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!

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How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou

Still planning your Memorial Day bash?

Here are some inspirations on what to wear, what to serve and quick and easy ways to decorate.

Meryl Streep, classy and gorgeous as always in a patriotic Catherine Malandrino dress.  

If head-to-toe red, white and blue too much for you, this simple yet stunning leather necklace is a DIY piece of cake. M&J Trimming has a great tutorial that will show you how to put this together in about 20 minutes.

 

Not a do-it-yourself type of girl? Any outfit from a sundress to a pair of old shorts and a tank top looks chic and put together with a great hat. I am especially in love with this floppy striped hat from the Gap.

 

Since Memorial Day marks the start of summer, start it off hot in a traffic stopping, party starting bombshell sundress from Pin-up Girl Clothing.

Now YOU look good, Let's quickly dress your party. 

Photo courtesy of www.Anitaarts.com

The dollar store has hundreds of pinwheels this time of year - snag a handful and place in white or glass containers scattered across the table and you've got a playful centerpiece.

Photo courtesy of faveflowers on Flickr

Glass containers of any type can be found at the dollar store and you probably have some in your house already.  Fill them with alternating layers of any appropriately colored items. Fave Flowers (above) used petals but blue colored candy, rice or white mints and red hots (all available at the dollar store or local grocery store) would work as well.

Whew! All done - now....ready for a drink?

Slash Food introduced me to one of my favorite Americana inspired drinks - the Starfruit and Stripes Daquiri. Visit their site for the recipe for this sweet (and potent) drink and many more. 

Since I am no grill master and I do believe Memorial Day is all about BBQ, I will let someone else blog about the main courses but for dessert, I have a few personal faves:

Cream Cheese Strawberries are delicious and a snap to make. People expect it to be white chocolate so it is a pleasing cheesecake like surprise.  Find the simple steps here.

Photo courtesy of www.Annies-Eats.com

Bake these fresh or use a favorite cheat of mine. Go to your local bakery and pick up plain cupcakes and just top with fresh fruit. No one will know you didn't make the entire thing.

You know you have made Jell-o shots so you know how to do this. Grab a star shaped cookie cutter and some food coloring and go to town.  You can't mess this up.

Have fun and enjoy your weekend. Be safe and I will see you back here Tuesday!