Last Minute Ideas for the 4th

How will you be spending the 4th of July? I hope with friends and family that are special to you. I thought it would be fun to round up a few last minute ideas that would be easy to pull off. Not sure about you, but that is really the only way I operate these days. We did get our bunting up on the house yesterday but we are taking a very relaxed approach to the holiday this year. I hope you can use an idea or two.

S’MORE FUN

There is no better tradition than sitting around a fire pit and making s’mores. We’ve made so many memories with friends doing just that. And you can get clever with how you present the sweet treat. Individual bags are fun or using these silver serving pieces. The grocery store typically carries festive napkins it’s easy to add a touch of red, white and blue.

You can also fill up a jar so it’s ready to grab once it’s time for dessert. This is also easy if you are heading to someone else’s house and bringing things for s’mores.

We’ve also done a s’mores board in the past. Set out your favorite ways to make s’mores and let everyone choose for themselves.

TIME FOR FIREWORKS

When the kids were younger, we would pass out a treat during the fireworks show. For this I cut a strip of scrapbook paper and wrapped around bundles of licorice. Just add a piece of tape and you are ready to go.

MAKE IT FESTIVE

I love to have blue and white things on hand. Add in a couple of flags and you are ready to go. This tablecloth has been wonderful (I use a few times a year). For festive centerpieces, baby’s breath with a flag will do the trick. We like simple over here.

Can’t say enough great things about these chairs from Serena & Lily (23% off). This is the deepest discount I have seen. Truly one of our favorite purchases from over the years. The quality is fantastic and they have held up beautifully (now in our rental property). *We only had them outside when entertaining and no rain. If you have been eyeing these, this sale is really great.

This set is slightly smaller but an amazing price (more of an outdoor look).

PANCAKE TRADITION

For years we would do the neighborhood Fourth of July race and then come home to a pancake breakfast. I would take requests from the kids for what topping they wanted. This recipe is a home run every time.

FRESH FRUIT SALAD

My mouth is watering just looking at this fruit. There is nothing better than fresh fruit in the summer. I will be taking this to a party tomorrow. Toss all of your favorite fruits in a mixture of lemon and honey (juice of one lemon and 1 Tbsp of honey). Add mint for garnish.

We love to add this mixture to fruit and let it sit in the fridge during the day. Then we use it to top vanilla ice cream. DELICIOUS!

SWEET AND SIMPLE DESSERT

This won’t win for a healthy dessert option but it sure is easy and it disappears in minutes. You can grab the recipe for this Sweet and Simple Trifle in a Jar here. (These glass jars come in handy . . . I keep my sugar/flour in them, too).

FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

Wishing you all a really beautiful and memorable Fourth of July. It was one of my mom’s very favorite holidays (so many fun family memories) and the day she entered heaven (so fitting). It’s bittersweet for us and a day that we feel very grateful for this life. Sending love your way.