Wednesday, July 09, 2008

A Party is a party...


...but a 4th of July party! Now that's a party! (My thanks to Mr. Elton from the Miramax "Emma" for the inspiration *grin*) Actually, our cookout was on the 5th, but it's close enough. We've never really celebrated the 4th of July before, so over the past two weeks I've been relishing the opportunity to come up with decorations. Interestingly, there are very few good online instructions for 4th of July decorations! So I depended instead on just going with red, white, and blue, in various forms. One of my favorite projects was several yards of garland (or is it a banner?), made from those pesky fabric scraps that I can never bear to throw away! I drew a template and cut out the pieces with pinking shears. A bit of tacky glue secured them firmly to my 1/4" ribbon, and they were ready to go.




I couldn't resist the urge to decorate our boat lift, too!

 



We also had popcorn outside in a huge enamelware pot that belonged to my grandmother. My sister, Tiffany, got creative with sponges and paint!

 



My sister and I collaborated on a patriotic flag cake -- one of our mutual, long-seated desires. I baked, levelled, and applied the fruit, while she wielded the spatula and piping bag.





To add some interest to the back door, I hung wooden stars (painted in various designs of patriotic colors) and sea shells from two pieces of driftwood bamboo. After all, we do live near the ocean! I couldn't resist a bit of nautical flair.


 



I don't know what it is, but I can never resist a deviled egg. This one is garnished with some fresh parsley from the garden.

 



Later on in the afternoon, we made use of kayaks and a paddleboat borrowed from obliging neighbors. It was sizzling hot, and the breeze was a welcome relief.

 



I think celebrating the 4th of July is addicting! I'm already storing up ideas for next year...

11 comments:

  1. Oh, it looks like it was so much fun, Shannon! The decorations look lovely...the food looks scrumptious...now if I only could have been invited! Rats! ☺

    ~Emily

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  2. Wow! I love your garland! It's such a great idea for using scraps!
    I was thinking after the fourth of July that a garland made of fabric yo yos sewn together would have been very cute.

    The Bell jars with the candles are adorable too. Your decorations are so creative and clever!

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  3. Oh what fun!!! Shannon, you are so creative, you make me wish I was invited to your party;). hehe. It's truly lovely, everything looks absolutely irresistable! (especially the cake;))

    I'm so glad you enjoy decorating, (that's one of the things we love) you do it wonderfully. Nice photos as well. =)

    Many blessings!

    ~Johanna

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  4. Looks like a good time. That cake is gorgeous.

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  5. I would love to have invited all of you over! :) If only you were all a click of the mouse away in real life, not just the Internet!

    Keri, a yo-yo garland would be adorable!

    Yours in Christ,
    Shannon

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  6. You never cease to amaze me!

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  7. Oh everything looks so splendid!! That cake is AMAZING!:) What a wonderful way to celebrate.:)

    Emma

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  8. Oh, FUN! Your decorations are gorgeous, the food looks delicious, and the photos capture it all beautifully. Shannon, I love your blog.

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  9. Your decorations were lovely and the cake looked so yummy!

    Great idea for using scraps.

    Giveaway on my blog until Wednesday, July 16!

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  10. Your pictures turned out so nice, it looks like you all had a great time!
    And, the decorations you made were just perfect. :)

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  11. I would call those garlands "bunting". I love bunting!

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