Thursday, July 4th Cook Out, and Esty

Fireworks For the Fourth of July Print of Original Oil Painting via ArtByMarilyn

I am not a giant fan of the 4th of July holiday hoopla- the parades are always too crowded, hot, and sticky and the fireworks, though festive, have awakened one too many babies in my care for me to truly enjoy them. I do, however, LOVE cookouts....the food, drink, and feeling of a backyard party are just the best, so for this Thursday and Etsy entry I am throwing a July 4th barbecue!

Some invitations to the folks who will come in the afternoon and stay until the sky lights up:

Stripes party invitation via lukecommasara

Having chairs with comfortable pillows not only on the deck, but in the yard too, is so welcoming:

Adirondack Chair courtesy of gardenfurnituremill

Indoor/Outdoor Pillow Covers courtesy of thislittlehome

Some mason jar lanterns in the trees will keep the backyard from getting too dark, with a votive lending the perfect amount of night light:

Blue Pint-Sized Ball Mason Jar Lantern courtesy of seasonables

Perfect picnic tablecloth, made from a vintage feedsack courtesy of oodles

The tables will be covered in colorful stripes and later illuminated with candles in tiny glass holders:

glass votive containers courtesy of oldgoatsmitten

In addition to all the hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, and watermelon the crowd can handle...some cupcakes dressed for the occasion:

cupcake wrappers- red marching band courtesy of thecupcakewrapperco

And because it will undoubtedly be quite hot - a whole slew of these vintage pitchers filled with lemonade - classic and the pink variety:

lemonade pitcher/carafe courtesy of LePinkChandelier

A few of these tubs will be scattered about as well, filled with ice and drinks for the guests:

Red and White Quarter Dot Large Round Galvanized Party Tub courtesy of brodyandma

As I have said before, I can get caught up in dressing the little ones for celebrations- charming cook out ensembles:

A Day At The Zoo pillowcase dress courtesy of ohsewsweetboutique

lets go fly a kite courtesy of bchildrenswear

To keep the kids occupied while they wait anxiously for the fireworks, a backyard scavenger hunt and some sparklers!

Decks of Playground Scavenger Hunt Cards courtesy of blynkenandnod

Printable Sparkler Holder Set courtesy of printyourparty

Maybe this is the year I become a bona fide fan of the 4th- who knows, next year it could be sticky parades and crowded fireworks displays all the way!