Celebrating The 4th

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. I think back on years past and remember happy memories of pool parties, lake days, and some of the most amazing fireworks I've ever seen from Washington DC to St Louis and the gulf coast.

I will never forget the year not long after we were married that Jay and I decided to snag a cheap, last minute flight to Washington, DC, for Independence Day. Apparently we weren't the only people who decided to celebrate at our nation's capital... I have never seen so many people in my life as we crowded onto the national mall with about half a million of our "closest friends." The feeling of patriotism in the crowd was overwhelming as we watched the fireworks open over the Washington Monument.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.

This year, we'll be spending the day far away from those Washington, DC, crowds!  As we get together with smaller groups of friends & family this year, it's a great opportunity to bring out some festive decorations. Even for a casual cookout, a few decorations can really take the day from ordinary to something special. Here are four of our favorite ideas for fun 4th of July decor:

1. Bring out the Bunting & Banners! Draping the stars & stripes across a bookcase, mantle, serving table or front porch is all the rage. It's a great way to quickly bring that classic, festive feel to your celebration. (You can find the banner pictured below here on our website.)
2. Patriotic Pillows, please! You know we love a good accent pillow for any season. Pillows are such an easy way to take your room from good to great. These are some of our favorites for Summer holidays...
3. Late night lanterns! You don't want the flood lights to distract from the fireworks, but you could use a little ambient lighting. Bring out your favorite lanterns and fill them with candles to give a soft glow beneath the fireworks. We love these budget-friendly red lanterns for the occasion.
4. Seasonal Serving Pieces make it special! Our #1 tip for effortless entertaining is to invest in white serving dishes. They are versatile, don't have to be "matchy-matchy," and give you the option of adding cute little accent serving pieces. Our favorite accent piece for the 4th is this salt & pepper flag! If you're going to a party, make one of our yummy Wind & Willow dips and take it in the patriotic dip bowl.

We've watched the fireworks on the beach with our closest friends, at the Gateway Arch in St Louis, and of course in Nashville, but my favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July is with family. Whether it's on a pontoon at the lake watching fireworks over the water or sitting around the pool, holidays and celebrations are just better spent together. How are you planning to spend the 4th this year?