Fourth of July Decor

I love to decorate my house for every holiday. In fact, I have been accused by my children of going a tad overboard at times. Nonetheless, today I began (a little later than usual) to decorate for the Fourth of July.  I'd like to share some of my decorations with you.

I began by adding lights to the fireplace.  I firmly believe in the old adage- "To celebrate, you must illuminate." (Not to be confused with another family saying "To celebrate you must inflate.") 

I added a banner. 

I created the pennant with my Cricut, using the Ribbons and Rosettes cartridge for the rosettes and the Pretty Pennants cartridge for the individual triangles.

Also, I planned out a deck party tablescape.  Most of the plates, chargers etc. have been in my possession for years, and I really can't remember where they came from.  

The centerpiece is hydrangeas from my yard in a pretty red vase that my husband brought me flowers in last week.

 I added the "fireworks" which are made from Deco Flex Tubing Ribbon from Michael's.  The directions are here.  This would be a fun craft for kids to make during the holiday weekend. 

Uncle Sam stands guard at each place setting.  I bought a bunch of these at Michael's several years ago.  They are all over my house this time of year. 

There is a wreath on the door to the deck. 

This wreath is an oldie, yet goodie and gets a new ribbon for every holiday or event in the family. In a plight of desperation I found this burlap ribbon at Wal-mart yesterday.  Note to self:  Don't wait until the week before to try to find holiday ribbon! 

Of course, all of this decorating made me a little bit hungry. I needed a little snack. 

The "recipe" for this snack is all over the internet.  The link I used to make them the first time is no longer working, Here's the way I make them:

Holiday Pretzel Snacks

Mini Pretzels- they can be circles, squares, knots, etc.  I do not recommend the "Butter Snaps".  

M&M's- this is where the fun begins.  M&Ms has a variety of colors that can be used for any occasion, including special flavors and colors that only appear during the holidays.  

Hershey's Kisses or Hugs- this is another area where you can get creative.  Hershey's also has special flavors for the holidays.  (My all time favorite is Raspberry Chocolate which usually comes out at Valentine's Day!)  I have also heard of these snacks being made with Rolos candies as well. 

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  Place the pretzels on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet with a small gap between them.  Put a Hershey's Kiss on each pretzel.  Place the cookie sheet in the oven for about five minutes.  I recommend that you start keeping an eye on them at four minutes. They are ready when they squish a little when you touch the back of a spoon to them.  Remove them from the oven and immediately put an M&M on each pretzel.  Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for the chocolate to firm up.  

I make these in holiday colors and place them in a cute little container for gifts for holidays.  They are also good to send in college or camp care packages! 

In other news- I just started a Gardenias and Glitter Facebook page! I hope you "Like" it! 

I am also linking up to Tablescape Thursday on Between Naps on the Porch

I will be back on Saturday with some holiday baked goods!  Thanks for stopping by! 

Cynthia