Yorkshire
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 05/23/2020 - 06:13
I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting. instagram bots
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 05/23/2020 - 06:13
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. selflove
Albina N muro
Fri, 05/29/2020 - 06:43
Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! Daniel Gordon GLD
Albina N muro
Fri, 05/29/2020 - 06:48
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Daniel Gordon GLD
Albina N muro
Fri, 05/29/2020 - 06:59
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. frisco texas locksmith services
Albina N muro
Fri, 05/29/2020 - 07:11
Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks trusted forex trading signals
Albina N muro
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 07:34
Thank you very much for this great post. WordPress London
Albina N muro
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 07:49
I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that... Daniel Gordon GLD
Albina N muro
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 07:55
Hi! Thanks for the great information you havr provided! You have touched on crucuial points! Daniel Gordon GLD
Albina N muro
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 08:03
I like this post,And I guess that they having fun to read this post,they shall take a good site to make a information,thanks for sharing it to me. allen texas locksmith services
Albina N muro
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 08:12
Thank you very much for the sharing! COOL.. bisnes online
Albina N muro
Sat, 05/30/2020 - 08:34
I read that Post and got it fine and informative. agenzia di interpretariato roma
Robert F. Crocker
Wed, 06/03/2020 - 02:09
شركة سيركو سورية تقدم خدمات كهرباء صحية تعهدات انشاء مقاولات بناء كهرباء كاميرات مراقبة اجهزة انذار اعمار اكساء دهانات في دمشق سورية سوريا مقاولات تعهدات دمشق سيركو سورية شركة
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 06/04/2020 - 02:06
I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information CONTACT PRIVATE DETECTIVES MADRID
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 06/04/2020 - 02:06
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. walmartone uk
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 06/04/2020 - 02:06
Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. Dank vapes
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 06/06/2020 - 03:33
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Canada PR
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 06/06/2020 - 03:33
Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks تسليك مجاري
Robert F. Crocker
Mon, 06/08/2020 - 03:01
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here. steinmetz
Robert F. Crocker
Mon, 06/08/2020 - 03:01
I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that... Concepteur 3d joaillerie
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 03:08
We do custom patches, embroidered patches, printed patches, custom Velcro patches, clothing labels, PVC patches, custom leather patches, custom keychains, and other promotional products. Following is an overview of our products. custom embroidered patches
Robert F. Crocker
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 03:02
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. 카지노쿠폰
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 06/25/2020 - 02:55
Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! อาหารเสริมผู้ชาย
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 06/25/2020 - 02:55
Friend, this web site might be fabolous, i just like it. keto after 50 review
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 07/02/2020 - 03:32
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. speed test mobile
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 07/02/2020 - 03:32
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing công ty bể phốt biogas
Robert F. Crocker
Fri, 07/03/2020 - 03:55
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Detectives en cornella de Llobregat
Robert F. Crocker
Fri, 07/03/2020 - 03:55
It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. Corporate Office address
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 07/04/2020 - 02:54
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. nicad charger circuit
Robert F. Crocker
Sat, 07/04/2020 - 02:54
Awesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post. Allon4
Robert F. Crocker
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 05:35
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. Custom Velcro Patches
Robert F. Crocker
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 05:22
Best work you have done, this online website is really cool with great facts. budapest property
Robert F. Crocker
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 05:22
I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. Valgous Ejuice
Robert F. Crocker
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 02:41
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. java beginner tutorial
Albina N muro
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 08:42
Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site.. allen locksmith
yosung Dokgo
Fri, 08/28/2020 - 00:45
This is the item I was looking for. I finally found it. Please upload a lot of good items in the future. Thank you.
스포츠중계안전놀이터먹튀검증안전놀이터토토사이트꽁머니