Have an Awesome Fourth of July

Independence Day weekend is right around the corner and we can’t wait to celebrate with our friends and family!  While there are plenty of events happening throughout our communities, we’re going to take advantage of our awesome apartments and bring the party home this year.  Here are some of the things we are doing to have an awesome Fourth of July weekend.

DIY

Red White and Blue Beans 

How simple is this adorable and affordable Independence Day decor? We love the more muted tones here, they ride the line between sophisticated and spirited beautifully.Check out The Kim Six Fix blog for styling inspiration, then when the holiday passes, use the beans up with this Mexican bean salad recipe from the Culinary Adventures in the Kitchen blog.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
thekimsixfix.com

 

Carnation Balls

Carnations are one of the most affordable flowers out there (we’re having flashbacks to our 8th grade Valentine’s Day bouquets…), and these floral foam balls are readily available at your local craft store.  Wow your guests with these simpler than they seem centerpieces from Country Living.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
countryliving.com

 

Stars and Stripes Mason Jars

Mason jars are all the rage right now, so why not one-up the trend with these patriotic, hand-painted versions?  This is a super simple craft that is great for all ages, and makes for a versatile decoration- you can use them for holding everything from cutlery to flowers to party favors.  You can find the tutorial on the It All Started With Paint blog.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
itallstartedwithpaint.com

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Eat

Spinach Walnut Pesto Potato Salad 

Trust us, this mouthful is one you won’t mind having a mouth full of!  Skip the mayo and feel confident taking this farm fresh version anywhere without fear of spoiling, just don’t forget to check your teeth after indulging!  A big thanks to Vikalinka for what is sure to be a summer recipe staple for us.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
vikalinka.com

 

Sweet Potato Burgers

Burgers on the Fourth of July is kind of a no brainer, but why settle for the typical fare? This year, give one of our favorite tried and true recipes a chance to shine with these sweet potato and white bean burgers, topped with an unreal roasted garlic cream and fresh sliced avocado. You can find the full recipe and more drool-worthy photos on the fabulous How Sweet It Is blog.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
howsweeteats.com

 

Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad

This is another one of our go-to side dishes for summer gatherings and afternoon snacks.  Take your watermelon to the next level by adding some creamy, salty feta and fresh, bright mint, but be warned, you will be asked to bring this to every party you’re invited to, forever.  We typically top ours with a touch of balsamic, but we love Sweet Sugar Bean’s citrusy twist on the dish.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
sweetsugarbean.com

Drink

St. Germain Gin & Tonic 

This twist on the classic cocktail is a fancy fake-out; simply adding a touch of elderflower liqueur elevates this everyday drink to a special occasion-worthy, crisp and refreshing indulgence.  Follow the ratio guidelines on The Sweetest Occasion blog, then experiment with your own mix to find just the right level of sweetness for your taste.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
thesweetestoccasion.com

 

Tequila Paloma

Anyone who knows Maddie fully understands her fondness for tequila, and she thinks this cocktail could help convert those who are not yet convinced of it’s glory.  Grapefruit is the other star of this show, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, do what we do and add a slice or two of fresh jalepeno for a spicy sweet treat!  You can find the recipe here on b.britnell‘s blog.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
bbritnell.blogspot.com

 

Ginger Lime Spritzer

If you’re looking to lay off the hard stuff, that doesn’t have to mean sucking down boring water or sugary soft drinks all weekend.  Try this incredibly refreshing recipe from the Taste and Tell Blog, which features two power house ingredients: lime for a detoxifying, metabolism-cranking, vitamin c punch and ginger, which provides anti-inflammatory, digestive and immune boosting goodness.  Come to think of it, this would make a fantastic hangover remedy for Saturday the 5th of July…

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
tasteandtellblog.com

 

Buy

Hanging Wire Lantern

We could go on and on about our love for Food52 and their Provisions department, but we’ll let you take a virtual stroll on your own time.  One of their latest offerings is this mason jar hanging wire lantern that makes for versatile and romantic outdoor lighting.  Customize the look with a variety of glass jars and candles.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
food52.com

 

Bamboo Serving Baskets

If you plan to dine outdoors, we’re sure nagging thoughts about bees and flies have crossed your mind.  Covering your serving platters and bowls with these bamboo covers between serving will help keep insects away and allow you to relax and enjoy.  We found these at our local Christmas Tree Shop, but you can order them online here.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
christmastreeshops.com

 

Red and White Striped Paper Straws

Paper straws are another trend hitting the entertaining essentials circuit, and are an affordable way to elevate disposable goods beyond plain old paper and plastic.  Get the patriotic juices flowing with these straws from Cost Plus World Market.

Have an Awesome Fourth of July
worldmarket.com

Learn

These tips will keep stress at bay and invite fun to stay:

How to take great firework photos with your phone

How to keep pests at bay, the natural way

How to keep your dog safe and reduce stress during fireworks

 

Listen

To these totally rad Fourth of July playlists, courtesy of:

Go Recess

Huffington Post

Mashable

 

 

 

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