{Inspiration} My July Fourth Table Setting

This weekend, I decided to put together a table setting to hopefully provide you with some inspiration for your own July Fourth celebration! The classic patriotic color scheme played a part, but I tried to give it a slight twist by using navy and white nautical stripes as well as use a royal blue and white vase as the focal point.

I used red and cream kitchen towels which I found at Ikea to give the look a more vintage vibe. The napkins were placed in inexpensive patriotic pails from Target's dollar section.

I love the trend of brining the inside out, so I used one of our book cases as the dessert and beverage area.

IZZE sparkling soda (in red of course!) was set out along with semi-homemade apple pie cupcakes and fresh fruit to snack on.

I love the preppy striped cupcake liners that I found at Michael's and decided to top off the cupcakes with miniature sparklers. I will post the apple pie cupcake recipe soon!

And now for a more kid friendly version...

All I did was swap out the glass plates for paper plates and set them on top of white scrapbook paper place mats where I wrote each guests name on in blue marker. You could even go a step further and use plastic cutlery and glasses instead depending on the children's ages.

Happy July Fourth everyone! I would love to see pictures of your celebrations!

Sources:

Navy and white fabric - Ikea

White tablecloth - Distinctive Details

Patriotic pails - Target (dollar section)

Cupcake liners, sparkler toppers, striped ribbon, scrapbook paper & paper plates - Michael's

Kitchen towel napkins & white bud vases - Ikea

Galvanized 3 tier server - Pottery Barn

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!

Pottery Barn, I Just Can't Quit You

So, I completely stole that line from my friend, Hayley's, blog. But it couldn't be more true! I always say I'm finished with Pottery Barn, but each time a new catalog lands in my mailbox, I ultimately always want like 10 things. Anyone else feel this way??

Of course I am loving their new party planning features! I just came across their Mojito & Taco Party and I love the new take on the backyard fiesta.

Visit potterybarn.com to read on about how to throw this chic mojito and taco party. The website includes tips, recipes, a playlist and even a invitation which you can download.

{Memorial Day Weekend} Host a Pie Swap

Here is a last minute party idea for your Memorial Day celebration this weekend. Host a pie swap! Or if you already have a casual get together planned, ask each guest to bring a pie for everyone to sample. What is more American than pie?!

If you're not a baker, but want to impress your guests, William Sonoma now offers pies from Bubby's in New York! And let me tell you, they are delicious. I was a frequent customer of Bubby's when I lived in New York. Or you can order divine pies from Royer's in Roundtop, Texas or the Goode Co. which is right here in Houston.

Fellow Houston party planner, Angela from Fantasy Celebrations, put together a gorgeous patriotic tablescape last year that was showcased on HWTM. Visit Angela's Facebook album to see many pictures of the table along with lots of DIY inspiration!

Image Credits:

pies (william sonoma), patriotic tablescape (fantasy celebrations), outdoor seating (pottery barn), rasberry tart on white cake plate (pottery barn)