Nothing says summer to me more than red, white, and blue. It’s such a classic color combination that can carry you throughout the summer in all your decorating and entertaining. I’ve rounded up some inspiring ideas to celebrate the season!
First, what’s the state of your American flag? With Memorial Day, Flag Day, and July 4th all on deck in the next few months, you want to make sure your flag is in top shape to show off your patriotic pride. Here are few resources that might help. First, if your flag is worn, torn, or beyond repair, The National Flag Foundation offers their recommendations for the proper disposal of, care for, and display of the American flag.
Need a replacement flag? Ace Hardware is honoring fallen heroes by donating 1 million flags this weekend. Consumers who visit a participating Ace store on Saturday, May 29th will receive a free 8” x 12” American flag. A second flag will be donated to a local VFW Post to be used for marking and honoring veterans’ graves this Memorial Day. Call your local Ace is see if they are a participating store.
Be sure to talk with your children about the meaning of Memorial Day so they understand it’s not just a holiday that officially starts the summer season. Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year, Memorial Day 2021 will occur on Monday, May 31.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. The History Channel has great resources here. Here is a good resource on how to explain Memorial Day to children.
For the kids coming over let them see stars! This clever idea is from Better Homes & Gardens. Cut a star pattern from cardboard and sprinkle flour inside the lines for this instant outdoor landscape. They’re kid- and pet-safe! Once the party’s over, simply wash the design away with water.
How about a cool dessert? I am hosting my neighbors on Saturday for brisket and plan to make this recipe called “The Most Wonderful Cherry Jello You will Ever Eat in Your Life” from This Grandma is Fine. I like Jello for a salad or dessert because it reminds me of my childhood and it’s a surprising unexpected pop of color on the table. Garnish with blueberries and you will have the quintessential red, white and blue dessert on your table.
INGREDIENTS
1 6 oz pkg cherry jello
1 large can of crushed pineapple do not drain
1 can Comstock Red Ruby Cherry pie filling or other Cherry Pie Filling
1 3 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding
1 cup milk
2 cups Cool Whip
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine cherry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. OMIT 2 cups cold
water as directed on the package. Add crushed pineapple with juice and cherry pie filling. Pour into 9×13 pan and chill.
Topping
Combine pudding with 1 cup milk and beat. Let set for 1-2 minutes until slightly thick. Add Cool Whip and mix well. Spread on top of the chilled cherry jello. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
How about party supplies? I’ve rounded up a few from my Amazon storefront. While you are there, browse some of my personally curated selections of home, garden, and organization items.
Click the pic to shop my LiketoKnow.it.
And, I found these adorable nautical-themed plates and linen napkins at Talbots. Look at that rattan candle! Such a cute hostess gift, too. Everything is 30% sitewide through Wednesday so don’t miss out on the savings.
Click the pic to save 30% off sitewide at Talbots.
I went to an estate sale with my friend Catherine and I picked up an old quilt. I was drawn to the red, white, and blue pattern on the back recalling the time my Mother decorated my bedroom by painting the wooden floors a beautiful bright blue. I also had a red, white, and blue quilt on my bed. So it’s no surprise I was drawn to the idea of using the estate sale find on my front porch. There’s just something so welcoming about a quilt – like a big hug. Here are a few inspiring snaps with patriotic touches on front porches.
Photo credit: Golden Boys and Me.
Photo credit: My Soulful Home
I hope you and your family enjoy fun times together this weekend after a long year of waiting until it’s safe to gather. Happy Memorial Day and God bless America.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
