4 Quick Party Ideas for the 4th of July

It's not too late to make it look like you planned all year long for your Fourth of July celebration.  We searched the newsstands and even our own archives to dig up some Fourth of July favorites.  Here are fun and quick ideas to make your party festive in a flash.

1.  First things first:  start with Old Glory!  

We love the impact of the American flag in a patriotic home renovation (featured in this month's Coastal Living magazine).  You could get the same effect by adding a large flag to any accent wall -- inside or out.

Photo:  Coastal Living

2.  Play with your food.  

Nature provides plentiful sources for red, white and blue treats, so go ahead and play with your food and your guests will enjoy their edible art.

Fruit on a stick -- so easy the kids can make them for you!  

Photo:  Family Circle

Photo:  Weelicious

Source:  skinnytaste.com

Ice cream sundae toppings as a colorful centerpiece -- pretty, tasty and easy!

Photo:  Better Homes & Gardens

3.  Keep it simple  

Simple vases or water glasses (like the Marta Cooler from CB2) with colored stones or striped sand will dress up basic candles in patriotic style.

Photo:  Better Homes & Gardens

Photo:  Martha Stewart Living

4.  Add some sparkle and shine!

Save yourself some time and energy and purchase a cake from your local bakery.  Then jazz it up with sparklers or colorful fruit.

Photo:  HGTV

Photo:  Martha Stewart Living

So go ahead and rally the troops to pull together a quick party for your patriotic family and friends -- it's easy to make them think you were born to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Do it!

P.S.  Don't forget the cocktails!

Learn how to tap into this great idea here.

Spiked Lemonade

Guy Fieri's 4th of July Cocktail

Want more?  Take a look back at Fourth of July, Whittington Design Studio style:  2012.  2011.

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Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in blue, entertaining, Fourth of July, red, summer parties, white

4 Quick Party Ideas for the 4th of July

Inaugural Style

No matter your politics, Inauguration Day is a great day to celebrate our great nation.  It is always inspiring to see Americans coming together to cheer for democracy.   Every four years, the eyes of the world are upon us.

And also on the first family’s outfits.  First Lady Michelle Obama gives us what we want – an eyeful of gorgeous style.

Did you love the first family’s inaugural outfits?  Here are some ideas to bring the same styles and colors into your home:

Michelle Obama in a Thom Browne menswear-inspired navy patterned coat, 

accessorized with a bejeweled belt and purple gloves from J Crew.

Global Views Masala Lacquered Wood Tray

Global Views Bejeweled Mirror

Graham and Green Contemporary Lamp

Malia Obama in a J Crew magenta pea coat.

Purple Gus Modern Sparrow Glider from ABC Carpet & Home.

Sasha Obama's fabulous purple Kate Spade dress with statement necklace.

Design Field Notes

Fabulous purple dresser with statement details.

First Couple:  Michelle Obama's gray silk dress and Barack Obama's light blue tie.

Another great couple:  West Elm Pillow and Throw.

Michelle Obama in a elegant and graceful Jason Wu ruby red gown.

Currey & Co's elegant and graceful Lombard Chest.

Hail to the First Lady's style picks!

Take some design inspiration from these iconic images of the Obama family on Inauguration Day and add some fashionable, eye-popping color to your home.

Do it!

p.s.  Do you like the merger of fashion and décor as much as we do?  Check out Fashion+Decor for even more inspiration.  

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Posted by Sexy Girls 21+ in fashion, purple, red

Inaugural Style