xmas in july :: red, white and blue tree

Every year, I attend a holiday fundraiser called Trees of Hope put on by the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut. My attendance is two fold - 1) I will support anything with the children in need being the beneficiaries and 2) a selfish curiosity to see new creative decorating ideas for Christmas trees. I will share some fun trees I spotted at last year's event in the coming days, but today it's all about the

 red, white and blue! 

Check out this Patriotic Tree...  Like using a black tree for both Halloween and Christmas, you could use a white tree for both Christmas and the 4th of July. More bang for your buck - I'm all about that!

There are also a couple of specific details I want to call your attention to. I love the flag bunting used as the tree skirt. (Promise me you won't put an American flag on the floor. Okay? Okay.) I also love the clumping of the ornaments. It reiterates the red, white and blue of this tree specifically, but image it on another tree with it's own special color scheme. I'm making a mental note of this decorating technique for my clients' trees as well as my own tree this coming season.

Happy Birthday, America! 

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday!

xmas in july :: annual series

It's baaaaack... last year I did a little series called xmas in july. Throughout the month, I shared Christmas traditions, ideas and crafts from my own family as well as showcased some other great ideas I had stumbled across. If you are anything like me, the holiday season sneaks up so fast and I feel overwhelmed. So, in an effort to alleviate those stresses and actually enjoy the season, I thought I'd get a jump on things. It worked last year, so I wanted to do it again. (If you like it, we can turn it into an annual thing???) I know it's weird to be thinking of Santa Claus, white Christmas' and eggnog while the thermostat soars outside, but just think how nice it will be to be one step ahead.

To kick us off, I go to the amazing Martha Stewart team.  I have had this idea saved in my Christmas inspiration folder for years, but unfortunately I only have one tree in my front yard.  If you are blessed with trunks, check out the supplies needed and how-to here.

And wait, I just had an ah-ha moment.... Since we just celebrated the 4th of July, stars and stripes are on my mind.  This project would work for Independence Day too!  You could use red and white lights for the stripes and blue lights for the star.  To do this, make sure to plan ahead and buy the colors this holiday shopping season.

fourth of july ideas

I just finished putting together a couple of last minute 4th of July gifts. I wanted to share in case anyone else needs some last minute ideas.

My family and I are meeting some friends tonight at our town's firework display. I made all the children in our group a little favor - a bag of perfectly ripe summer fruit. (Isn't it ironic that strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are all in season around the 4th of July!? Sure comes in handy, huh?) I started with a gusseted poly bag. For the fruit, I used Rainier cherries because they are red and white along with blueberries to round out the colors of this patriotic holiday. For the tags, I printed little American flags, cut them into circles sized to fit some tag sale tags I already had on hand. Then, to finish the package, I tied a coordinating ribbon. Quick and easy, but still festive!

Next up, is a little hostess gift I threw together. (I was inspired by this idea from You Are My Fave via Pinterest.) Tomorrow we are headed to see some friends that just moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts.  Beyond their housewarming gift, I also wanted to bring a small gift thanking them for having us. With it being the holiday weekend, I took a patriotic spin for the ribbon and tag. A gift we can all enjoy together while making memories. And, who doesn't love to eat watermelon on a beautiful summer day!?

And finally, look at this other fabulous idea found via Pink and Green Mama via Pinterest... we will definitely be doing this on Monday! The kids will love it!