The calendar only just flipped to June, but I’m already in a flag-waving, fireworks and sparklers, red-white-and-blue mood.
Cue the trumpet, trombone and drums, and let’s all stand for the national anthem:
Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
To me, nothing says summer quite like Americana.
Stay tuned all this month for a red-white-and-blue extravaganza as I share step-by-step tutorials and recipes for many of the projects you see here.
My parents came over on Memorial Day for a cookout, and the weather was so nice, we decided to eat outside. I decked out the front porch in red-white-and-blue for the occasion. And I love that these decorations will take me through July 4th!
We dined on paper plates, befitting a meal of falling-off-the-bone ribs (recipe coming soon!), homemade summer potato salad and baked beans.
For dessert, fresh strawberries and blueberries, plus a selection of iced cookies and red punch (because I wasn’t patient enough to make layered red-white-and-blue punch).
Be sure to check back next week for the recipe for these delicious iced cookies.
I used a bouquet of vintage flags as our centerpiece. (Here’s how I made them next week, too!)
The metal bench got a makeover: an old quilt fashioned as a seat cover and a few new pillows that I actually sewed myself. (You can see how I made the American flag pillow here.)
I told you my back porch makeover project had inspired me to try my hand at sewing!
These sand-filled mason jars were a fun family craft project, and they also make perfect candle holders. (Click here for the tutorial.)
I made a new wreath for the front door and hauled out an assortment of red-white-and-blue accessories, including this bandana-style tablecloth, an antique store find several years ago.
Aside from a few paper goods from the dollar store, I pulled all these Fourth of July party ideas and decorations together using items I already owned, most of them bought at yard sales, thrift stores or clearance sales.
As I mentioned, I got pretty crafty, too, in pulling this party and color scheme together. I even painted a table and chairs for the occasion!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of my patriotic summer front porch.
I’d love for you to pin my ideas!
Now, be sure to check out all the other participants in the Elements of Summer tour.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Linda @ It All Started With Paint
So, what time should we arrive for the party? How about if I try my hand at that layered punch idea …
So fund and festive and I just adore each and every pillow — and the mason jar sand art, of course!
🙂 Linda
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio
Love the All-American Summer time vibe you created Amy!
Katherines Corner
Its lovely and creative and makes me smile.Hugs P.S. I invite you to share at my hop tomorrow.
Yvonne @ StoneGable
What a salute to Old Glory! LOVE the way every detail is so patriotic. Those mason jars filled with colored sand are fabulous and fun! You went all out for this patriotic porch celebration! Pinning!
Vanessa
Oh I just LOVE your patriotic porch Amy!! Wish I could come hang out there and watch the fireworks with you! 😉
Kim@NewlyWoodwards
This is so great! There’s nothing better in my mind than an Americana porch for summer. I love all your details. And you officially have me wanting a flag pillow now.
Ashley @ My Craftily Ever After
I love these ideas!! I especially love those pillow covers!
Shanna Gilbert
I love all of your cute ideas! What a perfect 4th of July party! I can’t wait to see the tutorial for the layered sand candle holder!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule
Very festive!!! Love the layered sand jars…those are great!
Nancy
Tracey@LetsGoJunking
Absolutely beautiful! Every project was wonderful. I wanted to jump up, put my hand over my heart and recite the pledge. Wait – I think I’ll do that right now.
lisa at Mabey She made It
I really like the white flag pillow!
Marty Walden
This is just gorgeous. How on earth do you have time to be so creative?
Doreen @ Hymns and Verses
This is awesome! I’m just getting ready to decorate for the 4th and you have lots of wonderful ideas here! Thanks for the inspiration!
laura@top this top that
love it all. did you make the tablecloth?
Jillene@inkhappi
This looks FABULOUS Amy! I love that it is on a porch and all the fun details. This makes me look forward to summer all the more!
Kathy, Petticoat Junktion
Amy, It looks like a party shop exploded on your porch! I really like the sand filled mason jars. Great ideas.
Paula@SweetPea
I’m in love with your fun patriotic decorations and can’t wait to read your tutorials in the coming weeks. I’m not sure what decoration I like best. I hope you enjoy many pleasant evenings outside enjoying this area over the summer.
Angela
I love the red, white and blue color scheme! I can not wait for the 4th of July!!! 🙂
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
Oh my word, so perfect. I love your tablecloth, and your setting is fantastic. Great inspiration.
Suzy @ Worthing Court
How perfect, Amy! I just love your patriotic front porch all decked out for July 4th. So many inspiring projects. I love the way that you added a swag to your beverage station. Makes that cute little table stand out so much. Can wait for those recipes!