DIY Fourth of July

What better way to celebrate your freedom this 4^th of July than painting a book and turning it into a piece of art? I’m normally not one to champion the defacing of books – except for notes in margins and exclamation points at favorite lines and underlining meaningful passages and dog-earing whole pages. Apart from that, respect the written word! Unless you can turn a thrift store find into this gorgeous wreath.

Grab your glue gun, follow this easy, DIY step-by-step tutorial, and welcome your guests through your door. But first, you have to get them to your wreath-worthy door.  Consider ordering these personalized invites from Etsy’s WhirliGigsPartyCo:

Or from SilverLineDesignTeam:

I favor Mason jars for all things drinkable, like this idea from Better Homes & Gardens. Throw in some freshly picked strawberries, mint, or cucumber for added refreshing flavor. With the top & straw, these are like adult sippy cups! Perfect for running around a backyard with a sparkler.

Once your party-goers have a drink in hand and are relaxing in your backyard, they won’t be able to miss grazing from a table of yummy, fresh fruits, caramel corn and hot dogs, decorated with vintage touches like these, as beautifully featured on Lia Griffith’s blog:

And remember, simple touches will bring vintage Americana to your 4^th – Coca-Cola in glass bottles buried in a big bucket of ice (try the ones imported from Mexico with real sugar – so delicious), blueberries, red delicious apples, cherries, bright flowers.  And don’t forget a sparkler or two for dusk!

How are you celebrating your Fourth? Will you be watching fireworks? At the beach? A lake? A farm? Are you in another country and swapping Independence Day traditions with the locals? Share your DIY ideas and favorite 4^th memories with us, here in the comments, or on Twitter: @TheCityFarm.  Happy 4^th! Enjoy~

(Sparkler photo: House to Home)