A friend of mine recently remarked that centerpieces and things of that nature sound like something her grandmother would have done when hosting a celebration. “It’s just so Martha Stewart,” she said.
Well, I’ve got nothin’ on Martha Stewart, but I do think a few special touches can make any occasion more festive. My friend just doesn’t think she’s good at decorating and such, and I’ve heard similar comments from others. Yet, many festive touches are very simple. I like ideas that are fuss free and affordable yet still pack a punch.
Check out some of these ideas for Fourth of July:
An Apple a Day
In two minutes time, you can create a centerpiece that will cost only a few dollars. Just line a bright, white bowl with blue tissue paper and fill it will polished red apples. For smaller additions, fill bowls with strawberries and blueberries to add along the length of the table.
Sticky Situations
Add cute Fouth of July stickers to hard plastic bowls for fruit (above) or for snacks like chips and dips (if you are using glass or ceramic bowls, Goo Gone is great for removing stickers later). If you use colored tissue paper inside the bowls, be sure to layer white tissue paper on top so dyes won’t run and mingle with snacks.
Kids Drinks with Kick
Make red, white, and blue flavored ice cubes using red, clear, and blue fruit juice or Kool-aid. Serve drinks that will mix well with the flavors you’ve chosen. Fill glasses with colored ice cubes and then water, or use mild flavors such as 7-Up or Sprite.
Family Fun
Get the whole family in on decorating projects for Fourth of July. A new white flat sheet can be trimmed down to size to make a great tablecloth. Print star shapes from your computer and cut them out to use as patterns. Give each family member one. Have each person trace stars randomly onto the cloth and then fill them in with water based craft paint. Once dry, you’ll have a fun, inexpensive tablecloth.
*Stop back for more ideas and don’t forget to check out the Family Fun blog!