I love the American flag and all things red, white, and blue. Right down to my dining table.     Yet, this patriotic tablescape almost didn't happen. This summer my focus changed from the blog to my personal health and wellness.  I'm making some strides, although it seems that it's two steps forward and one step back.  But, I decided to not stress over it.  Instead, I'm giving myself grace to let go of a few things.  I'm good at pushing through... not at receiving grace... especially from myself.     So, even though I love decorating for the 4th of … [Read more...]

  Happy Fourth of July!     I LOVE everything about celebrating the 4th, but especially I love all things red, white, and blue. It's been a while since I've been able to set a patriotic table, but this year is finally my year... thanks to an unexpected clearance at Walmart way back in January.  Right smack in the middle of the main aisle was a display of deeply discounted housewares items.  Since I always prefer shopping anything house related over clothing, I was immediately drawn to the display.  Down on the bottom shelf, I noticed a stack of red plates.  Cute red plates with a … [Read more...]

  Don't you love it when you drive down the road on a beautiful breezy day when the sun is shining bright and you see one of those bigger-than-life American flags waving out over the road with all its might?  Or how about passing a house with the front porch festooned with red, white, and blue bunting, and giant urns filled with red geraniums and lots of small American flags?  These are the kinds of sightings that make my all-American heart beat faster. I wanted to create that same kind of feeling for the Fourth of July with mason jars and flowers. And I'm pretty happy with the … [Read more...]

  Be inspired today with these fun and creative patriotic holiday decorating ideas... Holidays give me a great reason to have people over. We love spending time with friends in an informal way. There's something about a holiday that puts everyone in a more celebratory mood. Plus... it gives me a theme for table decor and more.     With that in mind... Memorial Day is almost here and it's the perfect reason to open the cupboards and drawers and pull out all things red, white, and blue. Since Memorial Day is about remembrance and appreciation, it's a great teaching … [Read more...]

I can't believe how fast the days on the calendar tick off. We're just a little more than a week away from Memorial Day.     Last year I created a truly homespun and patriotic table.  It's one I really enjoyed a lot, too. I hope that you'll be able to take away some Memorial Day tablescape ideas that you can use for your celebration this year. Click here to see lots of photos and inspiration.   What do you usually do for Memorial Day weekend? Do you have a party planned?   Speaking of party....I am sooo excited that you have joined us again this week. I … [Read more...]

Some call them rosettes... I do, too. Some call them medallions... I did here. And others call them pinwheels... but that really is something else entirely. Regardless of what you call them... a lovely rosette or medallion puts the EXTRA in extraordinary!   And....because you asked...I've put together a pleated medallion tutorial for you: How to Make a Rosette...     It all started with the bolt of ribbon that I picked up in my travels.  Somehow, somewhere, a gal will find a use for American flag ribbon when it's marked down drastically.  So after carting it around the … [Read more...]

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck   Happy Birthday America!   I love the quote by Erma Bombeck, because really, we who are Americans, we who celebrate our Independence Day with fireworks and parades and BBQ's are a blessed people.  We take so very much for granted. … [Read more...]

  It's time to display our red, white, and blue! Stars and stripes! Buntings, banners, garlands, wreaths, and.... Old Glory!     It's time to get in the spirit of the holiday! Here's a simple, but festive way to.... Decorate a Vintage Window with a Patriotic Wreath and Garland for the 4th of July     This garland might look a little bit familiar.  I made a similar more simple star garland for my sunroom, which is all decked out for the Fourth of July!  A handful of stars were left over from that project...just enough to create a garland for the vintage … [Read more...]

Do you decorate your home for Fourth of July?   Generally, I add a few simple touches of red, white, and blue to my kitchen and great room.   American flags are key to my decor inside and out.  Then I pull out my Longaberger Baskets with red and blue accents, along with like-colored pottery.  It's a fairly uncomplicated look, but evokes the spirit of patriotism for this fun, but very important national holiday.     This year, I went all out in the sunroom.  It might have something to do with the One Day, Three Ways :: Restyled Space Challenge.   Yes, the one where seven fabulously … [Read more...]

  ...the sacrifice of family and even life, for liberty of a people and a nation.   Thank you!     I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.   Let freedom ring! Diane  To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  *  *  *  *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  Thanks so much for reading! Please stop by Longaberger … [Read more...]