Summer is officially here! That means more time outdoors for grilling out, playing cornhole, and enjoying time with family and friends. For us Americans, the 4th of July is just around the corner. Today, I’ve pulled together a few recipes, crafts, and centerpiece ideas that would work for a summer party. I’ve included some 4th of July decor ideas, too.
Would you like to make a flag for your porch this year? Or, perhaps to hang somewhere outdoors during your 4th of July gatherings?
You’ll find step-by-step instructions for making this flag for your Memorial Day remembrances and 4th of July celebrations here: Craft a Wood Flag for Patriotic Holidays.
This Pottery Barn inspired banner was crafted from old jeans that were on their way to the donation bin. It was another super-easy project that would be great for your patriotic holidays.
You’ll find the tutorial for crafting this banner here: Make a Patriotic Banner from Old Jeans.
How about an edible, eye-catching centerpiece for your summer or Independence Day table or buffet! You’ll find detailed, easy instructions for making this whale of a centerpiece here: Carved Watermelon Party Centerpiece. Your guests will love it!
One year, I made this red, white, and blue punch for the 4th of July, and it felt like I had just learned a magic trick! I’m still amazed by how this works! (View this table setting here: Red, White, and Blue Table Setting for Patriotic Holidays.)
You can learn the trick behind this patriotic beverage magic in this post: Patriotic Punch for the 4th of July.
These Watermelon Mojitos are sure to be a hit with everyone during your summer gatherings! They can be made as an adult beverage with rum, or minus the rum for a kid-friendly version. You’ll find a printable recipe here: Watermelon Mojitos.
Dress up your Memorial Day table or 4th of July celebration with these red, white, and blue, patriotic, bunting-style napkin rings. You’ll find the tutorial for making these here: Patriotic Napkin Rings.
How about one more recipe that’s fast and delicious! This Key Lime Pie is easy to make and is always a big hit for summer! It’s also pretty much fail-proof to make!
You’ll find the recipe for this yummy Key Lime Pie here: Key Lime Pie Recipe.
Looking for a fresh salad to make for a summer party? This Arugula and Berry salad is perfect for a summer dinner party. You’ll find a printable recipe here: Arugula and Berry Salad with Berry Dressing.
Need a fun activity for your 4th of July backyard party? I purchased these well-made Cornhole boards a while back, and we have really enjoyed them. Cornhole is a game that everyone enjoys, no matter their age. You’ll find this complete set available here: Cornhole Board and Bags Set.
It definitely feels like summer here today! We went from rain to temps in the 90s! Hope you are staying cool!
My favorite is the photo with the glass house on table with the lamp. Do you still have that table ?
Your grandsons are getting bigger
You should have brought them along to help with the porch since they are out of school. Seems like a long time since they visited Georgia. Too much play time ?
Yes, it’s the same one that’s on the porch today. I still have the glass house, too. Thanks, Myrna!
Now that’s how a Key Lime pie should look. Key limes are yellow not green.
Oh, I never knew that. I learned something new today! Thanks, Karol!
I would love to try the Patriotic Punch beverage but dislike artificial sweeteners. Would it work with regular sodas, etc? Everything looks lovely and/or fun.
I’m not sure, but it would be worth a try. I’m wondering if the diet 7-Up stays at the top because it doesn’t have the weight of the sugar. I think it would be worth a try, just to see.
I’m going to try it once I find something blue. If it doesn’t work, I’ll try slightly freezing the cranberry juice, then add the blue and slightly freeze it. You said cracked ice but I have a manual shaved ice machine I might try too.
That sounds like a plan! Let me know how that works!
Susan,
Do you remember the small white desk you showed us about a year ago?
I just purchased it!
The link in your description still works – thank you!!
I hope you like it! Liz, I wanted to make sure that you know that desk comes in two sizes. The first time I ordered it, I ordered the larger size for the guest room in my son’s home, for when I was visiting and needed to work. The larger of the two sizes is the one I like best because I had more space to rest my arms on the desk while typing on a computer or laptop.
The second time I ordered it, I accidentally ordered the smaller size, not realizing it came in two sizes. That was the desk that I temporarily had in my office at the Dollhouse. Just wanted to make sure you knew about that. I don’t want you to get the wrong size. If you have the space, I recommend the larger size.
At the link where you order it, (https://amzn.to/3HV9uv1 ) you’ll see the two sizes toward the bottom of the ad. I like the 47.2 inch size best. It’s a great desk, I love the the way it’s designed and all the storage! My grandsons use it now for doing their homework. 🙂
Thank you, Susan!
It took me a while before I realized there were differences in the sizes but I ended up ordering the larger size. I think it will be a perfect fit.
Thank you for the extra info!
This comment actually should be with your previous post about outdoor furniture, but somehow I’m not able to leave it there. Sorry! On a trip to Ohio I visited country Hill furnishings in Millersburg Ohio. They had a big selection of this type of furniture, as well as gorgeous indoor furniture, which they make there. If you are in that area, it is certainly worth a visit just to see the different things available. A friend of mine bought several pieces from them and had them delivered to her homes in Georgia.
Sorry, that was supposed to say “home “ not homes – my phone would not let me fix it. Country Hill Furnishings.