July Fourth is Upon Us

July Fourth will be here before we know it! Besides the fact that Houston is pretty unbearable during the summer, I love this holiday because we always get together with family and friends at our ranch and consume lots of yummy food that blows my diet. Here is an inspiration board I put together to get you in the spirit.

Whether you are hosting friends at your house for an afternoon bbq or a weekend of guests, set the mood by sending out invitations. I love the modern touch of the navy and white trellis pattern on these cards found on finestationery.com.

Another way to get guests excited upon their arrival is to decorate your front door area. The ladies of Door Couture have some really fun ideas and offer DIY instructions.

William Sonoma always offers the neatest tools each holiday. I love their apple pie molds! Baking an apple pie has never been so easy...or cute!

Caspari is a go-to brand for me when I am looking for chic paper plates and accessories. I also often visit potterybarn.com for party decor inspiration. I love how they filled mason jars (which you can find at the grocery store) with simple blooms and tied coordinating ribbon around the top.

Have you seen Martha Stewart's patriotic collection at Grandin Road?! I love the dessert tablescape she created and the tubs and striped banner, especially, will add flare to your party.

Let the planning begin!

'Tis the Season!

I know, I know! Halloween has not even come and gone and I'm already thinking, let alone talking, about Christmas!!! I just can't help myself!

My husband keeps laughing at me because for the past month, I have been stalking Barnes & Noble (and grocery stores!) to see if the Christmas magazines have started rolling in. I have a good excuse though! My baby boy turns one on December 16th and I am planning a big birthday celebration. I love reading blogs, but I think it has been a blessing and a curse when it comes to this particular party. Normally, I would have had his party planned out in my head months ago, but I keep seeing so many great ideas, that I never can settle on anything. I think I have finally decided though, so stay tuned for the details to come. I'm so excited! In the meantime, here is an inspiration board I put together with pictures I have saved over the past few months.

Martha Stewart - snowflake cookies, marshmallow favors, coffe & donuts, cake and flowers

The Knot - champagne

Julia Usher - gingerbread favor boxes

And I can't remember where I found the cute snowman punch bowl! If you know, please send the info my way!

July Fourth: Last Minute Party Decor!

Thanks to the wonderful ladies over at Paper and Cake, our Fourth of July celebration will actually be stylish!  I have always had a hard time finding chic patriotic decor...until now.  If you are looking for last minute decorating ideas, check out this paper package in their Etsy shop.  It is only $8 and you print off the simple DIY project right at home.  Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it!  Get crafting!

July Fourth: Drink Ideas

Here are two refreshing drinks I plan to make this weekend...

Watermelon Cooler

image via Southern Living

The watermelon wedges on the glasses are what caught my eye. Then, I read the recipe and thought "yum!" I'm not a big fan of watermelon, but this drink recipe from Southern Living sounds good.

Cherry Limeade

image via Taste of Home

I made this non-alcoholic beverage last summer when I was pregnant and it was delicious! Plus, the recipe calls for a sugar substitute (I used Splenda), so that really cuts down on the calories.  It's perfect for kids too!

** side note: if you happen to click on the image credit link for the watermelon cooler, you might notice it leads you to a different recipe. The magazine offers two versions and I prefer the one I listed, but liked this picture better. =)