Fourth of July Backyard Party Ideas...

Courtesy of Ruth Meharg

Happy 4th Friends,

Enjoy these Fourth of July Party Inspirations. Host a Fourth of July backyard celebration with a few simple ideas that will make your party really shine. This gallery is full of recipes for unusual grilled treats, fresh drinks, and icy goodness. Click through, get inspired and craft your perfect outdoor party.

Grilled Fruit


Chances are you're used to barbecuing and eating watermelon during the warm summer months, but if you've never combined the two then now might be the perfect time. Grilled watermelon loses a bit of its sweetness, but keeps that signature watermelon flavor. So pull out the salt, pepper and olive oil and slap that melon on the grill.

Grilled Watermelon Recipe


Before grilling your watermelon, cut it into triangular slices, coat both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill each side on high heat until grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with pepper. Add a leaf of fresh basil and a slice of goat cheese to each slice and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve warm as is, or slice up for a yummy salad.

Garden Sun Tea


Sun tea is an easy and refreshing drink to serve your guests during a backyard party. Place a tea bag in each clean and sterile Mason jar you plan to use for tea. (Prepare the jars just like you would before canning.) Fill with cold water and let the jars sit in the sun and steep for 2-4 hours. Remove the tea bag and place the jars in the fridge or on ice until ready to serve.

Adding Flavors


You can add extra flavors to your sun tea by adding herbs, fruits, and berries from the garden. In keeping with our Fourth of July theme, we used strawberries and blueberries! Wash the berries before placing them in the tea. Strawberries and basil work well together, and blueberries and mint are a tasty combo! Both work well with green tea.

Grilled Dessert


If the grill is already warm, go ahead and make dessert there too. Pull out the skewers, the berries, and the pound cake and serve everyone grilled strawberry shortcake. We added blackberries to ours for a festive touch, and you can add any and all of your favorite berries.

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Recipe


To prepare for grilling your dessert, cut the tops off of the strawberries and use a cookie cutter to cut stars out of slices of pound cake. Place pieces of pound cake and berries alternately on the skewers until they are full. Grill over medium heat until your pound cake is lightly toasted and the berries are just beginning to soften. Cream together 4 ounces of softened butter and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Serve with fresh-off-the-grill cake and berries.

An Icy Treat


These ginger, mint and lime popsicles are a deliciously refreshing treat for a hot summer day. Sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries look beautiful and add the perfect pop of fruit.

Ginger Mint Popsicle Recipe


Boil 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in a packed half cup of fresh mint leaves. Let the syrup cool and strain out the leaves and ginger pieces. Add the juice of 6 medium limes and 1 quart of sparkling water. Fill popsicle molds with blueberries and strawberry slices and pour the ginger mint mixture over them. Freeze for 8 hours and enjoy.

DIY Fabric Pinwheels


It's quick and easy to make beautiful pinwheels out of your favorite fabric. You can find more colors and textures with fabric than with paper, and your pinwheels will look more sophisticated than the average plastic one. Simply use fabric glue to attach two squares of starched fabric together. Use 5" squares for an average sized pinwheel. Then cut diagonally from each corner towards the center, leaving an inch radius around the center uncut. Fold the left corner of each triangle in towards the center and stitch or glue in place. If you want your pinwheels to spin, use pinwheel centers from your local craft store.

Mini Pinwheel Bracelets


Looking for a cute craft for the kids or a fun party favor for guests? Make mini pinwheels and stitch or glue them to a festive ribbon. Tie the ribbon in a bow around your wrist for a charming bracelet.

Fabric Rockets


You can make lovely fabric rockets by covering an empty toilet paper roll with fabric. Cut a cone out of paper, or use a cone-shaped paper cup and cover with fabric for the top. Hot glue the pieces together and glue some ribbons to the bottom of your rocket. You can decorate with more ribbons, fabric or paint, or leave them as is. Line the walkway to your party with little rockets, or hang them from the trees and let them blow in the wind.

Rocket and Pinwheel Wreath


Welcome your guests with a festive Fourth of July wreath by attaching your rockets and pinwheels to an empty wreath form. Include small, medium and large pinwheels to fill it in and add variety.

Floral Arrangements


Your rockets and pinwheels will also look amazing as part of a flower arrangement. Rather than going all red, white and blue, try using cream, pink and purple flowers. It will feel patriotic with a decorative touch. This arrangement of peonies and chive blossoms works perfectly with our pink, blue and purple pinwheels, and rockets.

A Tall Arrangement


If you don't have a lot of space for flowers, try a tall arrangement instead of a wide one. These chrysanthemum blooms and blue false indigo are anchored by the peonies, but their height makes the rocket look like it's about to soar into the clouds.

Mason Jar Star Lanterns


When the sun starts to set, you may want a little extra light while you wait for fireworks. Create these glowing star jars by placing star stickers on the outside of a clean mason jar. Use a sponge to apply white acrylic paint in a thin, even layer over the whole jar. Once dry, peel off the stickers to reveal the clear stars underneath. Light a candle in the jar and enjoy a mason jar full of twinkling stars!

Host a beautiful and delicious Fourth of July backyard party with these easy ideas for food, decorating and fun.

Happy Independence Day!

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Let's Shop: Red, White & Blue for the 4th...

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith
BUY IT: Amazon, $15.99

Hi Friends,

Party Time! Whether you prefer to party on the patio or celebrate in the air-conditioned comfort of your great indoors, these easy-to-assemble paper fans help you get festive fast. Available as a set of 12, in the colors and patterns shown.

Bedding Beauty

BUY IT: Ballard Designs, $49 and up

Sleep pretty in this luxurious bedding that combines the classic stitching and cozy comfort of a quilt with an on-trend update: the shams and coverlet are finished with a row of fabric-covered pom poms.

Sit a Spell

BUY IT: Pier 1, $139.95

Stackable for easy storage, these patriotic perches look just like the classic chairs your grandmother had but, thanks to their hand-woven synthetic rattan construction, they're built to stand up to the elements.

Stars + Bars

BUY IT: Crate & Barrel, 19.95

Show your patriotic spirit in the kitchen or at your next barbecue with these colorful kitchen towels. Sold as a set of three, the 100% cotton towels feature artist-designed patterns and are machine washable.

Nautical Nod

BUY IT: Pottery Barn, $34

Set your summer table in style with these ultra-durable melamine plates that feature navy blue starfish or a red rope design. Available as a set of four, the outdoor-ready dinnerware is BPA- and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe for easy post-party clean-up.

Made in the Shade

BUY IT: Serena & Lily, $698

Give your time in the sun a touch of Old Hollywood style with an uber-trendy scalloped umbrella. This beauty will help you beat the heat while looking oh-so-cool.

Mini Bar, BBQ Star

BUY IT: Pier 1, $59.99

Take the party to the pool, patio, deck or wherever with this handy beverage tub and stand. Stash glassware, liquor or mixers on the included bottom tray and fill the rust-resistant iron tub with ice and your favorite beverages, then get ready to chill.

A Timeless Touch

BUY IT: Ballard Designs, $299

Dress up your foyer, dining room or kitchen island with one of these lovely lanterns that blend traditional good looks and quality construction with Americana-themed shades of navy blue or brick red.

Gather 'Round the Fire (Table)

BUY IT: Polywood, $1999

Yep, you read that correctly: This is a fire table — not a pit. So no more bending over to get your s'mores just the right amount of melty — plus the table's built-in glass guard keeps the propane-fueled fire protected from the wind and safely out of reach of children or pets. Best of all, the table is constructed from maintenance-free Polywood lumber — built to withstand whatever Mother Nature can throw at it and safe to use on most any outdoor surface.

Light It Up

BUY IT: Pottery Barn, $39.50

Modern LED bulbs + classic Americana styling make these paper lanterns a patriotic favorite for any summer get-together. Each strand features six lanterns powered by a battery pack so you can hang them in a variety of locations without worrying about concealing an electrical cord or finding an outlet.

Show your true colors with these 10 Americana-themed picks for fans of the red, white and blue.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Happy 4th!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

1st Day of Summer!

Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac

Hi Friends,

We love Summer and wanted to share some information and great ways to celebrate the season with you. First, lets get information on the summer solstice facts-plus, fun ways to enjoy summer!

The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator.

The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).

In temperate regions, we notice the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer.

This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year; check your local Sun rise and set times-and how the day length changes!

Now, 10 Ways to Celebrate Summer...

How will you celebrate the solstice and all that extra daylight? Here are 10 ideas plus, some "summer essentials" from the Almanac.com General Store!

1. Light a bonfire: The solstice day was traditionally celebrated by dancing around the bonfires. Check out our dramatic fire bowls and fire pits.

2. Go fishin': We love to get out on the water. Consult our free Best Days for Fishing chart-plus, tackle-box and bait tips.

3. Plant a seed or a tree: Traditionally, to the farmer, the solstice is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and an occasion for celebration. Browse our neat seeds kits and containers.

4. Cook outside: There's nothing as tasty as grilled food. Have a big cook-out on the solstice. Get a taste of our mouthwatering Grilling and BBQ sauces.

5. Camp: Plan a camp-out to enjoy the great outdoors whether it's a tent in the backyard or a cabin in the woods! Check out the camping store page for some fun ideas. Don't forget the best natural insect repellent on Earth to enjoy the outdoors in peace.

6. Listen to songbirds: We love our feathered friends. Attact birds to your garden with our beautiful bird feeders.

7. Get pampered. Midsummer Day, near the solstice, was said to make old people look younger. It was also thought that walking barefoot in the dew would keep one's skin from getting chapped. Summer certainly does cure the winter dries. You can also check out popular gardener's lotions and fisherman's soaps to soften calloused working hands. There's even an "annulment of time" rejuvenating cream!

8. Let the light in! With all this extra daylight, hang one of our gorgeous suncatchers or decorative accents for your window or porch. Here is the Almanac suncatcher, shot in our town of Dublin, NH, against the backdrop of Dublin Lake.

9. Read a book. Temperatures rise and lazy days ensue. Relax on the beach or the porch and read up on gardening tips, natural health, and more. See our great books and guides.

10. Watch the night sky! In ancient Egypt, the new year was celebrated when the star Sirius rose around the time of sunrise. This roughly coincided with the summer solstice and the annual flooding of the Nile River. Click for our free monthly Sky Map and explore the night sky from your own backyard!

Enjoy these lovely hot Summer days...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Summertime Clambake Party...

Courtesy of Matthew Mead

Hi Friends,

Time for a Party. Start your 4th of July gathering friends and family around a bounty of delicious and traditional foods that can be fun and also easy with just a bit of planning. Either seaside or on a deck, you can easily prepare the flavors of summer party with a trip to the grocery store, farm stand or fishmonger.

Invitation


Print the invitation background leaving a small white border. Cut a piece of vellum the same size as the invitation, and print your invite out on the vellum. Punch two holes in the top of the invitation (a smaller hole punch works best). String twine through the holes and tie.

Download the Invitation Background

Coastal Citrus Punch


This refreshing punch can be made in a large glass jug and placed in a large pail of ice. Place additional fruit and ice in glasses for a fun, decorative touch.

Get the recipe: Coastal Citrus Punch

Cook Simply


Keep it simple with fresh vegetables and fresh seafood from local suppliers. Ask guests to bring a little something, like additional drinks or favorite wines as well as store-bought bakery products like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles or an extra pie.

Get the recipe: Grilled Clambake

Blueberry Pie


This delicious pie is traditional and memorable. Its simplicity is a tasty and decadent finale to any summertime meal.

Get the recipe: Blueberry Pie

Set the Table


The dining table should be fun and casual. Use simple earthenware plates and generous napkins made from dishtowels. Place a graniteware pot filled with shellfish in the center of the table and extra lemons around so guests can add flavor. Dot the table with extra bottled soda, beer and flavored waters so guests can help themselves.

Easy Decorations


Add interest to the edge of the table with a fun, decorative clam shell garland. Download our clam template, cut it out and punch a hole at the top of the clam hinge. String with kitchen twine and decorate the edge of the table using double-stick tape. You can also use the garland to decorate windows, doorways or deck and porch railing.

Download the Clamshell Garland

Decorative Napkin Rings


Dress up simple napkins with banded paper napkin rings. Cut strips of card stock in your preferred color combination. Layer on top of each other, form a circle and tape together in the back.

Label Your Goodies


Download the label templates, and cut out the two sizes of ovals in the card stock colors of your choice. Layer the smaller one onto the bigger one and tape down using the double-sided tape. Adhere the oval onto a toothpick using regular tape or glue.

Download the Food Label Template

Paper Clam Bowls


Use spray adhesive to attach a decorative piece of paper to a piece of card stock. Download our template, and cut out the pattern from the paper. Fold to create the shape of a bowl, and staple together at each end.

Download the Bowl Template

Whether planning a clambake or a low-country boil, there is nothing more festive in the warmer months then a fresh harvest of seaside flavors and old-time farm favorites.

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Father's Day!

Courtesy of SendOutCards

Happy Father's Day Friends,

Today is the perfect opportunity to show our loved ones how much they mean to us, not only on Father's Day but every day of every year.











Enjoy this day with the people most important in your life, family and good friends...

Check back for more creative ideas and enjoy all the timeless treasures of Father's Day; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Help Kids Make a Rustic Frame for Dad...

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Happy Father's Day Friends,

Collected twigs, an inexpensive frame and a favorite camping photo are all you need to thank Dad for amazing outdoor adventures with this handmade outdoorsy frame.

Materials Needed:

• wood frame
• twigs
• high-temp hot glue gun and glue sticks
• photo mat to fit frame opening
• favorite camping photo
• fine-tipped permanent marker

Collect Twigs


Head outside and gather small fallen twigs and branches from a park or yard. Make sure they are dry and thin enough to snap into smaller pieces.

Break Twigs to Size


Line a twig up against frame and snap into pieces long enough to span frame width. Break enough twigs to wrap completely around frame. Designs can also be made out of twigs by placing them only vertically, horizontally or at an angle.

Glue Twigs to Frame


Preheat hot glue gun until glue flows easily from the tip when trigger is squeezed. Apply hot glue to frame in small sections and push twigs immediately into glue before it cools (Image 1). Hold twig in place until glue hardens (Image 2). Note: Glue guns can cause burns so use extreme caution when children are participating in craft projects involving hot glue.

Assemble Picture


Once entire frame is covered in twigs, use a fine-tipped permanent marker to write message to Dad on mat. Remove frame backing and clean glass. Insert mat in frame and place photo in mat, securing edges of photo with tape. Replace frame back.

Perfect gift for Dad to display his favorite people...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne