This post was originally published in July of 2024 and updated in July 2026 in celebration of our country's 250th birthday.
I have always lived in a very historic area. The place where the English first landed in this country is five miles from my office. The British surrendered the Revolutionary War right down the river from the family home. There are historic battlegrounds which defined our nation’s history all around me. I guess that is why when I saw a photo of this this canon I knew that I had to make it part of my Fourth of July décor. The 250th birthday of our country seems like a great time to repost it.
This canon is made with my Cricut from a cut by Cutting Room Designs and I have to admit that I was a little overwhelmed at the thought of putting it together, but with a couple of rainy days and a lull in my semester schedule I decided to go for it! It went together surprisingly easily and quickly! (In fact I made two- one for my husband's office!)
From there, it was a quick leap to making the tricorn hat that no self-respecting colonist would have been seen without. This is also from Cutting Room Designs.
The tablecloth is one I made years ago and works perfectly for a Fourth of July picnic.
I set the table in a shady corner of my yard that I periodically “rediscover”. Initially I set the table poolside, but I quickly realized that it was going to be way too hot. Looking around, I decided to move the table 15-20 feet away and it set an entirely different mood (and temperature!)
Now, a few weeks before this I had decided that I was not going to do anything special for the Fourth. I put up a few decorations for Memorial Day and that was going to be it. Cook out, spend some time in the pool, eat casually poolside and that was it. But, if you know me, you know that sentiment is not going to last long.
I found these plates back then when I was running through Walmart. They are melamine which I prefer in the backyard because of the pool. When I found the salad/dessert plates (which are actually paper), I envisioned them on a table with the canon I had already made. Perfect for the Fourth and all of that decorating I was not going to do!
The cups are from my stash, as are the flatware. The napkin rings are favorites that I purchased years ago, perhaps from Pier One. I doubled up the napkins for a more layered look (and because I am a messy eater!).
Do you ever “audition” your tablescape or parts of it? Since my table was set outside I first planned to use paper napkins and plastic flatware.
I like it, but I prefer the other option.
So much for a simple holiday! But that is not me anyway!
This year I have not planned an elaborate celebration. Part of the issue with living so close to historic and tourist areas is that traffic is absolute terrible during significant holidays. Many of us "locals" will hunker down at home until the season is over, especially combined with the historically hot weather we will be having. And while I do not have any plans for elaborate decor this year, despite the significance of the event, you know that I will not let this one pass by without a fun, happy celebration!
I hope that you have a “blast” this Fourth of July!
Thanks for stopping by today!
~Cynthia
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