Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Our All American Soiree

Summertime holidays are super cool! We are ready to BBQ, swim, squint at the sunshine, and watch fireworks in the dark air. We celebrated with family and friends, a little baker's dozen of people, at my parent's home.



A little adorable sign I made with chalk ink
giving directions to all the fun
No event is complete without my all time favorite (besides coke)...IZZE! Sparkling Blueberry was the perfect choice for the 4th.

Custom water bottle labels are super simple but add such a fun effect! I was extra excited to find MANY free printables online this year. (See bottom of post for reference)


I wanted to add some country charm to the festivities mixed with a little retro love.


Colors of course were the RED, WHITE, and BLUE. Fresh flowers are a favorite!



To maintain the retro country look I desired, I used an antique watering pail for the centerpiece. The pinwheels the boys and I made last week were scattered throughout the decor too.

For the napkins, I did a simple roll and cut out festive paper strips to secure around the middle.


I used paper flag printables around the straws for a splash of fun.


For the six kids, I set a little table tailored for young ones. (I love how you can see the GRAND flag waving in the background!)

These stars and stripes paper plates were adorable! I prefer to use plastic or papergoods for children tables.



I set up a little toy box at the end of the table for the kids to play with...red, white, and blue style of course. {wink}

It's always good to pause for a moment and try to see how a holiday looks through little eyes. Kids get so excited to find little special treats just for them! Because of this, I made treat pails for each plate. Every child got a flag (compliments of my mom). I filled it with candy, etc. The pail also served as a napkin and utensil holder.

Another thing that kids delight in is discovering their name! It's a great big world, and the children often get lost in the buzz of adults. The silent recognition of seeing their name assigned to a little spot makes them feel special! Personalization is one of my FAVORITE things!

I made name tags using star marshmallows on a kabob stick.


The Spread

All American Hamburgers

Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
Homemade Sweet Beans

BBQ Butter Corn on the Cob
Baby BLT stuffed tomatoes
Star Sandwiches
Fresh Berries with Marshmallow Cream Dip

Dish up! Janine, me, and the girls...


Use a cookie cutter to make fun sandwich shapes for kids. This is an easy way to add a special touch.


I make this Red, White, and Blue Potato salad every year for the 4th. It is made with red potatoes and blue cheese.

My mom made delicious BBQ Butter corn on the cob.

Fresh Summer Berries!


Baby BLTS were little cherry tomatoes stuffed and smashed with goodness



The All American Dinner is served...

Look at this adorable decor my Mom had! The candy jar matched the one on the cookbook cover. How cute is that?
We were able to take only a Quick Dip in the pool between a break in the unfortunate weather. And Uncle Kyle gave the kids a ride in the Gator afterward.


We ended the night with the obvious: fireworks!



This is the first year Chris let the boys help with the fireworks. They were in seventh heaven.

My favorite part of the evening was the Retro Ice Cream Sundae bar! A few days before the 4th, I told the boys that I had a special surprise coming to THEM on 4th of July. I told them that the ice cream shop would be come to us....and it did!

(I dipped the cones in chocolate and covered in sprinkles)

Here is a sneak peek...I will share the other photos soon...


More Ice Cream Bar photos coming soon...
(update: here is the Ice Cream Bar post!)



Nothing beats an All American Holiday.
Enjoy your summertime
in JULY!



credits: a BIG HAPPY THANK YOU to: Tweedled Designs, Martha Stewart, andThe Pink Orange for paper printables

This post is linked to: Centsational Girl, Show and Tell, Big Inspired, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Share Day, Strut Your Stuff,Today's Creative Blog, Tickled Pink,Weekend Wrap Up, Show off your Stuff, Lovin It, Foodie Friday, Tasty Tuesday, Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Tablescape Thursday, Spotlight Yourself, Inspired Room







60 comments:

Mystica said...

What a beautiful day it would have been for you and your family. The thought and love that has gone into planning this special day for all is stupendous.

caveman said...

The baby BLTs.... Can I request more of those? And the seasoned burgers too! This was my favorite 4th ever. And it's one our boys won't soon forget either.

Meghan said...

Sista, Martha has nothing on you.
Your little soiree is incredible.
Will you be my new bff?

Seriously, you need your own homestyle show on tv!

Letti said...

Now that is a fabulous 4th of July party. You went above and beyond it all looks fabulous.

Ranelle said...

Looks like so much fun. The looks on your boys' faces as they stand proudly by the box of fireworks is priceless. What is it with male species and fireworks? I cannot wait to see the ice cream sundae bar photos. The kids' treat pails were such a great idea. What a fun party. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Nikki said...

Holy Moly you are far more talented than Martha Stewart! What a beautiful post of what I'm sure was a fantabulous day!!

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

All of your decorations are so cute and festive!! I love Izze soda too, but I have never had blueberry. I will have to look for that flavor. :)
Have a great week!
Lisa

Lindsey {Bella Grace Party Designs} said...

THis is adorable!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Lisa, your party looked fabulous, I love all your patriotic pics! Thanks for stopping by & for your very sweet comments. I love all the details you did with your party, so special.

Leanne said...

I am so going to crash one of your parties one of these days. You make every one feel so special and part of the celebration. The kids table is adorable. All the printables are so fun and I love the little flags on the straws. I'm happy you all had a wonderful 4th of July celebration with your family and friends.

Suzanne said...

What great memories you made for your family. You added so many cute details that added to the festivities!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hey, cutie! I loved this. You just knocked yourself with the details. I know everyone must have thorughly enjoyed it, Lisa! Oh, what a cute party!

Just loved the entire thing from start to finish. ADORABLE!

xo,

Sheila :-)

Holly Lefevre said...

BEAUTIFUL...a perfect All-American holiday spread...of course I was expecting nothing less. All of the small details are great and...an ice cream bar! We had no fireworks...so sad....

Happy 4th (on the 7th)

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Picture perfect in every little precious detail!

Love it all!

Judy@cutest-little-things

Kate said...

HI Lisa
I must say again boy do you have an eye for detail. I love the kiddie table with all of the personlized items. The presentation you give is always perfect. The ice cream bar is my favorite. Thanks for sharing.

Have a wonderful week
Kate

Rebecca said...

I so want to come to a party at your house!

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh Lisa, what a grand party! Everything looks so beautiful and that red, white and blue potato salad! I kept looking for a link. You will share the recipe won't you?

Beth said...

Adorable! I love the goodie buckets for the kids and the little flags on the burger buns ;). Looking forward to seeing your retro ice cream bar!

Chris @ Celebrations At Home said...

You did a great job! I love the vignette with the kitchen scale, and the little buckets on the kids table!

Jane said...

Over the top! This is definitely a 4th celebration to remember...
Love your creativity!!!

Jane (artfully graced)

Lynn said...

Very nice, it looks like you thought of everything! I'm sure everyone had a great time!

Unknown said...

SO many lovely details...again! You are quite talented and creative and I love pouring over your creations!! What a beautiful 4th of July celebration!!

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

Wow, you are one talented and creative person! This is awesome!
I love the marshmallows on the toothpicks!

Donna

Mary said...

what a wonderful looking party! You did a lot of work to make a memorable time everyone!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Awesome! What details! Looks like a celebration was had indeed, great job!

Melissa Miller said...

WOW! Lisa you rock! You are a pro at party planning and always create such a fun atmosphere and yummy food. You are truly talented sweet friend. This is FABULOUS!!!!

I used to be Myers. All of us are M first names in my family as well. My sister Michele was a triple M. Her middle name is Marie. LOL! Both my sisters married K last names. I love M's!

Have a blessed week.
~Melissa :)

Marigene said...

Beautiful holiday tables...especially love the one you did for the kids.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

You went all out to celebrate! Everything looks so cute and festive! Your attention to details is amazing - I think it's the little things that make a huge difference!

Manuela

Tricia said...

What incredible attention to detail! The children's table is especially delightful! You made the event so special!

craftyles said...

What a great party. I love both tables. So many great ideas. Love the watering can on the main table. Also the tags on the drinking straws. I could go on and on. Thanks for sharing this!

Barbara said...

I love your attention to detail! Everywhere the eye goes there is a delightful detail to behold. I am sure that everyone felt very special. I have a watering can just like that. I need to get it on the table! Thanks for the inspiration.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Those straws are the BEST!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Hey Lisa,
you throw such amazing parties.

I got your e-mail and I will go through and check all of them in the morning and delete it.

Thanks,
Cheri

muralimanohar said...

Wowwww....that was all one day?? :bow: :bow:

Jennifer said...

You certainly created a special and memorable 4th for your family and friends! It is all so lovely and festive. You covered all of the little things that say you really care about your guests. I am sure it was a wonderful day.

Thank you for sharing it.

Marlis said...

Your party looked like a 'blast'!! I love the kids table. I am borrowing that idea for next year! Bravo!!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Wow! You did a lot to make your party festive! Great ideas (some I will probably borrow) and fun! Thanks for all the ideas.

Mary said...

You did a really great job putting everything together. I really like your party ideas! Mary

Pam Kessler said...

Wow! I love the lables in front of the food items. And all the little details you put into the party. The kids must love to come to a party at your house.

Kelly Miller said...

Super cute and inspired, as always!

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Lisa...your party looked off the hook awesome! I have been here before, not in a long time though...but I could never forget those beautiful blonde haired boys of yours!!~ Thanks for popping over, I would love to see you again. Debbie

Debbie said...

Found you on Tickled Pink and so glad I did. I love every little thing about this post from food to decorations.

My two favorite things are the centerpiece and those little pails at the kiddie table. So cute!

Great job on all of it.

Home as Hobby said...

Oh my!!! Just found your website through Tatertots and Jello (I think...I have been looking through your blog for so long this morning that I hope I got that right)...anwho, I LOVE IT!!! You rock MY socks!!!

Kitty Deschanel said...

Oh WOW! I found you through 504 Main and am impressed! That ice cream cone with the sprinkles looks so delicious, but my favorite part of your post is that gorgeous kitchen of yours and all your beautiful Longaberger baskets and accessories! :)

http://lambaround.blogspot.com

Blue Creek Home said...

I don't do that much work at Christmas!!! Everything was absolutely perfect.

Rhonda

the country cook said...

Gooseberry Patch cookbooks do make fun decor, don't they! :-) Looks like an incredibly fun party. - www.delightfulcountrycookin.com

Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe said...

Love all the little details!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Amazing! I like the little cards that show what is being served and the flags in the buns! You just think of everything! Perhaps write a book? You really are one of the most clever women!!

LOL about that big box of fireworks. You can tell the boys are super excited about that one!!

hugs,
becky

Its So Very Cheri said...

I am adding this to my favs list, for tomorrow morning.

cheri

Anonymous said...

everything loos perfect and delicious!! wish i could come to your parties!

Slice of Pie said...

I enjoy seeing the photos of your boys ... they are growing! Do they know they have a perfect mom?? Fantastic party ... fabulous theme!

Sarah said...

What a wonderful party! Thanks for sharing the photos with all your clever ideas and details. Looks like a fantastic evening! Even had fireworks. ~ Sarah

Sarah said...

What a wonderful party! Thanks for sharing the photos with all your clever ideas and details. Looks like a fantastic evening! Even had fireworks. ~ Sarah

a quiet life said...

what a wonderful holiday, loved all you extra touches, just darling~

Bill said...

You amaze me every time I stop by for a visit. What a dazzling display of holiday food, fun, and festive decor! I love the way you do so much to make certain your children know how special they are. You're creating memories that last a lifetime (and will likely be passed on to future generations). Your mom's super-talented too! I see now where you get it! ;)


Kindest regards,
Bill

Room to Inspire said...

What another fabulous party - I just love your attention to detail! Thanks for linking this up to Be Inspired too!

Chelsea

Kendra@My Insanity said...

Love the vintage styling, and especially the ice cream bar! So fun!

Becca Bertotti said...

Okay ... we're coming to *your* house for the holiday !! The thought, creativity and love that went into creating such a beautiful day for your family is evident. LOVE the kiddos table and their pails filled with treats ... bookmarking that. My 5 year old son would love it. Precious family ... happy to now be following along. *Becca*

Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper said...

This looks great! I am sure it was a good time for everyone

I am having a Red, White and Blue Linky Party and hope you will join in on the fun!
http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/07/red-white-and-blue-linky-party.html

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