Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Less Independence Day….More Freedom

For many years we hosted our family, our relatives, our relative’s relatives, neighbors, friends, children’s friends, and sometimes a few people we’d never laid eyes on for a big Fourth of July bash. Not this year.

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We’re taking it on the road!

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The guest list has been pared down to children and/or their spouse or very significant other :). The basket is packed. The plates are plastic or melamine. The napkins are Hobby Lobby kerchiefs. Even the blue hydrangeas and red geraniums are cooperating.

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The flatware from the dollar store is already bundled with festive ribbon and packed in a bucket.

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Even the Kitchen Aid mixer is taking the day off! Cookies are from the Kroger bakery. I’ll be serving homemade pimiento cheese with Triscuits or Wheat Thins, fried chicken and potato salad from the deli, and fresh fruit.

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I did make a couple of loaves of homemade bread this weekend…all wrapped and ready to go. Actually one of these went to my new neighbor to welcome them to the neighborhood.

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There will be plenty of iced tea with fresh mint and lemon. I’m anticipating that a good time will be had by all…mostly the host and hostess. This year we’re celebrating a little less Independence Day and a lot more freedom!!! Happy Fourth of July to you and yours and may God bless America!

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Click on the TT button on my sidebar to join the party! Don’t forget to say hello…I appreciate your visit :)

33 comments:

  1. It looks like a wonderful on the road 4th of July. Love the basket and all the cute napkins and silverware with ribbons. Sweet of you to give a new neighbor bread! Have a great holiday!

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  2. Sounds like a winner to me! Love all your red, white & blue picnic accessories.

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  3. Oh! This is so lovely and original. I love your idea...just pack it up simply and pretty and head off! You have so many great ideas here but mostly I just loved looking at your pictures.

    Have a happy {and less} 4th! ;-D

    xoxo
    Janie

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  4. I think this is perfect, Susan, and what an adorable feast! Love your goodies.

    Happy Fourth of July to you and have fun!


    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  5. How fun to be taking it on the road! Everything looks so festive! When you get back, be sure share with us on "Summer Sundays".

    - The Tablescaper

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  6. Love it! Those cookies look soooo good! :) Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

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  7. Looks gorgeous! I imagine it can be overwhelming to host such large crowds. A great idea-enjoying the freedom and being on the road...have fun and be safe!

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  8. Well good for you! I hope you have wonderful 4th, everything looks very festive-enjoy!

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  9. What an classy/casual basket you've created, Sue...I am seriously coveting all those blue hydrangeas!!!!

    Your flowers are glorious & everything is beautifully styled.
    All your foods look & sound delicious & how fabulous to have such a wonderful collection of red/white & blue items.

    You Southern gals kill me with your obsession over homemade pimiento cheese. LOL *wink* I must have 5 friends who have ALL given me their very special handed-down recipe. I still haven't tried it. Shhhh...don't tell them.

    Have a Happy 4th of July!
    The Gazebo House

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  10. I like the idea of taking it on the road in patriotic style! Love the gifts of bread festooned in patriotic colors. Joni

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  11. Even your "simple" picnic to go looks like you put effort into it! Such attention to details which make it all look very pretty and patriotic!
    Happy Independence Day and Enjoy your Freedom!

    DD

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  12. it all looks so fun! happy 4th to you!

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  13. What a super picnic! Picnics are the best, because they are simple and I still feel like I am 'eating out!' Sometimes, we just need a little different scenery! Your details are great and I will 'steal' some of your great ideas for future picnics with my family...I love the blog world for all the great ideas!! Stop by and see my picnic...one of my first posts! Thanks! http://threepixielane.blogspot.com/2010/06/breakfast-picnic.html

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  14. This looks ideal to me!
    Wonderful on the road details you've created and taken care of...may you have a super 4th of July.

    God bless,
    d from homehaven

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  15. Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate! Happy 4th!

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  16. Hi Susan,

    Sound like a wonderful 4th of July celebration, you are going to have.
    Everything looks gorgeous and love all the red, white and blue and such a feast for the eyes.

    Have a happy time with your family
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  17. So cute! I love all your photos! Great presentation for a festive setting! I have been eyeing those blue and white plates at Walmart everytime I go in! Love them! Just visiting from TT! Happy 4th!

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  18. Everything looks just perfect to me! I love the idea of taking it on the road and trying to make some parts simple (like the Kroger cookies)It gave you time to make the whole basket festive and lovely.

    Have a wonderful and free feeling 4th.

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  19. Looks like a wonderful picnic. Cute and patriotic. Happy Fourth!

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  20. Sounds like the PERFECT way to spend this crackling holiday. I love'd all your ideas and the menu sounds delicious. Enjoy!

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  21. Hope you've picked out the perfect picnic "hiding" spot in which to enjoy your fantastic table(make that blanket)scape. Happy 4th!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  22. What a pretty table to celebrate 4th. July!

    Hugs
    Charo

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  23. LOL about hosting people you'd never laid eyes on some years! Your picnic plans sound great, and it will surely be a feast for the eyes, as well as the tummies!

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  24. Thank you for stopping by! I so enjoyed your anniversary post! Thank you! It brought tears to my eyes! My parents were married 34 years when cancer claimed my mother's life. It is funny...the blog world...I am new to it, but in a way, I am learning so many things that my mother would have taught me if she were here! I have called sweet Yvonne at 'Stone Gable' my 'blog mom' because I am learning how to do some simple sewing, some canning, etc...! I am challenged by all the great things in blog land! I love your words of wisdom and favorite things and will enjoy following your post! Have a wonderful 4th with your family and Happy (belated) anniversary! Oh! the crystal was my grandmother's, too! Three Pixie Lane

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  25. One more thing! I LOVE your bee cupcakes! I will use some of the ideas...'BEE happy!' I threw my daughter a 'bee' birthday party (http://threepixielane.blogspot.com/2010/06/busy-as-bee.html.) I am not much of a baker, so thankfully I found the bees at a store to put on top! So wish I could bake! Three Pixie Lane

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  26. I've been wanting to have a picnic. Your pictures are so pretty and inviting. Makes me want to do that, too.

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  27. Looks like you are ready for a wonderful time. It is great to celebrate freedom! Happy Independence Day!

    Christi @ A Southern Life

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  28. Wow, this is such a gorgeous picnic, all ready to go. Not at all like the kind I pack. lol This is all so pretty., I love the menu too and so happy you will have a chance to sit and relax a little. Hope your weather is cool too. Happy 4th. Hugs, Marty

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  29. A holiday picnic on the road sounds wonderful...the menu sounds good, too!
    Have a great weekend.

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  30. Looks like a delightful picnic for all of you including host and hostess. LOL. I really enjoyed your photo story in all details and wish you a very nice 4th of July. Enjoy your holidays.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  31. How wonderful!!! And the fresh bread sounds amazing!!!
    I think it's awesome that you welcomed a new neighbor with bread--we try to do the same thing!!!
    Happy 4th/blessings,
    Lana

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  32. Very cute ideas and decorating. And lucky neighbor to be getting some of that fresh bread. :)
    Happy 4th!

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  33. What a wonderful welcome for a new neighbor! Love your picnic for the 4th -- sometimes a change of pace is very welcome! Happy 4th!

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