DIY 4th of July

The 4th of July is a little over a week away and is one of our favorite holidays. It's the perfect summertime reason to gather friends and family for a laid back day of outdoor celebrating. If you're like us, you may be tempted to go over the top, but spending the days before stressing are certainly not on your summer agenda. Try a few of these simple yet creative ideas and you're sure to add that personal festive touch you love with minimal effort. Happy Independence Day America!

Keep your table decorations simple but pretty by weaving pieces of crepe paper. You could also do this with strips of fabric or pretty wrapping paper. As seen from Good Housekeeping



Mason Jars make a perfect re-useable glass for your guests and the home-made decorative paper tops will keep the bugs out of your delicious drinks while adding pizzaz. Instructions from Two Shades of Pink

These Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey sliders are sure to be a hit and are a nice twist on the traditional bbq fare. Recipe here.

Frozen water balloons keep drinks cold and are so much more fun than ice. Use only red, white, and blue balloons and you've added another Patriotic touch to your party. As seen from Home Confetti



Smores-on-a-Stick are the perfect make ahead festive treat. Get the recipe from The Idea Room



DIY printables are always a great way to personalize your party. We especially love these "Sparkler Holders" from Twig & Thistle



Keep your guests comfortable with these adorable and easy bandanna cushions. For the how to click here.

For more red, white, and blue ideas revisit our Memorial Day post Here

Celebrate Memorial Weekend!

Just a few ideas to inspire you as you celebrate Memorial Day this weekend! Hope you all enjoy it and remember to thank all the brave people who have served our country!

P.S. Don't forget to save all your supplies so you can re-use them on the 4th of July!



Paper stars in red, white, and blue are pretty and festive. Via Martha Stewart



Hot dogs never looked so chic! via Bella Soiree

Free printables like these from Homespun Blog are a great way to add a personal touch.



Supplies like a beach bucket bbq & drink bins and trays will help you celebrate in style. Via West Elm



Bandannas make great table runners and napkins. Via Martha Stewart

Even pets can take part in the fun! Via Martha Stewart

Say Cheese!

There's something about a photo booth that makes us smile. It brings you back to those childhood days when you and your friends or your boyfriend/ girlfriend would run off to make silly faces or capture a kiss on cute little photo strips. Later you'd hang them on a cork board or your locker to remind you of that fun moment. Photo booths are a great because not only do they provide an activity, but also a souvenir, so why not incorporate one into your next event. Nowadays you can easily rent one for a party or simply make one yourself. Here's what you'll need...

Build a simple free standing wall with a cutout like this one from Edyta Blog. You can also try making multiple cut outs so guest can interact with each other while posing in their own "frame".

Wall decals like this one from Design Your Walls make a great backdrop that is easily removed.

Decorate a screen like they did hear from The Knot to use as a pretty backdrop.

First set up the area where you want to have the "photo booth". It's best to have a semi private area like a corner or small area behind a door or screen so that there is an element of surprise when capturing the photos and guests feel more comfortable and free to be silly. You can go as elaborate or as simple as you want from there. If you are handy, you can built a faux wall with cut-outs or you can simply use a blank wall or open area. Play with the backdrop to create something that will go with the theme of your event by hanging wallpaper, fabric, curtains, etc. 

Photo prop set from Etsy

image from The knot

Try hanging painted frames to create an area for guests to pose in like they did here

Add some fun props to help your guests get into the spirit. You can make your own with free printables like we found here or purchase some already made. You can also use things like vintage hats, wigs, sunglasses, etc to add to the fun. Old oversized picture frames also make a great prop and are fun for guests to pose with. 

Photo from Leigh Graves Wolf

Software makes it easy to turn your computer into a "photo booth"

To capture the photos you can use either a Polaroid camera, a digital camera on a tripod and photo printer, or your computer. If you're using your computer you can easily print, email, and upload photos with a program like Spark Booth or Seemonkey. Alright, now you're ready for your close up! Say Cheese!