4th of July Archives - Page 4 of 7

Celebrate the 4th: Trivia 2011

July 2, 2011 jennifer 4th of July

Last year we did a little trivia challenge on the 4th of July. I promised another this year but since we’re traveling I’m doing it a little bit differently.

I’m offering my trivia questions for 2011 in a pdf format so you can download, print and use them at whatever gathering you’re having on the 4th. You can use them two ways:

First, print enough copies with questions only and provide pencils so people can fill in the answers. Have a prize available for whoever gets the most questions right. This is fun if your group will take the time to fill it out. Some people are intimidated by these exercises, so consider your setting and your guests.

Second, print just a copy of the trivia with answers and when you’re gathered on the 4th take a few minutes and read each question aloud. Let the group shout out answers and see how they do. I’ve found that this exercise takes only a few minutes and people usually participate enough to make it fun. Everyone always learns something as well.

I hope you enjoy it and learn a few facts in the process!

4th of July Trivia 2011: Questions and Answers 4th of July Trivia 2011 Questions Only DOWNLOAD Have a great 4th of July weekend, Jennifer

Celebrate the 4th: Be Thoughtful

July 1, 2011 jennifer 4th of July, Entertaining, Pretty Packages

Are you getting together with family or friends for your 4th of July celebration? If you’re going somewhere as a guest, consider taking along a small gift for your hostess. If you’re the one hosting you could send your guests home with something to remember the day.

What about a box of sparklers? Tied with a ribbon and a little tag you’ve got a quick and easy token of appreciation.

You could also consider sharing something homemade. I filled a pint size mason jar with good water for a refreshing drink. These would be a fun thing to give your guests when they get in their hot car to head home, or for your hostess to enjoy when she’s finally able to sit down and relax at day’s end.

A bouquet of flags would also be pretty with or without flowers. It would be useful and a great reminder of the day you’re celebrating.

These are just a few little ideas to spark your creativity when you either head out the door or open your door in welcome. I’d love to hear what you do!

**If you’re looking for an easy 4th of July activity for the weekend, check back tomorrow morning for a pdf version of my annual trivia!
Hopeful Homemaker

Celebrating the 4th: Dress up the table

June 30, 2011 jennifer 4th of July, Entertaining

Holidays and food seem to go together. Every holiday is made festive by adding a few touches of personality to your table. Over the years I’ve learned to watch for items that will work for many occasions and holidays. I try to purchase dishes and decor that are one color plus white. This means I can mix and match for multiple occasions. I like to challenge myself to see new potential in the things I have on hand when I get ready for a party instead of feeling like I need to go shopping. It’s so much fun to survey what I already have and be creative.

Vintage tablecloths are a great way to set the mood and my red, white and blue tablecloths are among my favorite. I like the aqua touches in this one because they play well off the aqua table on my back porch. Notice the Pop Shoppe bottles are just red and white which makes them versatile enough to use year round.

I also used a blue and white tray, polka dot napkins in both blue/white and red/white topped by forks that are white with blue stars. None of these items is exclusively for the 4th of July, yet used together they’re perfect for my favorite holiday.

I have a talent for collecting tiny but adorable dishes when I visit Crate & Barrel. These small bowls are new this year; again two of them are just one color with only the third having red and blue stripes. They’re perfect for serving desserts or snacks.

A plain red serving bowl, white drink dispenser and some American flags complete the serving table. By mixing colors and patterns it’s a beautiful table.

A few other ideas: make a bouquet of flags for the center of your table, find some red and white striped fabric and make a table runner, hang stars above the table. Buy paper flags on toothpicks and stick them in one of your dishes. If you want to use plain white napkins try this idea with festive ribbon. I avoid paper plates and napkins with actual flags printed on them; it doesn’t sit well with me to be “eating” off the flag or wiping my mouth on it.

Dress up your table for the 4th of July, even if it’s a simple meal with your immediate family. This little dinner was just for my husband and children and it warmed my heart to observe how much they enjoyed and appreciated my efforts. It made them feel special and communicated my love to them. I hope you find something new and creative to do with what you’ve already got.

One comment 4th of July, entertaining

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