Set Your Table With Flair--A Purely Americana Independence Day Setting

Hello, lovely friends, and thank you for stopping in to visit today!  If you are American, have you begun planning for the celebration of our nation's independence?  I usually start thinking about ideas approximately two weeks in advance, but this time around, I began thinking of this table setting in December.  What!!?  December??  Well, I'll tell you why.  Each Winter and Spring, we do a de-bulking around the house, getting rid of clothes the kiddos have outgrown, toys we no longer need, et cetera.  We usually donate most of the wares to the local Goodwill.  This past December, as I was going through my boys' old jeans, I reserved a couple pairs with the intent of making very "Americana" placemats with strips of the denim.  It was then that I began thinking about this year's Independence Day tablescape, which I wanted to have a sort of retro vibe.  I hope you enjoy the post! 

My table began with a bright white hemstitched cloth.  As you can clearly see, I detest ironing tablecloths, but for a barbecue, I think being casual is absolutely fine, especially if you intend to use a runner on the tables!  ;)  Red and white buffalo check fabric emulating a picnic was placed sideways in the middle of the table as a runner.

 

As American As......

For the centerpiece of this table, I wanted something that looked retro, rustic, and that emulated country charm.  I began with a rustic crate I found recently.

A quick coat of navy blue paint and stenciled stars, the crate was ready for an All-American arrangement.

Simple white flowers, red apples, and mini American flags were placed inside.

A few close-ups.

Cut pieces of leftover denim were used as placemats,

followed by navy chargers.

Red napkins folded length-wise

were followed by white plates.

A navy napkin folded downward into a quasi-triangle

was followed by matching white saucers.

Denim coasters placed catty-corner

were followed by little covered pots perfect for chili.

To see the tutorial to make these country-prim denim rag coasters, you may visit the post on my blog The Crafting Table here.

Frosted colorblock tumblers and coffee cups......

red and blue felt stars for place settings,

and flatware with festive straws tied with a bit of denim complete the setting.

Setting up where there is a peek-a-boo of the lake makes for a relaxing, serene scene.

Place setting:

On the menu for an All-American feast:

Savory BBQ Chicken

Simple Potato Salad

Quick and Easy Chili

Savory, Spicy BBQ Corn

Delectable BBQ Burgers

To see these recipes for an All-American feast, please visit the post on my blog Parsimonious Pabulum here.

Have a wonderful day!

From my collection:

Hemstitched tablecloth, all napkins, and rustic crate, HomeGoods

Navy Chargers, Horchow/Neiman Marcus

Plates, cups, and saucers, Ralph Lauren Club Collection

Frosted colorblock glasses, Nautica

Plastic silverware and patriotic straws, Target

Check fabric, Walmart

Little pots, Local thrift

Flags and felt stars, The 99¢ Store

 

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,  

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 

Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

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Thank you for stopping by! ❤

The Leibster Award

Hello, friends, and thank you for stopping in to visit me today!  I am honored to say that Joan from Joan Somers Design has nominated me for the Leibster Award!  So much fun, thank you Joan!

The idea behind this award is to introduce readers to new and interesting blogs.  It’s a “get-to-know-you” experience.  Here is what to do if you’re nominated:
1.  Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.
2.  Give readers 11 random facts about yourself.
3.  Answer 11 questions from the blog of the person who nominated you.
5.  Nominate 5-11 bloggers for this award.
6.  Come up with 11 questions for your nominees.


11 Random Facts About Me:
1.  I was a band nerd all the way up until high school.  I initially began on the viola when I was very young, but we moved, and the new school didn't offer orchestra.  I then switched to the French Horn, could play almost anything in the brass section (first chair kid!); later settling on cornet and trumpet for a few years until high school (when I thought I was too cool for that, lol.....so regretting that now, sighs).  I also play piano, but only by ear.

2.  I looooove to sing.  Even opera.

3.  I had an intense fear of heights as a kid, and never rode a roller coaster until I met my husband, and I still seldom ride them.

4.  I detest bugs.  Insects, arachnids, arthropods.....it doesn't matter.  Basically, anything flying or crawling about (other than babies, he-he) gives me the willies.  >shivers<

5.  I have a huge weakness for ice cream.  Seriously, it's a problem.  I can't have Häagen Daz almond bars in the house too often, or I'd be in real trouble!  ;)

6.  I have five wonderful, beautiful children with my husband of 21 years.

7.  When I was little, I wrote a comic strip and storybook called Seth the Snake.  I was an avid reader of comic strips and comic strip books along with 'actual' books.  I read the Sunday comics every weekend, my favorites were:  of course, Peanuts by Charles Shultz, Broom Hilda by Russell Myers, Andy Capp by Reginald Smythe, Blondie by Dean Young, The Family Circus by Bill Keane, Marmaduke by Brad Anderson, and Ziggy by Tom Wilson.  I owned lots of Garfield by Jim Davis, B.C. by Johnny Hart, as well as Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson.  In adulthood, I became a huge fan of The Far Side by Gary Larson, although I haven't read it in years.

8.  I speak and understand a bit of both French and Spanish.  I took two years of French in high school and two semesters in college.  I learned Spanish from working in a pediatric office....however, the more time goes on, the less French I remember, which has been replaced with more and more Spanish.

9.  I loved to draw and doodle as a kiddo, not much has changed, save for time~!

10.  I never finished my college degree, taking only a few semesters, a decision I sometimes still regret to this day, especially since my mother was in gifted classes, and my sister was accepted with a scholarship to Johns Hopkins.  I sometimes wonder how I would have fared.

11.  When I was younger, I really wanted to model so I could travel (laughs quite loudly), and even was contacted by Ford Models Miami, before being told I was much too short.
 

My answers to Joan's questions:
1.   Screened porch or deck?
Conservatory, if only I could.....

2.   Library or bookstore?
Library

3.   Movies or happy hour?
Movies

4.   Grass or sand?
Sand.....bona fide beach-loving California girl, here!

5.   Pizza or tacos?
Tacos

6.   Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction for books, non-fiction for TV.

7.   Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset

8.   Classic rock or classical?
I really can't choose!  I love both!!!  Who can choose between Tchaikovsky and Chopin or Robert Plant and Stevie Nicks??  It really depends on my mood, I guess.....

9.   Coffee, black or white?
White, with as much sugar as humanly possible!  :)

10.  Neutral colors or bright colors?
Neutral

11.  Flip flops or cowboy boots?
Flip flops.....beach it!


My nominations are:
1.  Fabby's Living

2.  Mille Fiori Favoriti

3.  Look and Love With LoLo

4.  Plum Creek Place

5.  The Tablescaper

6.  The Magic Hutch

7.  In the Middle of Nowhere

8.  A Delightful Repast

9.  Christine's Home and Travel Adventures

10. Katherine's Corner

11. Mr. Goodwill Hunting

I also want to mention Tablescapes at Table 21 and Hyacinths For the Soul, two blogs written by dear ladies, who might not be able to participate at this time, AND Cuisine Kathleen, a wonderful but award-free blog. You should certainly take a look at their blogs!


Questions to those I've nominated:
1.  Song or Dance?

2.  Winter or Summer?

3.  Ralph Lauren or Oscar de la Renta?

4.  Anglophile or Francophile?

5.  Royal Staffordshire or Spode?

6.  Mr. Big, Aiden, or Aleksandr?

7.  Mensa or The Prometheus Society (or neither....too controversial)?

8.  French Country or English Country (décor and gardens)?

9.  Dogs, Cats, or Horses?

10. Aging naturally or preserving youth with plastic surgery?

11. Reading the book or watching the film?



Thanks for getting to know some new blogs!

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

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Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

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Thank you for stopping by! ❤

Easy Flowerbed Makeover

Hello, friends, welcome, and thank you for stopping by!  Do you have fur babies?  I do.  We have two lovable, adorable, and sometimes mischievous little monsters.  The first is our Cockalier Brody.  We bought Brody from a local pet store.  Brody Aloysius is docile, sweet, loves to play fetch is obsessed with playing fetch, and follows mommy around like a lovesick puppy.....he was, after all, her very spoiled baby when he first joined our family.  :)

Our second is named Spike....a name so befitting, although when we took him home from the front of a pet store where two ladies were giving him away, we didn't know just how much.  We believe him to be a sort of Westland Terrier mix, but we aren't completely sure.  Spike is a truly brilliant (sometimes stubborn), sweet dog who would be content if you pet him all day, and is too clever for his own good.  Look at that face!

We love them both very much....but owning them does come sometimes with bits of trouble; my doggies sometimes have a craving for "salad" and graze on the grass like cows.  It bemuses me (growing up, I'd seen cats do this, never dogs) and makes me giggle, unless they start digging to eat the grass.  They sometimes also have a random penchant for digging in my flower beds.  This does not amuse mommy.  Lol.  

In the cooler months, I don't tend the garden as much as in the Spring of course, and once the seasons change, it's again time to renew the flower beds.  

Here is what I've been left with over the last winter in one of the beds.  Most of the mulch is gone, the roses could definitely use some attention.....ooh, those naughty boys!  ;)

For just over $50, I was able to give new life to this much-in-need little spot.  First, I removed dead fronds, debris, et cetera.  Next, I dug a large hole for iceberg roses, and I wet the soil generously.

I filled the hole with a mixture of potting soil and natural, but whenever I plant, I always use the potting soil as a foundation first.

Shown here.

The roses went in easily...I make sure to break apart the roots a bit so they can breathe.

The whole area was then covered with more mulch.

To add a little bit of whimsy, I added this very inexpensive concrete birdbath I found recently at Lowe's.

   The base was only $12.99!

The top was $14.99....super cheap!

Filled and ready for little birdies [I'm sure Brody will give chase :)  ]....all set!

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 

Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

Follow me on Pinterest!!  Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest!  Thank you!  

Thank you for stopping by! ❤

Happy Memorial Day

Honor.....and bravery.  Thank you for your sacrifice.

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 

Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

Follow me on Pinterest!!  Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest!  Thank you!  

Thank you for stopping by! ❤

Magazine Monday #6

Hello, friends!!!  This time of year is extraordinarily busy in my household!  Between the two months of April and May, we celebrate four birthdays, our wedding anniversary, and just recently, Boy Scouts awards and Choir concerts.....whew!  My apologies in advance for this week's very tardy (and retro-posted) Magazine Monday!

Summer is fast approaching, and before you know it, it will be here!  Right now, it's that time of year just before it's too hot, and the outdoors are so appealing to me!  It's the perfect time for a lazy reverie outdoors.  Last year, I shared this post of a relaxing teatime lakeside.

 

 

For today's Magazine Monday, I am sharing a few inspirational spaces perfect for those fair-weathered days.  I hope you enjoy the post!

 

 

I have become an ardent fan The Cottage Journal, a gorgeous publication released by Hoffman Media, which also publishes another of my favorites, Teatime Magazine.  To be directed to the website where you can subscribe (currently offering a free issue), simply click on the pictures or the link above.  I recently picked up the Spring 2015 issue, and it is wonderful!

 

In the article Waterside Picnic there are not only envy-worthy photos, but recipes as well!  I adore the idea of an impromptu picnic with sweet little noshes to nibble on; and if so desired, a hammock for a lovely naptime afterward.

 

How pleasing is this spot?  After a romantic row on the water, there's nothing like a sweet picnic for two. 

 

The feature Shabby Chic Garden is full of beautiful inspiration, especially this darling porch and swing perfect for relaxing in the afternoon.

 

Cottage Style Magazine released by Better Homes and Gardens, is another of my faves.  The article Garden Variety from their Fall/Winter 2012 issue is full of inspiration for anyone who loves a mixed garden.  A glimpse into Donna Talley's lovely world made my eyes happy with the beautiful pops of purple prettiness.  To be directed to the subscription page, click the photo.

 

 

This little spot in the June 2013 issue of House Beautiful is romantic, bohemian, and charming all rolled into one!  For full details of the design resources of the photo, click here.  To subscribe, you can visit the webpage by clicking the photo.

 

Finally, I just love this sweet area just outside a cottage in Malaga, Spain.  How darling is the hammock in the trees?  As I look at the photo, I can almost hear a guitar version of Isaac Albeniz' Malagueña playing in the background!  For details about this fabulous cottage, click the picture to be directed to the post on Houzz.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like to visit my Outdoor Spaces pinboard on Pinterest.  You can visit that here.  

 

Are you ready for the weekend's festivities? 

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 

Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

Follow me on Pinterest!!  Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest!  Thank you!  

Thank you for stopping by! ❤