4th of July – Behind the Scenes

Party prep has been under way for weeks. The 4th of July is a big deal around here. Not only is it Independence Day, it’s also my Dad’s birthday.  We have hosted his party for the past 4 years. It’s usually 100+ degrees, so having a pool makes our house the perfect venue. Last year we had a chili cook-off, this year it is a Star-Spangled Burger-Palooza. I promise to include the winning burger recipes and photos later this week.

For those of you that have been reading for a while, you know that decorating is a favorite hobby of mine… especially decorating for the holidays. I grew up with my Mom going all out and I have certainly carried on the tradition. I’m sure some people think it’s crazy, but it’s a passion for me and the hunting and gathering of items is my favorite part.

My back has still been rough – lots of pain after doing the littlest things. It’s been hard to hand over some of the duties to Dan, but he’s been a champ. Deede also came over yesterday to help get a few things done… and we had to check to make sure the pool was o.k. ;-). With that, I leave you with a tour of my 4th of July home decorations.

My 4th of July Home Decor

Liberty Firecracker Co. – These are the cutest hand-painted wooden firecrackers – I just love the homemade feel to them.

A few years ago I found the more vintage looking flags at a local home decor/gift shop in town. They went well with the rest of my decor, so I scooped them up. The jars and red wooden box were purchased this year from HomeGoods – I had to go to two stores to find enough of the jars. A few people followed me around the store asking where I found the box… they only had 1 and I put it in the cart within seconds of seeing it. I just love the distressed look of it.

I found this old phone at a shabby chic type store in Folsom, CA while shopping with my Mom. It was one of those things that I just had to have. According to my girlfriend Cherri – who is totally freaked out by vintage stuff – I will be haunted by the phone’s previous owners and everyone that has called it, ha! I’m guessing it was a hotel service phone or something, so that’s a lot of ghosts.

This wood garland is wrapped around glass containers full of red, white and blue fabric balls. I also wrapped white lights around the base of the containers.

The numbered candle holders are from HomeGoods. Kindra – this photo is for you. (I ran into her in the store and promised I’d take a photo of how I used the candle holders and striped containers). The containers have ugly blue sea horses on the back sides and the holders have printed clocks on one side.  I’m thinking of sanding them off and repainting the backs. Ever since being an art major in college, I’ve been obsessed with typography in design. My latest thing is numbers, it’s kind of a theme in my decor.  I’ve had the little dog pull toy for years and the stars I bought 4 years ago at Joanne’s. I did purchase some navy and red ribbon this year to put around the dog’s neck. (in a humane way of course).

The bathroom has a nautical theme. I mean really, who doesn’t have a red, white and blue oar in their bathroom? Again… you can see the number theme.

Some more wooden decorations. The front door replica was purchased to actually hang on my front door, but it didn’t occur to me that it would cover the peep hole… so I changed locations.

The bells are my dining room table center piece. I found the vintage 4th of July sign in a little antique and collectible shop a few years ago.

Patriotic themed napkins, serving utensils, and bowls… all ready to go.

We just have some finishing touches to complete today. Guests will be arriving at 2:00 p.m..

One food photo for now.  I took it bright and early this morning after frosting my Dad’s vanilla cupcakes.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th and Happy Birthday wishes to the most amazing Dad ever. Dad, your love and support over the years has been so appreciated by your entire family and today we celebrate you! Happy Birthday Pod!
XOXO,