Before I start on the fun of celebrating Independence Day, I’d like to thank all of you for your prayers, positive thoughts and general care and concern you expressed in response to the news of Mr. B. and his health/surgery.  I’m happy to report he’s doing very well and has only one more hurdle to cross before we can once and for all put this behind us.  I was touched and brought to tears by your thoughtful good wishes! Thank you so much for your support, you are all such dear blog friends.

{Martha Stewart}

As you all know, we’re on countdown to the 4th of July!  This holiday has always marked the official start date of summer for me.  Let the games begin, as they say.

Now that I have grandchildren, I’m making note once again of kid friendly holiday ideas. Our 4 year old granddaughter always decorates her wagon (with mommy and daddy’s help of course) for a neighborhood parade.

This year she may tackle her bicycle.  Martha Stewart has some great ideas for this annual neighborhood contest.

We typically enjoy a backyard barbeque with good friends to celebrate the big day.  Everyone brings a dish to make it less work fun  for the hosting couple.  When I was growing up my mom would make onion dip, served with Ruffles potato chips for a party crowd.  It was made with a package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix and a 16-oz. container of sour cream.  I came across this Sweet Onion Dip recipe from Martha Stewart that reminded me of that dip and thought it might be a fun update this favorite by using fresh ingredients.

Sweet Onion Dip – Martha Stewart Summer Appetizers

The recipe for Chicken Skewers and Blistered Potatoes from Pottery Barn was our Father’s Day feast.  It was delicious and seems like a dish I’d prepare for any summer barbecue, including 4th of July.  I substituted the rub in the recipe for this marinade. We used the sauce in the original recipe to baste on the chicken as it grilled.  Both marinade and BBQ sauce proved to be keepers. {Thank you, Leslie}

Pottery Barn:  Star Melamine Salad Plate, Water Hyacinth Round Place Mat, Isa Ikat Yarn Dye Napkin

Who doesn’t love cupcakes…Cupcake Flag from Country Living would be the perfect dessert for Independence Day and easily made the day before , always a benefit to me when entertaining. (add the fresh berries just before setting the cupcakes out)

With the menu for our festivities selected, let’s have a look at a few pretty rooms that feature red, white and blue, shall we?  Homes are where the heart of any holiday begin…

Country Living ! Keith Scott Morton photo

Love this toile!  George Washington?

House Beautiful ~ Bjorn Wallander photo

House Beautiful ~ Victoria Pearson photo

Country Living ~ Bjorn Wallander photo

Blue and white rooms always capture my attention.  You could throw an American Flag throw pillow on the sofa and you’d be set for the holiday! This room (below) seems like it could be in a cottage by the beach…I feel relaxed just gazing at the simple and inviting space. 🙂

Country Living ~ Keith Scott Morton photo

Country Living ~ Stacey Brandford

What are your plans for the weekend?  Be safe, enjoy some relaxation and have fun, my friends!