An Art-Full Celebration This Fourth of July

I love throwing parties but I hate having to spend a lot of money on centerpieces that will just be tossed out or broken apart and stored in a closet. Also, who has the time these days to put together floral arrangements and extensive tablescapes? I know I don't! And so with the Fourth of July just a few days away, below are some quick and easy centerpiece options to make your decorating a breeze. Most of them can be done with items you either have at home or can easily find at a local grocery or dollar store. Enjoy!

Any tablecloth can be turned into a patriotic work of art with stars cut out of any random red, white and/or blue fabric.  These stars were glued on with spray adhesive but any glue (or a few quick stitches with a needle and thread) will adhere them for your event.  I also love the look and set-up of their ice cream bar!

(Photo Courtesy of Country Living)

It honestly can't get any simpler than this.  Snag a handful of American Flags at the Dollar Store or your local grocery store this weekend and some red, white and blue gumballs. Within seconds you have a vibrant and fun centerpiece for your picnic tables this weekend.

(Photo Courtesy of All You)

Break out of the American Flag theme and go for something summery and bright with this easy to make centerpiece. Simply hollow out a watermelon for the vase and fill with a store bought bouquet. 

(Photo Courtesy of Kitchen Mish Mash)

Combine strawberries (or watermelon), blueberries and marshmallows and pile them on platters.  When spread sporadically across the table these simple dishes make fresh and edible table decor. 

(Photo Courtesy of Make and Takes)

If you're feeling crafty or you have children coming to your Fourth of July Event - this is a fun centerpiece that doubles as a project to keep the little ones busy.  A Dollar Store bucket, some paper and a bit of ribbon or random baubles and buttons all combine to make this adorable table topper. Let each child make their own star or flag and pretty soon you will have a table full of art!

(Photo Courtesy of Design by Dani)

And finally.....

So much easier than it looks - these are centerpieces with a bang AND they double as favors.  Just take paper towel or toilet paper rolls and cover with crepe paper, tissue paper or ribbons. Americana images can be printed from your computer and attached with glue.  Fill the inside of the tube with candy or other treats, tie at the top with ribbon or pipe cleaners and you have a fun and fanciful addition to your event.

(Photo Courtesy of Country Living)

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

Follow Me on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/EmilyontheAve

Well Hello There!

Wow it has been way too long since I have been able to post here. With my laptop AND work computer broken at the same time things got crazy, but I am happy to be able to start a new month with everything working perfectly. And so without further ado, today's Thursday Etsy Treasury is all about coming back and saying Hello!

I like that it kind of looks like stick figure people creating the letters. 

Hi Mini Greeting Necklace by Joanna Rutter

Yeah I am a total Twitter geek (@Emilyontheave) and this card by Honizukle thrills me because it is absolutely adorable and they are Twitter birds!

 This "Hello Friend" print by John W. Golden is a comment on the lost art of conversation. Such a cool piece, I think I need to add this to my "WANT" list.

Hee Hee This is absolutely how a conversation between a taco and a pineapple should go. 

The Aloha Hola Shirt by Monkey Fish Dezigns.

So girly and cute. Someone should send me one of these Oh Hello! cards by Bella Card Co.  

Fashion illustrations have always enthralled me but I am especially drawn to this beauty's hair and eyes. Such a great print. Bonjour by Courtney Oquist.

And finally....

If you follow this blog you know I am a fan of all things glittery, pink and girly. Combine all three and you get the ultimate in all things "Hello" related - HELLO KITTY.

If everyone I know chips in, maybe this can be my 30th birthday gift (So close - July 11th is the big day!).

This Hello Kitty inspired sofa by Mark Stratis is my new most coveted item.

$1600 not including the woman in pasties.