Fourth of July Festivities

I’ve never been the best at decorating the house for each and every holiday. But, the Fourth of July and all of the patriotism that goes along with it is sort of irresistible. And with the Olympics starting later in the month, all the more reason to go USA all the way! And Natalie has decided on an Olympics theme for her late July birthday swimming party, so let’s dive into Pinterest’s many ideas for the Fourth.

On the Family Fun site, (http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/spangled-sandwich-pops-1015529/), I love this super simple idea for a refreshing dessert. Simply take ice cream sandwiches and dip them into red, white and blue sprinkles, and add a Popsicle stick. I would like to try a round ice cream sandwich and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a star-shaped dessert on a stick. Yummy!

At Eighteen 25, this really cute subway art is available for free downloading and printing. (http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/06/subway-art-fourth-of-july.html) I would love to keep this up year-round!

Now, if you are a baker extraordinaire, you might give this cake a try (http://www.glorioustreats.com/2011/06/4th-of-july-flag-cake.html). Glorious Treats pulled it off; though I am not sure my baking skills are up-to-par. I think I am sticking to something super simple, like this: http://chaosserveddaily.blogspot.com/2012/05/gearing-up-for-memorial-day.html. What can be easier than red, white and blue strawberries? Delish!

Paper Box Press is also making available a darling set of free Fourth of July party printables. 10 pages include banners, pinwheels, cupcake toppers, water bottle labels and more! I know I’ll be using a few of these for Natalie’s Olympic-themed party. Find them all here. (http://paperboxpress.blogspot.com/2011/06/free-4th-of-july-printables.html).

Whatever you do, don’t forget the sparklers! My July birthday cake was often times decorated with a big bunch of sparklers instead of candles. It is an extra-festive way to celebrate your holiday. Have fun!