fourth of July inspirations

The Fourth of July always reminds me of my childhood Summers in Kansas, my dad's home state.

Our family drove back every year, and we were always there for Fourth of July festivities!

I smile every time I think about it . . . tons of family, gallons and gallons of home-made ice cream, sunflowers, big family reunions, lightning bugs, endless CORN & wheat fields, fireworks, and hot temperatures.

 

My dad's family has some of the most beautiful people I have ever known.

I was so blessed to take my husband and four children back last year to share the special place where I spent my childhood Summers.

And you know what? . . . they were even more beautiful and loving than I remember as a child and teenager.

We won't be travelling to Kansas this Summer, but I thought it would be fun to dedicate this Fourth of July post . . . and all its beauty  . . . to them.

I hope you enjoy! 

For me, the Fourth of July is . . .

home-made decorations

cupcake garland & sparklers

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red, white & blue

flags

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Sunflowers & daisies

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corn-on-the-cob

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paper straws & mason jars

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old-fashioned candy

gumballs, sixlets, rock candy and BIG lollipops

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very berry shortcakes!

Red, white and blue are traditional Fourth of July colors, so they're  always a part of my decorations.

I thought I would add green as a compliment this year.

I think it's quite pretty . . . the soft colors remind me of a Summer picnic.

~ hand-made cupcake garland ~

I made these sparkler fireworks using paper straws and fringed silver glitter paper! 

They were so easy and fun to make! 

           . . . and my kids love them too!

 

Sunflowers and daisies fill large white pitchers.  

                                                           They always feel like Summer to me.              

And the details . . . 

          small ice buckets at each table

July is usually HOT, so have plenty of ice for your guests!

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lots of mason jars 

filled with burlap napkins, a paper straw, and silverware

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a Happy 4th of July sign!

I've become a HUGE fan of gumballs!

             Kids love them, and they're fun to decorate with too!

Old-fashioned candies can make a charming addition to any party.

Red, white and blue gumballs and sixlets, ROCK CANDY, and BIG old-fashioned lollipops make an appearance here . . . 

. . .  and they can even make a good old-fashioned chocolate cake more festive!

Caramel popcorn corn-on-the-cob (with red, white & blue sprinkles) might be the cutest thing at this table though!

I thought I would display the caramel dessert with REAL corn-on-the-cob for extra charm.

Home-made ice cream is the  #1 all-American fourth of July dessert, but I think Berry Shortcakes are a close runner up!

So I propose setting up a bountiful Very Berry Sour Cream Shortcake bar/station.  

I smile big thinking of family & friends piling Sour Cream Shortcakes high with fresh whipped cream and berries. Yum!

~ recipe here ~

 I hope you enjoyed stopping by . . . and feel inspired to make your Fourth of July celebration extra special this year!

Happy Fourth of July!

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