I look forward to the 4th of July every year – fun in the sun with friends & family, finished off with a massive fireworks display – what’s not to love? Even though we will not be wowed by gigantic sparklers in the sky this year or gathering on a beach with two hundred other people we can still have fabulous 4th!
With everything going on in the world, I feel like my girls are suffering the most so I’ve decided to throw them a special, intimate, 4th of July celebration the day before. We are having two friends over to swim in the creek and grill out on the back deck. If you know me at all you know I live for a reason to celebrate and never let an entertaining opportunity pass me by. So for the last 24 hours I’ve been searching my cabinets, looking for fun 4th of July décor, two day shipping a few things from Amazon and have a plan to pop into Wal-Mart and World Market to round out my tablescape. I’ve put Patrick in charge of hanging the lights and manning the grill. The rest is up to me and the girls!
Menu |
Normally I would serve my favorite potato salad, corn & orzo salad and the very best lemon curd trifle on the planet (all featured on last year’s 4th meal plan) but it’s a kid soiree so I’m taking it down a notch. For this tween friendly gathering we are going to serve hamburgers, hotdogs, the best mac n’cheese, star shaped watermelon and the cutest 4th of July cookie cake.
Table Décor |
I’ve collected my share of fun serveware over the years so luckily I already own some cute red, white and blue options. Lately, I have been crushing on everything melamine. It’s perfect for outdoor entertaining, especially if you have kids. Plus, it’s really cost effective so you can order fun colors and prints to jazz up your basic everyday stuff without breaking the bank.
I want to stick with a festive patriotic theme and these gorgeous blue melamine plates from Pier 1 are perfect. Unfortunately, Pier 1 is going out of business so the pretty plates I own, pictured above, are no longer available. I sourced some similar options below!
Without a doubt, the two best dinnerware purchases I have ever made are my Pottery Barn Great White place settings and my Pottery Barn Tava Handwoven Rattan Chargers. Both are classic and interchangeable and can be used for everything from a more formal Thanksgiving setting to a casual birthday party soiree. I can’t wait to incorporate each into our 4th celebration with the blue melamine appetizer plate, pop of a classic red cloth napkin and a mini American Flag!
I found this $25 tablecloth on Amazon last night and pray it arrives in time. I really love the muted gray/blue color and think it will pair really well with all of the bold red, white and blues. Comes in multiple shapes, colors and varying price points. The tassels are my favorite!
One large mason jar full of Trader Joe’s white orchids, a few citronella tea candles and we will be set. Did you know you can purchase citronella tea candles from Lowes or Home Depot? I’m on my way to snag a large bag to keep handy for the remainder of the summer.
I found a few beautiful candleholder options from World Market. They are having a major sale right now and I’m sharing my favorites below!
We will finish the night off with sparklers and the most festive cookie cake by my friend, Sugar Mama Charleston. Hopefully the girls will enjoy their intimate 3rd celebration! I’m certain I will!!
Barbara Wade says
I love reading your blog. You are absolutely amazing. How do you work, raise a family, do DWTD and entertain with such style and grace?j
Dining with the Duffys says
Awe!!! Thank you. I’m not so sure I do all of those things well but I appreciate you saying so!!!! Thinking of your beautiful daughter today.