Fourth of July

At the height of my favorite season comes my favorite holiday.  Whether you decide to celebrate big this year or keep it low-key, here some easy, festive and budget-friendly tips to enjoy the Fourth.

Flowers

Most people can go outside and gather a few fresh flowers, put them in a Mason jar with a ribbon and call it perfect.  Umm. Well, not an option around the desert in July.  So, I found two simple floral picks at Michaels and for two bucks I got the look I wanted. 

The flowers are in one of my favorite Quarttro jars which makes it feels extra special to me.  Even though nobody else would notice.

Watermelon

Nothing in the world screams summer and the Fourth like a slice (or ten, in my case) of watermelon.  We eat so much of it around here we’re absolutely waterlogged.  The vibrant colors on a white platter serve as both a side dish and part of the décor. 

Fire up the BBQ

Anything on the grill is easy for me, because it’s Hub’s job.  But, of course, it’s also nice leaving the heat and the mess on the patio and keeping the kitchen cool.

Hebrew National or Nathan’s dogs are my guilty pleasure.  I’m fairly certain they are not on anyone’s healthy list, but they are on my regular rotation.  I found the most delish European brioche buns at the grocery store and I was in hot dog heaven.

Cold Side Dishes

You know I’m famous (in my own mind) for potato salad, but this week I whipped up some coleslaw.  Our household is not big on mayo-based dressing and I usually use a vinegar and oil base.  I tried out Downshiftology’s Vinegar Coleslaw recipe and it was just perfect.  Lisa’s recipes and videos are highly recommended by me.

Grocery Store Sweets

Adorable cupcake liners from Michael’s were irresistible.  Firing up the oven to make cupcakes; however, was really easy to resist.  But.  Adding some festive red licorice into the cups is a fun little snack.  I turned one of the liners upside down to show the USA on the bottom.

Store-bought cookies were purchased basically for looks.  They didn’t look like they would taste good.  Whoops.  They did.  Really good.  Soft and fluffy like a cake.  Limit one and the rest into the freezer.  Dangerous.

Front Porch

Using patriotic décor I’ve had for years gets displayed on the front porch.  Very budget friendly and an easy festive look.

An early start on decorating and celebrating the Fourth reminds me of the long, lazy summer days of my youth and good memories.

Have a safe and fun Fourth. Please share any fun plans you have. I hope you’re enjoying your summer as much as I am.