5 DIY Fourth of July party ideas

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a red, white and blue themed outdoor party! This year instead of relying on the same flimsy discount store decorations why not try using unique items to make your party stand out.

 

Patriotic jars

Painted mason jar utensil holders present the perfect opportunity to bring bright colors to your table. Click here for the instructions. The trick is to use painters tape to guide your brush strokes so the dividing lines are sharp and straight.

 

Flag-themed wreath

If you have a wooden door facing your party area try adorning it with a homemade flag wreath. The basic idea is to tie colorful plastic pieces around a wire frame to make a unique decoration that stands out and can be reliably stored for next year. The instructions are here.

 

blue starlobster

 

 

Red, White and Blue linen napkins

Bring a touch of class to your outdoor party by ditching the cheap paper napkins and instead bring a stack of our blue starfish or red lobster napkins linen napkins. You won’t have to worry about slight breezes blowing them around your yard.

 

Watermelon stars

This is quick and easy viagra naturel pas cher. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to punch out pieces from watermelon slices. The watermelon pieces will be a rich patriotic red and the watermelon slices with negative star spaces will also look fetching.

 

Tie-Dye flag tablecloth

This is an ambitious project, but well worth the effort to make your table the toast of the town. Use white glue to prevent the dye from reaching star-shaped areas in the blue field in the center and surround it with red and white stripes using rubber bands. The full instructions are here.

Make Your Home to Look Like Downton Abbey

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey?  Maybe you dream of being Lady Grantham.  Mahogany walls, crystal glassware, silver platters and the like.

downton abbey decor - downton abbey house - decorate like downton - downton abbey home - downton abbey dining room - downton abbey library Here’s a few touches to easily add to your home to get that Downton feel.

1-Incorporate a few nice china pieces.
You don’t need to display and use all your fine china set (think of all that washing by hand!)  But use a few pieces from your set for things, such as the sugar bowl, teapot or serving platters.<a href="http://blog prix viagra pharmacie.jacarandaliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/china.png”>Downton Abbey Dining Room - Downton Abbey China - Downton Abbey Dinner - Downton Place Setting - Gold and White China - pressed napkins - linen napkins - embroidered napkins - luxurious napkins

2-Make use of trays
Whether it’s a small silver valet tray, a wooden tray for serving or a large silver platter, using things like this will give that luxurious feel.

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Try using candles and dimmable lights.  If you’re not a fan of the open flames, try this battery operated candelabra for the same effect.candelabra - silver candelabra - downton abbey candelabra - downton abbey candles - downton abbey decor - downton abbey dining room - downton abbey table

5-Enjoy the Fire.
Light up that fire place of yours for the ultimate ambiance.  Enjoy your time there with a cup of tea or glass of scotch.

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6-Set a perfect table
Use this guide to help you with place settings.  Accent with charger plates or a nice table cloth and pressed white napkins.Downton Abbey Dining Room - Downton Abbey China - Downton Abbey Dinner - Downton Place Setting - Gold and White China - pressed napkins - linen napkins - embroidered napkins - luxurious napkins

7-Buy an antique or two
Buy an antique piece to put on display, like a sofa table, cast iron bell, or writing desk.

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8-Create a library
While you may not have a large room dedicated to books, consider putting in a bookshelf.  Don’t have many books or want that antique book look?  Use these “book fronts” that look like old time hardcovers.fake book fronts - downton abbey library - downton abbey books - downton abbey decor - decorate your house like downton

 9-Nice Flatware
No, you don’t need silver, but having a nice flatware set that matches and has a classic look will do the trick!  If you really want to have some silver, seek some out at a consignment shop.  Usually it just needs a good polish to get it looking new.flatware - silverware - downton abbey silverware - downton abbey style silverware - downton abbey flatware - classic flatware - classic silverware

10-Chaise or Chair?
Seek out a nice tufted chaise or leather tufted arm chair.  This can be a comfortable place to unwind or read like Lord and Lady Grantham.  This leather chaise is perfect for enjoying your fireplace. leather couch - leather chaise - downton abbey leather couch - downton abbey furniture - downton abbey couches - downton abbey living room - downton abbey library - downton abbey decor