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Next Tuesday marks Independence Day, a day our country and its people live to celebrate. Taking pause is always cathartic and standing together while we gaze into the same sky, lit with brilliant bursts of color, reminds us that we will power on. We always power on. Together we celebrate our nation and all its people. There is no greater symbol of that unity than our nation’s flag. So, go on.. wave it.
We have the American flag hung from our home all year. When we hung it some six years ago, I wasn’t aware of the impact it would have on me. Its a constant reminder of something vastly bigger than myself but something that nonetheless strives to include me. I find it powerful and always redemptive.
For Independence Day, we roll out the bunting as well. I enjoy my front porch all year but this is one of those decorating occasions, where I’m particularly grateful for it. Our columns create just the right window for three pleated fans.
I often envy the yellow and turquoise front doors I find on Pinterest but I must admit the bold, red door lends itself to patriotic decor. There is a red, white, and blue, twig wreathe on the front door (hiding in the shadow). Underneath, two ferns flank the door. They live there all summer but the red, white, and blue pinwheels tucked inside are added for 4th flare. The ferns do well on the shaded porch and their rich green offer a pretty contrast to the red. Visible in the photos above, you’ll find two urns of Martha Washington geraniums on the granite stoop (particularly patriotic but not the reason for their selection). These geraniums offer big bright blooms all summer; the caveat is they’re not red.
The porch swing was a gift to our family from Santa Claus some five years ago. Best gift we never gave ourselves. The swing cushion I replaced last year, without a thought to this holiday, but was so excited when I unpacked it this spring in time for Memorial Day. I added the small sisal rug underneath and the two wicker lanterns, purchased at Amazon.
They cannot be left in the rain but if you have cover, they’re ideal. I have a couple of the tall, rectangular metal lanterns purchased a few years ago that I do sometimes use but they’re not nearly as warm as this one, measured by tone and texture.
Another red door enters into the kitchen. A matching red Americana star hangs adjacent and a red and blue stripe rug drapes the entry. The cafe set (a Brimfield fair find) is a great seat for removing muddy shoes or dropping groceries, or everything else. The patriotic fans blowing in the wind were purchased at Pier One Imports a few years ago but are available at Amazon and other locations now.
When entertaining or just hanging with the family, we’re almost always in the back yard, especially on the Fourth. We pony up to the table with our dogs and potato salad and chow down. I found this cute table cloth at the Christmas Tree Shops. Its not fancy but then the 4th of July isn’t a fancy holiday, is it? Backyards and barbecues.
Everyone has a red or blue Igloo cooler like the one pictured here. Sometimes, we just need to look through our collection of stuff to find the right pieces. The galvanized tiered tray is a favorite for all occasions. It works inside in my kitchen or outside at a barbecue.
These other serving pieces are plastic and ideal for outside or (by the pool). This star chip dish and blue bucket (in store only) were purchased at Target this season and are economical, so no guilt. I love this beverage dispenser below (lucite) because it actually works (doesn’t leak at the dispenser) and was less than $10 at Target. The metal stand is mine that goes with another glass dispenser (that does leak).
Adding flare for festivity is fun, no doubt, but not at all necessary. If you’re with your loved ones celebrating this momentous day in American history, you’re lucky enough. Hoping you enjoy your holiday wherever that finds you. God Bless.
Lisa
