The Celebrate Everyday team is here to add some Patriotic pop to your holiday. Below find our tips on everything from decor, arts and crafts to cocktails. Enjoy and Happy 4th to all of our readers!

Holly’s Star Spangled Banners & March Worthy Mason Jars 

Your very own Star Spangled Burlap Banner makes for a fun display on your windows, fireplace, fence or front door. Check out my January post on DIY Burlap Penants for how-to instructions on making your own burlap penants.

Painted Mason Jars  make awesome display containers for  flowers, candles and/or patriotic treats. If you are looking for DIY tips on how to make your mason jars unforgettable, check out my post on Mason Jar Love for how-to instructions.

Rae’s  Praiseworthy Fashion Finds

Snag some praiseworthy and super comfortable kicks at Toms.com. My favorite festive pair are the American Flag Women’s Classic Slip ons and BONUS, for every pair you purchase the company donates a pair of shoes to children in need. 

The Blue Water necklace from Jewelry for Cause provides a great pop of blue color and BONUS 20% of each purchase is donated to the Red Cross Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami disaster relief efforts.

Becky’s Firework Fun for the Kiddos 

What better way to celebrate the 4th with a three-year-old than with firework themed experiments and fun. The Tuesday before the 4th was rainy here, so I threw together some indoor activities to keep us busy and get us excited about the holiday.

Fireworks in a Jar was a bit of a science experiment, which my son loves. This one is not very heavy on the science, but you can talk about the properties of oil and water. Supplies you will need:

• Clear Vase or Jar
• Water
• Any kind of oil (olive, canola, etc.)
• Food Coloring

He loved watching the colors break through the oil and explode through the water like slow-moving fireworks. Again can’t take credit for this one, came from a blog called “I can teach my child”. Here’s the link: http://www.icanteachmychild.com/fireworks-in-a-jar/

Water Dot Fireworks was another idea I found on Pinterest (love it!). Would love to give credit, but I can’t find it! All you need for this one is Do-a-Dot Paint Markers, paper and water. You dip the Dot Paint Marker into water, then let your child bang it down onto the paper as hard as they can. It creates an explosion like a firework. My son loved this one, too!

Pipe cleaner sparklers was another fun themed activity we did together. I don’t know about your kids, but mine loves beading. So we got three pipe cleaners and made a star burst shape, like an exploding firework and just added beads. Super simple, but enjoyed by all (me included!)

 

Rae’s Forefather Flicks and Decorated Thank Yous

In the mood for some fast paced, treasure and alien hunting entertainment that all ends well? Check out these Forefather Action Thriller Films this weekend: “Apollo 13” (1995) , “National Treasure” (2004), “Top Gun” (1986) and “Independence Day” (1996).

Do you may have a military veteran or service member attending your 4th of July barbecue? If this is the case, consider recognizing them with a toast at your event or if they can not be there to celebrate with you, perhaps have a thank you card available for guests to sign and then send it off the next day.

 Celebrate Everyday’s Monumental Menu Tips 

If you are hosting this 4th of July, it is imperative to serve a signature cocktails. This year our team votes for the Super Patriot Sangria. You’ll Need the following to serve around 6 guests:

• 2 bottles white wine (ie Pinot Grigio)
• 6 ounces of blueberries
• 6 ounces raspberries
• 8 ounces strawberries
• 1 red apple thinly sliced
•  4 tbsp Grand Marnier
• 2 tbsp sugar

Directions Combine fruit and wine in a pitcher and place in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Remove from fridge and add Grand Marnier and sugar. Stir thoroughly and serve immediately.

Thinking about doing Corn on the Cob  on the grill? Fantastic. Mix up with toppings that showcase different parts of our amazing country and do a full “from sea to shining sea” Corn on the Cob bar. Country Living.com has some fantastic recipes to try out.

Finally if you are looking to serve sweet treats that are kid friendly, consider serving Marshmallow Sprinkle Pops. You can find all kind of recipes on Pinterest.

 

A final tip from the CE’s Puppy Squad

Don’t forget to include your pets in the festivities and because let’s face it they are doggone proud to Be American too!

With Love, Fireworks and Pride,

Holly, Becky and Rae