July 4th is right around the corner, and we’ve been very busy bees getting things in shipshape condition around here. It’s been a great excuse to get things done around the house! I am decidedly taking a low-key approach to this year’s gathering, but I thought I’d throw some last minute ideas your way in case you need a little extra inspiration.
4th of July Vibes
There’s nothing like a deadline to motivate us to wrap up the to-do list. This month, we’ve tackled nearly everything on the honeydo list, including cleaning the long-neglected office. Victory! While Joe installed his backyard sprinkler system, I patched and painted our front porch. I somehow managed to pull a muscle in my neck a week and a half ago, and it’s still pretty stiff. Cleaning the gutters, lifting furniture and painting the kitchen floor probably did not help. It did fetch me some sympathy from my mom and grandma however, who generously volunteered to help with my garden one day. So things are at least looking nicer outdoors! But I took that as a sign to put on the brakes and keep this year’s 4th of July festivities as easy as possible. I’m seriously contemplating wearing a shirt that either reads, “Ask Joe”, “Blame Joe” or “Not my Circus, Not my Monkeys.” Or “I just live here, don’t ask me.” I can’t decide…
Food and Drink
We hosted a family birthday party last weekend, so I got to do a trial run on some of these things.
DIY drink coasters from patriotic napkins. Easy and fun.
Tropical drink with red, white and blue peachy-o’s as garnish. Just cut the rings and latch onto cups.
BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Crock pot is always a yes when it comes to large crowds. We’re doing BYO grilling food to keep things simple and outdoors.
Outdoor and Indoor Décor
I got some plants for my birthday and I’m also plant-sitting for my parents while they’re on vacation and getting new siding. Luckily the rain has kept all of them looking amazing.
I won this pillow cover at a local shop. Just pop it over a regular throw pillow. Easy!
I believe I found this at a thrift store last year.
For this, I thought it would be cute to paint the faded handles to look like brats.
I found this at a garage sale and painted the outside of the star and put it outside the house.
DIY S’mores Bar
My community contribution is going to be a s’mores bar.
I have never deviated from the classic, so I thought I’d give them all a try. I had 3 m’res and 1 stomach ache.
I thought the peanut butter cup one would be better, but the dark chocolate chili version was incredible.
Here’s wishing you a very happy, safe and super simple 4th of July!
