4th of July Tablescape - 2013

Hi Friends! I am very happy to say I was able to create a beautifully festive tablescape for the 4th this year.    I say this because the last few years I was working I had been so pressed for time at family gatherings that I often resorted to paper plates. I know shame on me right?  Let me assure you there were no paper plates here this year!

We had a very small gathering with only one son, my mother, my brother and his girlfriend and the Mr. and myself.  It was a small crowd but a wonderful afternoon!  We were even able to get in a quick dip in the pool in between afternoon showers which have become an everyday event lately.

I love creating a 4th of July tablescape because for me it's like enjoying the fireworks.  It's when I let my go of the matchy-matchy look and go for the element of pure surprise.  I get such a kick out of combing different patterns, colors and textures this time of year.  I discovered how much I enjoyed mixing it all up several years ago when I created one of my most favorite tablescapes after the 4th.  I called that one American Country because of the elements I used.  Click HERE or on the name to see it.  This year I wanted to stay focused more on the 4th but still mix it up.  Since I have so many pictures to share the rest of my post will be minus the chit chat with a few comments towards the end.  I hope you enjoy!

We enjoyed all our favorites; BBQ, rice and hash, green beans, rolls and sweet tea.  The menu was fairly light because there were so few of us and I wanted to make sure we saved room for the dessert my  brothers girlfriend brought.  

Oh boy, am I glad we did!  This is what is left of what she brought, Strawberry Upside Down Cake.  It was positively delish!  She got the recipe off of AllRecipes.com.  

Because we were going to be outside for a bit I wanted to also provide a little extra refreshments.  I got this very simple recipe off of Pinterest and decided it was the perfect solution.  It's called Spa Water, doesn't that just sound refreshing to you?  I thought so too! 

All you do for this water is mix in fresh strawberrys, pineapple, ice cubes and water.  That's it!  It eventually has a pinkish tint and taste ever so slightly of the fruit.  It's very refreshing to say the least.  I chose this because you could easily add in a bit of wine for a spritzer if you'd like.

I really enjoyed the 4th this year because I didn't get stuffed and had a very nice time visiting with the family, catching up and relaxing.

How about you?  I hope you had a great 4th of July too.  I'd love to hear all about yours!

Here's a list of the accouterments from above to the best of my recollections... 

Lady Bug Dinnerware; Hausenware designed by Libby Wilke - Ross Stores

Lady Bug Cream and Sugar; Hausenware - Ross Stores

Blue Calico Dinnerware and Salad Plates; Queens - TJ Maxx

Burgandy Salad Plates; Toscana Burgundy - Pier 1

Star Shaped Melamine Dishes - Michaels

Hammered Flatware - Gibson - Stein Mart

Green Goblets - Walmart

Star Shaped Salt and Pepper ; Dollar General???

White Placemats with striped borders; Dollar Tree

Yellow Tablerunner; Pottery Barn

Hurricane Vase; Merino's Furniture

Bread Basket w/Fabric Insert; recent thrift store find

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

  Have a wonderful weekend!