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IDEAS FOR YOUR BEDROOM:
Fourth of July Picnic Idea
By popular demand, our ‘Interstate July 4′ cupcake toppers are available again this year!
These are free printables that you can use to create a fun Fourth of July dessert table like this one:
Our ‘Sweet Street’ dessert table is featured over at yumsugar.com for the second year in a row {and some Color Sizzle readers have used this idea for their kids’ birthday parties}! You can download the printables right HERE! Enjoy!
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Party Idea: Sweet and Citrus
I haven’t posted a party idea in a while…
…so today I’m featuring this gorgeous ice cream soda station created by floridianweddings.com. This is such a fun ‘warm weather’ idea for outdoor celebrations. I love the citrus colors, pops of hot pink, and the casual feel of the design.
{Aren’t these straws adorable?}
I was also amused by the colorful paper chain:
I don’t think I’ve made paper chains since I was in elementary school! But I love the simplicity of them. Making a paper chain is a little labor intensive, but it’s a cheap and wonderful way to bring color, texture and a little retro vibe to your party. In this featured design, similar (analogous) colors were used to create a warm color scheme:
And, of course the best party set-ups are all about the details…such as coordinating napkins and colorful candy.
For more juicy details about this party idea, visit floridianweddings.com.
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Fourth of July Dessert Table
Be sure to check out our free Fourth of July Party Printables!
I also want to share my Dessert Table. I think you and your guests {especially the little ones} will love this.
Welcome to Sweet Street {aka Interstate July 4} — a street lined with red, white and blue cupcakes topped with road signs and pinwheels. My “street” is actually a black tablecloth…and those lines in the road — electrical tape {more on that later}.
On this street, the main attraction is the construction truck that delivers gumballs to the nearby town…
..but occasionally the truck spills it’s contents on the road — to the delight of nearby pedestrians — but this incident always causes a traffic jam. Once the road is clear, cars get moving again…
…and on the 4th of July, you’ll see some cars decorated with red, white and blue stripes {more electrical tape} to mark the occasion.
…And once again traffic comes to a halt when more roadblocks appear, such as buckets of kettle corn:
Fortunately, sometimes things will appear in the center of the road which allows the cars to keep moving {at a slower speed, of course}.
All in all, it’s been a good day on Sweet Street/Interstate July 4….and I had a blast sharing this idea with you!
To create your own street-inspired Dessert Table for the 4th, here is my shopping list to get you started {Have Fun!}:
Interstate Sign Printables: Download HERE
Construction Truck & Model Cars: Toys-R-Us
Gumballs: Bulk Candy Store.com
Tablecloth and Pinwheels: Wal-Mart
Electrical Tape: The Home Depot
Cupcakes, Popcorn, Bottled Soda & Carnations: Your Local Grocery Store
Plastic Popcorn Containers: The set I have is no longer available, but here is a similar product at Amazon.com
Recipe for Kettle Corn: Allrecipes.com (note: I like to add cinnamon to mine)
Dessert Table design and photography by Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs
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Bathroom With A View
I snapped this photo of my bathroom window to show how outdoor landscaping decisions can affect indoor spaces.
It took a few years, but our Crape Myrtles have grown tall enough to provide us with privacy and an amazing view of big, beautiful blossoms all summer long.
The sight of seasonal color can do wonders. Those mornings when I have to drag myself out of bed and into the shower, its really nice to glance out the window and see pretty pink flowers waving in the wind. It pays to plant with a purpose!
COMING SOON: An exciting, colorful Giveaway that’s Hotter than July! Stay tuned!!
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Fab 4th of July Ideas
To celebrate Independence Day, I’m offering my first ever Porter House Designs Printables!
You can use these ‘Interstate July 4 Signs’ as cupcake toppers, straw tags or any other idea you come up with. These Printables are FREE and you can download them HERE. Below are some other great Red, White and Blue ideas from around the web. Enjoy the Celebration!
Retro Party Decor from Etsy
Ideas and Guidelines for Designing with the American Flag by ShelterPop
Sweet Treats from Martha Stewart
Snack Bowls from Plum Party
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Sunflower Tablescape
It’s the first day of Summer, so what better time than to share a bright and cheery tablescape featuring Sunflowers as the focal point.
I created this ‘welcome table’ for an outdoor party. Although I enjoy designing with sunflowers, they are sometimes tricky to work with. Sunflowers have thick stems and can be awkwardly shaped, but their stately stature, dramatic yellow hue, and affordability really make them a great choice for summer gatherings…and yes, they can look elegant!
Packs of retro chewing gum usually get a positive reaction from guests. In this case, yellow packs of Juicy Fruit perfectly complement my color scheme.
Fabric and ribbon are my “go to” weapons for tablescapes. Notice how the buttons on the vase are made from the same fabric as the table runner.
Be sure to follow Color Sizzle for more fun and colorful entertaining ideas this summer!
photos and design by Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs
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Cherry and Chartreuse
Two fun, summer colors that make a very eye-catching duo:
1. stationary by pixelimpress, 2. lamp, 3. dresser, 4. storage box, 5. pot, 6. label, 7. rocking chair, 8. serving bowl, 9. baker’s rack, 10. floral arrangement, 11. coffee table, 12. fresh cherries, 13. garden stool
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Bold Beach Color
When it comes to decorating a beach house, we often think of natural materials and soft, pastel colors…
…but some people think outside the sand box and go for bolder hues.
And why not? A beach house should be about fun and excitement. Relaxation is important too, but the ocean waves will take care of that.
Whether your house is at the shore or much farther inland, these beautiful beach houses show us that we don’t have to be cautious when it comes to coastal color.
photos from coastalliving.com; countryliving.com
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July 4th Crab Feast
Here in the D.C. area, Fourth of July celebrations typically involve a good ole’ fashioned crab feast, featuring Maryland Blue Crabs straight from the Chesapeake Bay. After all, babies born here learn to crack open crabs before they can walk. OK, that may just be an urban legend, but there are plenty of kids {including my own} around here who can open a crab in under 5 seconds. So to honor the traditional crab feast, and to inspire one of your own this weekend, here’s a sizzling mood board that will get your celebration started:
1. www.birthday-reminders.com, 2. www.abbeyhillco.com, 3. www.platesandnapkins.com, 4. www.flickr.com/photos/62657215@N00/36054325/, 5. www.homecooking.about.com, 6. www.candywarehouse.com, 7. www.jospices.com, 8. www.marylanddelivered.com, 9. www.artfulentertaining.com, 10. www.bhg.com, 11. www.marylanddelivered.com, 12. www.foodnetwork.com, 13. www.wrappedhersheys.com
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Colorful Outdoor Entertaining
The key to an intimate, elegant outdoor dinner is to bring the indoors out.
That means forgoing the paper products. Instead, adorn your patio or picnic table with fabric linens, glass stemware, ceramic plates and silverware — all the items you would use in your dining room — and choose a color theme.
Use identical place settings for a formal look, or mix and match for a more casual meal.
For pops of color, add throws, scarves and pillows. Added details such as place cards, candles, and a beautiful centerpiece will make your guests feel welcome.
And last but certainly not least, pray for beautiful weather!
Photos from: southernaccents.com; countryliving.com; barillaus.com; apartmenttherapy.com
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