Patriotic Decor

 It's officially summer! Hooray! (Those of us living in New England feared it would never come.)

My favorite part of summer is celebrating the Fourth of July. Parades, picnics, and fireworks are all apart of the fun, but, I fear the reason for the holiday is set aside while the party is taking place.

The actual name of the holiday is Independence day. It commemorates the adoption of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776. 

So, as we celebrate, let us remember to be grateful for the freedoms this beautiful country provides. Let us remember to stand united and be proud to be American!

Now, let's talk about ways to decorate for the occasion.

I had a hard time sticking with one "theme" this year. There were several different aspects that I felt passionate about. The historical, cultural/personal, and the trendy aspects were all on my mind. So, I made all three work in our home. We have three locations in the living room in which to decorate. I chose to make each a different theme. 

1. The Historical Aspect

In this set up, I draped the flag over a floating shelf. It is being held up by a tack at the upper grommet. You could put a tack in the lower grommet also, but it held just fine and I like the hanging look. I like how the bottom of the flag hangs down, now I just hope and pray that my kids don't yank on it while sitting on the couch!

I found the painted ceramic piece at Goodwill for $3. George Washington is in the middle with two others on the sides. On the bottom is painted 1776. I was drawn to the piece. I admit that something about it bothered me at first, but I grew to love it. I like how it added the historical reminder to my decor. The bicycle also came from Goodwill for $3. I like the uniqueness of it. 

2. The Cultural/Personal Aspect

I really wanted to incorporate baseball into my decor but wasn't sure how I was going to pull it off. While visiting my parents, I talked to my Nana about it. She told me about her Grandfather, the minor league baseball player. My mom dug out this photo and it all started coming together. The photo is dated June 6, 1915, which makes it 100 years old! I like how it adds an heirloom to the decor.  The story behind it makes it apply to the holiday also. My Great, Great, Grandfather, Robert Siberia Eaves was born while at sea, over the Atlantic Ocean on March 27, 1871. (Can you imagine giving birth on the ocean in wintertime?!) His parents desired the freedoms that the United states offered and moved from England to America. The name of the ship was "The Siberia", which explains his middle name. His nickname was "Si". I am so grateful for the sacrifices that my ancestors made, which made it possible for me to be born in this wonderful country! I am proud to hang his picture in my home!

When I think of baseball, I think peanuts, so naturally I had to incorporate them and the flags help tie the decor themes together.

3. The Trendy Aspect

This display is not my favorite and needs work. It is staying as-is for now though. My favorite piece is the Proud to be American set up. This is one of the first projects I shared on my blog. (view HERE)

I did change the "P" because the kids broke if off and I replaced it with a blue block and stamped a "P" in white paint. It's growing on me, and I think it adds more character. 

I love decorating for the Fourth, it is so much fun! I recently filmed a Fourth of July show for Holiday Fun with Hillary on Amherst Public Access TV. For the show, I blended all of these concepts together into a beautiful display. As soon as I receive those pictures, I will post them.

I hope you all have a great Independence Day, and enjoy the decorating process!

*Hills

A Memorable Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is such a warm and wonderful Holiday. Families gather, hearts are grateful, and memories are shared. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to incorporate family heirlooms into your decor.

Here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Side table display with heirloom candy dish and recipe box

I did some rearranging at my Mom's house while we were visiting a few weeks ago so I could use them for this post. I picked this particular spot because there are so many memories and heirlooms. The mirror was placed there by my Great Grandfather (by direct order of my Great Grandmother) so the kitchen could easily be seen by anyone sitting in the living room. It has only ever been moved to paint the walls.The table was also an original piece to the house. I simply added a few basic Thanksgiving decorations and included my Great Grandmother's candy dish and her recipe box. Simple, easy, and full of memories.

 2. Recipe box, salt and pepper shakers, and figurines

 Here is another that I displayed the recipe box from my Great Grandmother. Also, not pictured is a recipe from that box that I enlarged on our printer/copier and framed. I love the idea of taking something that is used for a specific purpose and displaying it in the house. I also added heirloom turkey figurines and salt and pepper shakers as accents.

3. Trice's Grandparent's antique goodies

 

Here is a display that we used in the show. These are from Patrice Wilson's (co-host) Grandparents. For family gatherings Patrice uses these items for serving. The handmade toolbox is great for silverware and the fruit crate is sturdy enough to hold the drink container on top and plates or glasses underneath. It is a beautiful way to display these items. She also uses a sewing box that she inherited from her Grandmother. Trice uses it as a candy dish. I love not using things for the original intended purpose, it makes the display a eye catcher! 

** Don't have family heirlooms? It's okay! Use what you like, so your children and grandchildren will have items to cherish. 

*Even if an heirloom that you have may be simple or less-than-extravagant, use it! Think of a way to use it so you can continue to keep those memories alive. By doing so you are honoring your heritage and those family members will be well represented during your Thanksgiving holiday.

Have fun digging up old treasures!!

*Hills