Holidays, July 4th Ready!
I’ve been working really hard this week preparing for the invasion the arrival of my children and grandchildren for 10 days over the 4th
Detailed advance planning eliminates stress for everyone, especially me, and spending time now means I can relax next week
My favorite part is decorating
The Sand Dollar flag made for Memorial Day will decorate the front porch all summer
Pillows are a passion, and my favorite way to create instant decor
USA pillows paired with red & white chevron pillows, from the Christmas stash, come out for all the summer holidays
This patriotic vignette sits front and center on the island top, flowers, flags, M&Ms, coconuts
We have a very funny family story involving coconuts
CC even calls HHjr Uncle Coconut…
They shared an experience opening a coconut last summer that she will never forget!
I brought out all things red, white and blue
The kitchen island is set up to make meals and snacks easy for serving
There are paper plates, melamine plates, and ceramic plates in red, white, & blue
Note: Keeping seasonal or themed plates out is not only a storage solution for this confessed plate-a-holic, rotating them makes it easy and fun for using and enjoying them throughout the year
A large boat is beached to hold more plates and napkins
Festive napkins and flatware are in handy Nora Fleming utensil holders decorated with seasonal ceramic minis, a flag and a BBQ grill
Corn holders fill mini flag buckets held by a big blue crab
Firecracker chargers hold stacks of plates at the ready
One side of the island is a dessert/breakfast station
Plates, napkins and forks at the ready for the Chocolate Chip Chocolate Bundt Cake that will be under the cake dome soon 😋 and a Berry Monkey Bread for breakfast on the 4th
The table has a nautical centerpiece of red white and blue beachy things
The mats are tucked under the tray making them look like runners, but they are easily pulled out for use at meal time
The menu is posted at the kitchen entrance for all to see and eliminates that question “What’s for dinner?”
It is a mixture of grilled food, slow cooker dishes and easy oven recipes, so everyone can share the cooking
We will go out to lunch occasionally, but dinnertime is much too crowded during this holiday week on the coast
HH, HHjr & I conferred on the menu and then made a master grocery list. Shopping is divided into thirds, early this week, today, and then after the 4th, because stocking up for 9 people for 10 days is a monster task 😱 😵 😴
Luckily we have the magic bucket…
Below are the links to the menu’s family favorites and the other recipes will be on the July Bucket List, coming up on Sunday
Secret Ingredient Twice Baked Potatoes
Do you have special plans for the 4th?
Be safe and have fun!
🇺🇸 🎉 🇺🇸 🎉 🇺🇸 🎉 🇺🇸
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Rustic and Refined, Between Naps on the Porch, Gardens Galore Make it Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm, Cooking and Crafting with J&J, The Scoop, A Stroll Thru Life
Celebrate and Decorate, Lori’s Culinary Creations, Moonlight and Mason Jars
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Oh my goodness ! Can I come and be one of your family ? Everything looks so wonderful and colorful . I just love it . I know your family will enjoy every minute of their stay . Love your menu and the ideas ! Dang , y’al are going to eat good 😊 Enjoy your family . Hugs and blessings , Cindy
Thanks so much Cindy, now all we need is the weather to cooperate, it’s raining buckets right now which is not part of the plan! Happy 4th to you!
You ARE ready! It looks so patriotic and fun. I realized that at the lake I have NOTHING in this color scheme — not even white dishes I can add accents to! I may just have to be creative!
Have fun Jeanie, I’m sure you’ll think of something! >
Wow you are a marvel of executive planning Jenna! Impressive menu and beautiful decor. I am charged with making a salad and bringing it over to friends who are hosting the whole deal! I am at the shore painting this week, relaxing, all by myself….glorious solitude! Happy 4th!
Johanne Lamarche
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Oh you lucky thing! I am hoping to grab a weekend in my studio alone in mid July~ Happy painting and have a great 4th!
Being alone in one’s studio is the greatest! I know you will fully take advantage of the opportunity Jenna!
Wow, you have done so much work! Hope the weather improves. Happy Fourth! I’ll be away and traveling.
Thanks Bonnie, sun is out today, safe travels and happy 4th!
Jenna, I always love how you decorate, especially at the beach for the 4th! I know your family can’t wait to get there for fun and food. Love how organized your are. Your menu board is something like I do with my lists when we have a long holiday. Your sand dollar flag is one of my favorites and I love your island centerpiece. I’ve got to get busy with mine! Have a wonderful 4th…….hugs.
Thanks Emily, been organized is the only way I can function with a lot of people around. Have a great 4th and hopefully the rain will stop for a while!
What a grand holiday weekend you have in store!!!! ENJOY!!!!
Thanks Jodi!
Jenna, I don’t know how you do it all. The menu for the week sounds so delicious, and just to be a guest at your table has to be so much fun! I love all the red, white, and blue! Hope you can get some rest and enjoy your precious family!
Thanks Pam, I spend a lot of time planning so I don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, plus I do have tons of help so it should be easy going! The guys are feeling a little pressure though, it’s up to them to catch Sunday’s supper!
Looking good, Jenna! Very festive. Wow, you are so organized! I LOVE that you have your menu planned ahead of time. Have a great Independence Day!
Thanks, advance planning really pays off for me, it saves a lot of time, shopping and discussion! Happy 4th to you, thanks for stopping by!
I wish I had your organizational skills!! The menu looks fabulous! I spend an awful lot of time “winging it”! Love all your useful decorations – mine are out, too! Enjoy the week of fun and family!
Gosh Jenna, You’re all set for a fabulous 4th! Yes, grocery shopping for your crew is a job, I’ve been the grocery store everyday this week for something or other I forgot or a change in menu, for just for four people 🙂 Love the placemats tucked under the centerpiece as a runner and for easy access! Hope Prime shipping delivers you some flag poles!
Thank you Mary, we are set! Or I thought we were, my son and husband just left for the store…bait, beer and ice most likely!! Our food won’t be as pretty as yours, but hopefully it will be tasty~ wishing you much fun and great weather!
Wow this is fantastic! Your family will love it and it’s so smart to get ahead and prepare things so you aren’t stressed out when you are supposed to be having fun! Wishing you a fabulous 4th!
Thanks Liz! >
What a wonderful explosion of red, white, and blue! You are ready, for sure, and I’m glad to know you have the bucket for lifting. One question: With nine people to feed for ten days, will you ever get out of the kitchen? I cannot imagine it, but I hope you have helpers. Happy 4th weekend (and week)!
I have lots of help Kim, my son does all the grilling and my HH loves to prep. I have it planned out that I only have 1 or 2 very easy things to do everyday, and my daughter is in charge of making the children’s lunches and dinners, so far it’s been great! Happy 4th! >