A 4th of July Table with simple white dishes and red & blue accents~ where the food and the party favors are the stars & stripes. . . to celebrate Independence Day~
On the fourth, there will be 17 of us celebrating family members’ and Uncle Sam’s birthday~ while enjoying food, some boating fun, & fireworks on the lake.
I found these little vintage greetings-inspired buckets at World Market last summer and thought they would make the perfect pails for party favors.
A trip to Dollar Tree kept me from liberating all of the cash from my wallet~ where I filled my pails with Red, White, & Blue goodies. . . including a battery operated Fan, Patriotic Tootsie Roll Midgees & Pops, mini Flags and Sparklers.
A family favorite~ Our Flag Was Still There Fruit Pizza
A cookie dough crust using Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough~ sugar cookie or our preference, chocolate chip~ with a layer of sweetened cream cheese, and the fruit of your choice. Brush apple or apricot preserves over the top of the fruit if desired. Fun to make in a flag formation with blueberries, cream cheese and red grape/raspberry stripes, but we enjoy maximum fruit!
Land of the Free Lemonade~ recipe courtesy Southern Living
A refreshing combination of pureed watermelon & lemonade~ garnished with some watermelon stars and with the addition of some blueberries~
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 large lemons), 4 squeezed lemons reserved
4 cups chopped watermelon
Watermelon stars and blueberries to garnish, if desired
Preparation
Bring 6 cups water, sugar and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat, add reserved lemons, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, puree chopped watermelon in a blender or food processor with 1 cup water.
Pour syrup and watermelon puree through a strainer into a pitcher. Stir in lemon juice. (Lemonade can be made up to 1 day ahead.) Serve over ice. Garnish with watermelon stars and blueberries if desired.
Add citrus-infused vodka for a refreshing adult cocktail!
You can find a printable recipe, here.
What So Proudly We Hailed Watermelon Cupcakes
I had a trial run at these”cupcakes” with my nephews who were visiting this past weekend. The reviews were mixed~ with the adults more impressed than the boys. Since I pledge allegiance to any frosting~ the best part of a cupcake to me~ watermelon was a surprising & fun frosting-delivery method :-)
I cut pieces of seedless watermelon with a cookie cutter the approximate size of the cupcake liner~ added pineapple cream cheese frosting and decorated with sprinkles. After punching the watermelon pieces out, I placed them on paper towels to absorb some excess moisture, then put a little piece of wax paper in the bottom of the paper wrapper to prevent the “cupcakes” from weeping through the decorative liners. Next time, I’ll make them & frost ahead and put in the liners at the last minute~
Dawn’s Early Light Pretzel Sparklers~ sure to be extinguished quickly :-)
Pretzel Sparklers, directions courtesy Martha Stewart
I found these festive metal pails in the dollar bins at Super Target~
Oh, Say Can You See Table details:
Napkins/ Kohl’s
Plates/ Oneida Westerly Basket
Flatware & Placemats/ HomeGoods
Matelasse Coverlet used for tablecloth
Vintage Greetings-Inspired Pails, Hobnail Pitcher & Glasses/ World Market
Metal Patriotic Pails/ SuperTarget
Blue Goblets/ Dollar Tree
A Star- Spangled Menu
Banner Yet Wave Burgers
Home of the Brave Hotdogs
Broad Stripes Broccoli Salad
Bright Stars Baked Beans
Rocket’s Red Glare Potato Salad
Proof Through the Night Pasta Salad
Our Flag Was Still There Fruit Pizza
What So Proudly We Hailed Watermelon Cupcakes
Dawn’s Early Light Pretzel Sparklers
Land of the Free Lemonade
Looks like you’re all set for a festive and mighty tasty good time! Love the Fruit Pizza, it’s beautiful and the goodie pails are just too cute! Have fun Mary:@)
You have inspired me to something “spectacular” for my July 4th party – thank you!
Fabulous 4th of July table, Mary!
Happy Independence Day!
I LOVE THIS! I am feeling wistful & patriotic at the same time! All of this evokes memories of wonderful July 4th celebrations of days gone by. None of which had these beautiful accoutrements but had everything fun going on just the same. Kids running around, messy faces, a water source (the beach!) and relaxing adults. Thanks for the memories! A
Mary, Your 4th of July post is SPECTACULAR!! You have definitely “raised the bar” on tablescapes for the 4th.. and recipes. Since there will be just the two of us for the celebration, I thought I just do icecream with a sparkler thingy stuck in it, sit on the deck and watch the neighbors’ fireworks..But now I’m going to have to upgrade my pitiful celebration. LOL Actually I’ve spent the last half hour or so, just looking and drooling at your great post.
Your posts always amaze me. Not only are they perfectly “merchandised” but perfectly photographed. How many hour does it take to get ready to photograph?
I was in retail too but the only thing I learned to merchandise was better sportswear. :)
Hope you have a great Sunday and thanks again for all the great ideas,
Babs
Your table is AMAZING!! I love every bit of it, the placemats, buckets, favors, recipes, napkins…everything!! Your posts are always something for me to look forward to and I enjoy every one.
Have a safe and happy 4th!!
Susan
Wow! What a table to look forward to – I hope there will be fireworks across that lake!
Oh Mary….those party favors in the cute “vintage” buckets are just the crowning touch to your “Old Glory” tablescape!!! Beautifully done, Honey!
The watermelon stars on the skewers with the blueberries is such an original touch. Love it!
The “cupcakes” are cute but I can see why the little guy wasn’t impressed. My Caroline wouldn’t touch ’em! LOL
I’ve done the sprinkle covered pretzel rods before & you are SMART to serve the OUTSIDE!! What a mess they make when eaten in the house.
If I turn around, will you kick me in the buttinski for passing up those blue goblets at Dollar Tree? What was I thinking? NOT thinking!!
GREAT tablescape, Mary! You inspire & delight every time.
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Hugs,
Rett
Thanks for everyone’s comments! Rett, the blue goblets were back in stock at my Dollar Tree a couple of weeks ago :-)
Mary, this is another gorgeous post but, I’ve missed seeing your Mad Tea party this year at Vanessa’s. Your work is beyond what anyone could rival. Look forward to each one.
Mary, HOW DO YOU DO IT? Each post/table is more imaginative than the next! This patriotic table & menu is wonderful. In fact… I’m stealing the pretzel stick idea for the GRANDS!!!! And want to go by Target today to see if I can find those little tins buckets. THANK YOU for some amazing ideas! Have a wonderful 4th & I would love to see photos of the fireworks reflecting off your lake! HUGS!
Charlene
What a fun and patriotic table! You have thought of every detail, from the charming favor containers to the fruited drink skewers. It is all so lovely. Who wouldn’t want to join you to celebrate our Independence?
And, as always, your photos are stunning and magazine quality! I often share your posts with my artist husband (who can appreciate great composition and beautiful photography).
Wow! I want to come to your house for the holiday weekend! It looks like a lot of fun and yummy food will be enjoyed by all.
I am having a fun giveaway on Tuesday. I hope you will stop by to enter.
Have a great week! La
Another hit out of the ball park and no strikes yet! Fun, clever, refreshing, patriotic, …..this ‘party’ has so much going for it that it is sure to be a hit with adults and kids! Happy 4th, Mary!
Hi Mary, I love your blog, and this is such a wonderful post. I’d love for you to come by Thursday and join in on Vintage Inspiration Friday’s Patriotic Theme Party. Hope to see you there. xo Debra
Your watermelon stars:)
I mean i am Canadian and love the 4th of July because of Noah’s bday and the USA:) But… no cute goodies like yours here..I should stock up for Noah’s 4th bday:)A trip across the border would be necessary…
Kudos..everything is so cute..the stars doable for me:)
i saw this on my iphone this morn couldn’t wait to come online to gush gush GUSH AS USUSAL! so adorable, i love your pb table is getting such a work out!
so many wonderful touches, your guests will be over the moon happy with all the go the xtra mile delights!
love love LOVE YOUR DAMN BLOG!
WOW! What a festive celebration setting! The cupcakes are AWESOME and beyond incredible! Wishing you the very best for a wonderful 4th with your family! I’m going go put out my flags right now…..I’m feeling very patriotic!!!! (Save me a pretzel sparkler, please!)
WOWZERS! I’m going to have to go and find a star shaped cookie cutter now because I’m doing that one!! I like the fruit pizza idea too but think I’ll be doing your watermelon/feta/blueberries instead! Thanks for sharing!
Mary, this is better than fireworks! You are amazingly creative. Not only is the table Star Spangled but your Star Spangled Menu would make any American proud. We’re hosting a group here, so now you have me rethinking what I might do. So much inspiration here. Awesome!
Happy 4th to you! ~ Sarah
I just recently found your blog. Boy, was I in for a treat! I love dogs, love water, love tablescapes. All good! You have a beautiful blog as well!
Brenda
Thank you for posting this! I have to host the July Bunco party and this gives me so many ideas. Great post!
WOW, your attention to detail is extraordinary! Everything looks so festive and colorful. Thanks for sharing your fantastic 4th. table.
Every table and menu you do is amazing! You always inspire me and put a BIG smile on my face!!!! Have a S-PECTACULAR $th. Not sure yet what we are doing. Just got home from vacation, and I posted SOME pictures for Yvonne’s party too! XO, Pinky
Your Star Spangled Menu looks delicious and your presentation is all American! Your lake side dinning will be very inviting on the 4th. We will be doing the same and it is very special by the water. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day!
Miz Helen
you are a GENIUS..here from StoneGable…I will be making those watermelon cupcakes for us on the 4th….I LOVE IT…here is a big thank you hug ((( )))) from me…my in-laws will think I am a genius myself! HAHAHA!
This star spangled table is spectacular! Your attention to detail and fun is over-the-top! I love the pails full of rockets red glare and all the patriotic goodies. I am defintitely going to make the watermellon lemonade for my 4th of July get together. And I will certainly make those great watermellon stars! This table and menus are so inspiring!
Thank you so much for participating in ON THE MENU MONDAY!
xo Yvonne
Really! This IS better than fireworks!!! I would like to spend my Fourth of July at YOUR Lake House!! Lots and lots of great ideas here…thank you ever so much for sharing!!! The fruit flag is amazing! Well…the whole tablescape is awesome!!
This is wonderful!! What a gorgeous setting and what yumminess all over! I think that maybe I’m going to just drop by your home by the lake instead…a little change of plans at the last minute! Everything’s gorgeous!! Thank you so much for sharing, I always love what you show! Happy 4th. of July…I’m visiting from Ivonne’s new Party! Hugs, FABBY
Hi Mary
Your July 4th party decorations are wonderful! Thanks for all the great ideas!
Mary, you don’t do anything less than fabulous. (I am trying hard not to say wow, but with you it is not easy). I love the idea of watermelon cupcakes. I may have to borrow that one. xo,
You do take the best photos! As well as have the greatest subject matter. I love your table. Those cute buckets are the best. Your table is lovely as always and certainly a feast for the eyes. Happy Fourth, many blessings, marlis
This is a wonderful post and I am bookmarking it because you have so many inspirational items and recipes here! Your pizza looks much more appealing than the one on the Pillsbury site! I’ll be going to Kohl’s because I have been looking for new napkins. And the party favor buckets are perfect too. And the watermelon cupcakes as frosting delivery system is truly unique. I like frosting best too! Thank you for the inspiration! Linda
OH, my goodness! What a wonderful post and your table is amazing! I love it! I see so much creativity here! You’re just so wonderful. Now I want to make some of that watermelon looking lemonade! Now, I just have one question to ask you – can I come over? :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Have a Happy Fourth of July!!!
This is all absolutely darling! Love, love those treasures from World Market. Every year we host a 4th of July outdoors breakfast. We have certain things that we always make. But each year we try a few new items. The fruit pizza and watermelon cupcakes will help to start the day off with a bang! Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely celebration you have planned Mary. So festive and creative. I would love to go shopping with you – you have such a good eye on how things will fit together. Your flag cake is beautiful and I’m sure your guests will think so too.
Hope you and yours have a safe and happy 4th of July.
Sam
Hi Mary…
My friend, I stand in awe! Not only did you set the prettiest patriotic table but Mmmm…the food and treats are just awesome! I love the watermelon cupcakes and will definitely be giving those a try! They really are so pretty! I also loved your pretzel sparklers…sooo cute! Ohhh my goodness…you left no detail undone, my friend! It sounds like you will be hosting such a fun gathering for the 4th! I’m sure that all of your guests will be as “wowed” as I was…it’s fabulous!!! Thank you so much for sharing all of your patriotic pretties with us today!
Happy 4th of July, dear lady!
Chari @Happy To Design
WOW! I just found your blog and I have to say it is an instant favorite! You love tablescapes as much as I do and I can’t wait for this winter when I will have much more time to go through your archive of postings!! I am a new blogger and I just posted a living room makeover for the 4th! You are such an inspiration! Love, Love the watermelon cupcakes! So simple and so creative!
Such a wonderfully festive menu for the 4th of July, Mary! I love the fruit pizza idea and the sparklers pretzels — that is an idea I’ll save to do with my grandsons when they are older. Happy 4th of July!
Wow! Now that is a REAL 4th of July picnic! I’ve been to quite a few political bashes, but none looked this elaborate!
I think you made a mistake. There will be 18 coming…you forgot me. I’ll be no trouble. I promise. And don’t worry because I won’t even go near the boat. I don’t know how to swim.
I just love this patriotic post! I certainly think I’d enjoy some of that marvelous fruit pizza! As always your pictures are wonderful.
Beautiful table! Loved everything here! Blue-red-white..what a beauty! Thanks for sharing!
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Happy 4th of July.
Wow! There are so many elements to this tablescape that I am crazy about. It’s by the lake (gorgeous), the little pails filled with candy and sparklers, the beautiful tablecloth, the subtle writing on the napkins, and all the many fine details you added. LOVE<3
Your fruit pizza is so pretty! I love the watermelon too.
i’ve got to get something ready for the holiday weekend…
you’re a great inspiration
love the table, food and especially the VIEW!
OK I think we all agree you win….what an amazing post. I am so impressed my mouth is on the floor. I love the little buckets with candy in them, and the sparklers…I am going to make. I just love all of it. You did an amazing job and it looks like the funnest (yes it’s a word) setting for friends and family! I need to get out more….Target here I come. So adorable. Love what you have done. Have an awesome weekend.
Blessings,
Debbie
I thought this only existed on Martha Stewart. Is it real? If it is, please let me hire a cabin nearby! Wishing you a Happy 4th of July and all of God’s blessings.
Oh, clever, clever girl! Love all these ideas! I was going to do bleach pen patriotic shirts with my Grands tomorrow and now i will add the pretzel sparklers as well.
A trip to Dollar Tree is also in order for today. Love the fans and the tootsie rolls!
Thanks for such a kool link this week.
Your family and friends are going to be in heaven!
A+
Wonderful end-of-June post. Now you’ve got me pumped up for the 4th!
=)
Loved everything about your blog! I’ve spent about 45 minutes admiring your past blogs, too……..Keep up the beautiful blogs! Laynah
Mary, love your red, white and blue table…the box of sparklers brought back memories of when Daddy would tuck one away to surprise us on a cold winter night.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Oh my goodness! The cuteness just does not stop. I thought the whole thing…decor and food (and drink) were magazine worthy! Loved it! Lori L
This is probably one of the prettiest tables I’ve ever seen!….truly! Every detail is so well thought out and the food looks delicious. Definitely going to make the fruit pizza. Looks delicious!
What a sweet tablescape! Where did you find those tootsie pops?! =)
Jeanine
amazing……….love your love for the country and flags…
cheers.
What an amazing tablescape. I love the little goodie pails.
Love this…just featured it on my blog!
Susan
http://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/2011/06/4th-of-july-party-on-lake.html
Oh my goodness. Your party is going to be so wonderful. This is probably the most elaborate holiday party I have ever seen. You are truly amazing with the level of creativity you have shown. I especially love the lemonade. I am going to try that myself ! Yum. Amy
WOW, just fantastic.
What great fun all will have.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele
Thanks so much for linking up, LOVE this post!!
How cute, I love all of those ideas! Beautiful pictures too!
Ding Ding Ding….WE HAVE A WINNER! What a bonanza of marvelous ideas for an Independence Day Celebration!…Every moment is brilliantly conceived and executed….my favorite ! Thank you for sharing your wonderful design. Cherry Kay
Love the idea for the watermelon “cupcakes!” I thought it was actual cake, and was wondering how that could be pulled off.
What a visual treat!! such lovely photos and so inspiring–Our Flag Was Still There Fruit Pizza, watermelon stars, pretzel sparklers, beautiful table setting, cute vintage buckets….the napkins are the coolest!
Happy 4th to you!!
Wow, this is soooo adorable! I used the same little buckets from Target on my table! I love visiting your posts and looking at all the detail and work you put into each post! Incredible! Menu and food is all quite amazing! Loved it all!! Happy 4th!
Hey there, Mary. Great holiday post. I will have to give that lemonade a try. I have a hard time eating watermelon (something about the texture), but pureeing it and mixing it with lemonade sounds good. I’ll give it a whirl sometime this summer. I hope you and your guests (17…wow!) enjoy the 4th.
This is amazing! I love everything!
I’m having a Red, White and Blue Linky Party and would love for you to join in on the fun by linking up.
http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/07/red-white-and-blue-linky-party.html
Wow! What a spectacular tablesetting for the 4th of July celebrations! It’s simple but yet festive :) Hope you had a great 4th of July! By the way, that fruit pizza looks amazing!
What an awesome post! Thank you for your support and for sharing this beautiful patriotic theme post at my Patriotic linky party!!! Hope you had the best 4th yet!!
Thanks for sharing your fourth of July celebration with Seasonal Sundays. I love that flatware and everytime you use it, I could kick myself for passing it up when I saw it at HomeGoods. But I already had solid red. I was trying to be good – but that’s no fun!
– The Tablescaper
Wow, your holiday must have been awesome with all those treats. Thanks for linking up to Sweets for a Saturday.
Oh my gosh, you go all out for the 4th! What a beautiful spread. Everything is so colorful and the food looks delicious!
I love your ingenious “cupcakes.” I’d love for you to link this and any other cupcake related post you have at the month long Cupcake Link Party!
Cheers,
Tracy
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Hello,
I am a Social Media Specialist with Michaels Stores and we saw your great blog post 4th of July blog post. We’d love to have your permission to pin it to our Pinterest boards. We always pin responsibly, linking and crediting the original source.
Thank you for your consideration.
Everything about this post is perfect. The fourth is one of my most favorite holidays.
This is way too much fun! I adore your posts….What fun you are having.
What a wonderful celebration! Just beautiful, Mary!
Fantastic post! I loved all of it…
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Gorgeous post! I wanted to let you know that you were featured on my Best 4th of July ideas post at:http://printabelle.com/?p=5299
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I have seen a lot online but nothing like this! I could look at this for days.
I agree w/ everyone! This is THE BEST!!!! Congrats on a job well done!!!!!