Fourth of July Collection

` contemporary tablescape

Click HERE for more party details.

` paper lanterns for your centerpiece(s)

Click HERE to learn how to make these.

` red and white platters that will serve you for more than just fourth of july

Holidays that use red and white?  Anyone?  That's right... we were thinking of Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day, too!  Click HERE for the how-to on these platters.

` for the edible portion of your table... stars and stripes sugar cookies

Click HERE for the recipe and tips on these pure and pillowy bites of heaven.

Photo Shoot Props on Sticks

` cut out brightly-colored props from scrapbook paper

` using skewers...

` tape to back of props

` cut strips of confetti (design sprinkles...hehe) and throw them over your subjects before the camera snaps a shot

printable crown, bow-tie, and glasses

printable hat and tie

Why We Love Banquet Chairs

We love banquet chairs!  They are just better than folding chairs.  You can use them for so much more than just extra seating.  Find these at Amazon and sprinkle them all over your house.

` they stack

` they can be used as side tables

` they can be placed in an entryway to hold your purse

` they make great desk chairs

` they hold blankets, too!

` they hold extra washcloths or towels in the bathroom

` they can be nightstands and a place to sit while you read your 3-year old 72 books

` they have lots of spindles to decorate for parties

Bulletin Board Makeover

` spray paint frame with high-gloss white

` attach scrapbook paper onto slots with fabric glue

` wrap cork portion in fabric

Fourth of July Party

` use-what-you-have fourth of july tablescape

` layer patterned and solid table runners that happen to be red, white, OR blue

` save money on a centerpiece by making your own paper lanterns

` stack plates and napkins

` use a cake stand to hold your silverware

` save more money by making your own platters

` bake stars and stripes cookies to put on the platter you just made because they are SOOOOO good!

` pick just one dessert to feature

Stars and Stripes Sugar Cookies

Soft and Puffy Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter
4 cups flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar.  Add milk, eggs, and vanilla until combined.  Add already-mixed dry ingredients.  Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.  Roll out, cut out, and bake at 350 degrees for 6-9 minutes, depending on cookie size.

Buttercream

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions for Frosting Cookies

Place dollop of frosting on a small plate and microwave for 4-5 seconds.  Stir to make sure frosting is smoothly melted.  Place cookie flat in melted frosting and move it around carefully to make sure all appendages are covered.  Pull cookie up as straight as possible, allowing some excess frosting to drip off.  Then flip cookie quickly and shake it back-and-forth to allow frosting to settle in a flat and smooth fashion.  You can re-melt the same frosting over and over again.  Just add dollops as needed.

Note:  Try this melt and dip frosting method a few times before giving up.  Once you master the method, the process moves quickly.

Fourth of July Platter

` pair of cutting boards purchased for $7 at Marshalls

` cut out and Mod Podge scrapbook paper

` finish with food-safe topcoat

Paper Lanterns!

` red, white, and blue paper lanterns for fourth of july

` create this template on 8 1/2 x 11 inch cardstock (or simply print this image)

` make 1 inch border on each side of the page, and space lines 1 inch apart

` cut on dotted lines

` cover staples with a 1 inch strip of paper

We used this tool to make a scalloped edge.

` if lantern does not hold its shape after squishing, attach inside top and bottom with ribbon