Category: Holidays

In play is the Places In The Home Independence Day into night party plan objective- a cozy at-home celebration.

Slow and easy is the theme accentuated by pops of patio and patriotic color, farm to table delights, and staying cool while celebrating Independence Day.

Let me share with you what my it’s not rocket science Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about.

Art.com

Well of course music and perhaps a twirl around the patio will be involved.

This photo tells illustrates a belief of mine which is fashions and music may change, but gathering together to enjoy summer patio fun is a timeless tradition that never will.

While we’re on the subject of blast from the past fun…

Let’s put on our dancing shoes and boogie down to the cornerstone of the any party playlist.

Setting a cozy party scene is not a complicated process.

House Beautiful

Comfortable seating is a necessity, and options range from modern to vintage chairs, settees, swings, rockers, and sit-upons (remember, Girl Scouts?).

Just add a red, white, and/or blue decorative pillow to keep with the holiday festivities, a refreshing beverage, and good company and you’ve got yourself a stylish rest and relaxation haven for unwinding on the 4th of July.

More super cute outdoor throw pillows in colors and patterns 4th of July adjacent afford an all summer long vibe.

Houndstooth Throw – Design Imports

Throw blankets, for example, in party palette colors, patterns, and textures serve their intended purpose, but also make a handsome tablecloth.

Cozy Plush Throw Blanket, Red Plaid 50″ x 60″

Yes, I’m well aware this next party idea is an oldie but a goodie suggestion, and with good reason.

One Kings Lane

Distinctive candle holders and battery-operated votive candles continue to be the ideal choice of party lighting.

For the sake of flicker to flame safety, select outdoor LED battery -operated votive or pillar candles, pop in a hanging candle holder or ten, and prepare to be entranced by the affordable, simple, and positively elegant look created.

Another reason I love to use and suggest battery-operated candles is the convenience involved.

Turn the candle(s) on and forget about it until time to call it a night.

Our star-spangled celebration menu takes a celebratory cue from the best part of the summertime bounty- fresh from the farmers market fruits and vegetables.

Southern Living – Photo by Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This Berry Splash recipe from Southern Living is summer celebration delicious and family friendly.

Peaches for eating, peaches for drinking.

Summer Fruit Daiquiri Recipe

In keeping with tradition, the American flag meets and greets neighbors and friends.

FOLK

Decorating with items such as fabric and serveware in a broader range of holiday patterns and colors gives you a more than one use option.

Red Beaded Melamine Dinner Plate

Patterns, activities, colors and celebrations generally associated with the summer months give great inspiration.

Pick a favorite as your 4th of July party ideas theme foundation and go 4th from there.

Preparing a charcuterie board paired with party accessories with red, white, and blue fruits, meats, and cheeses is a taste of America winner.

Cherry tomatoes, blueberries, red grapes, deli meats, white cheeses and nuts- you get the idea.

Serving in style.

Fabric closeouts are a great source for affordable and stylish patterns to use as tablecloths, table runners, napkins, basket and serving dish liners.

For those who like to get your money’s worth out of accents and party accessories, the white palm leaf tassel napkin ring from Hobby Lobby fits well with most summer occasions.

Tassel napkin ring not your thing?

Go with a decorative braided rope ribbon in your choice of color.

Blooming blue hydrangeas from the yard of a very generous and giving neighbor star in the centerpiece arrangement along with small American flags.

Ramekins filled with popcorn and garnished with Nestle Crunch bars (red, white, and blue wrapper inspired) is about as easy as it gets.

Simple.

Affordable.

Appropriate.

Keeping it super summer simple, baby!

Desserts & Recipes

Williams-Sonoma

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about a dessert I made for Father’s Day that was a crowd pleaser.

Two go-to fluff salads, Watergate and Orange Pineapple, fall off the summer salad season rotation because by the time Thanksgiving into Christmas holidays roll past I’ve pretty much had my fill of these two.

Banana pudding or a delicious improved variation of it is summer dessert perfect.

Banana Pudding Fluff

Ingredients

1  3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding

1½ cups milk

1  8 ounce container whipped topping

3  bananas, peeled and sliced

1-2 cups mini marshmallows

20 vanilla wafers, crushed

1  teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Whisk pudding mix, milk, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl.  Let mixture stand a couple of minutes in order to firm up.

Fold in whipped topping.

Add mini marshmallows, crushed vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ice Cream Cupcakes Recipe

Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream 

Ingredients

3 to 4 lemons

2 cups half-and-half

1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers

Directions

Grate zest from lemons to equal 1 Tbsp. Cut lemons in half; squeeze juice from lemons into a measuring cup to equal 1/2 cup.

Whisk together half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Pour mixture into freezer container of a 1 1/2-qt. electric ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. (Instructions and times may vary.)

Stir in graham cracker crumbs and lemon zest; transfer to an airtight container.  Freeze 2 hours before serving.

-Southern Living via My Recipes

Outdoor living spaces furnished to the hilt in summer style with creature comforts in mind deliver just that- summer style.

That’s how we snap, crackle and pop a 4th of July party in the USA at Places In The Home.