Stars and Stripes party

Centsational Girl Kate, one of the world's most delightful bloggers, is having a Stars and Stripes party today. Who could resist an invitation from Kate?

Here's how the red, white, and blue is waving at our house.

My mother's dough cabinet is my favorite holiday decorating spot. It's sporting its Independence Day decor right now:

I keep using this chalkboard platter I created from an $0.89 plate from Goodwill, along with candlesticks I spray-painted with Old Faithful (a.k.a. Heirloom White). My little vase is proudly holding a bouquet of miniature flags. And see my cute little barn star propped against the candlesticks? It started life like this:

It was a Dollar Tree Christmas ornament. I wasn't crazy about the snowman, so I worked a little spray paint magic to transform a couple of these into patriotic decor.

Here I've used some buckets I found at Target's One Spot. I think they're intended to hold tealights. I filled two blue ones with red Christmas ornaments. The red one I filled with special July 4 Tootsie Rolls. I confess that I am a sucker for Tootsie Rolls.

Another of my favorite spots to decorate is our little screened-in porch. It contains some cheerful blue and red decor at all times, so I just amp it up a little for July 4.

The table is decorated with an old red tablecloth folded into a runner, then strewn with some ribbons from my stash. The blue pitcher works well with the red runner. I added a little flag to the daisies.

These plates are on my side table most of the year; aren't they fun? They were clearance finds at Pier One. I've added an old Teddy Bear from our attic stash. He's seated on a little bench I found last year at Target's One Spot. He's holding yet another miniature Old Glory and his bench props another Dollar Tree star.

Look closely and you'll see an ashtray and cigar cutter and lighter, all waiting for Dad to smoke a celebratory cigar. As much as I hate cigarettes, I just love cigars. My husband smokes one every now and again, and I love their aroma--as long as it's outside.

Visit Censational Girl to see lots of fun patriotic decor. Thank you, Kate, for getting us all together. A happy Independence Day to all!