Getting Patriotic

Well, it's only a few weeks away. . . Independence Day, that is! So, I decided I had better get my red, white, and blue decor out of storage and start decorating. 

I started with the fireplace mantel.

What is it about those three colors that just make any area of the home stand out? 

This framed flag and date were printed off of my computer, designed as a quilt pattern.

My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From ev'ry mountainside

Let freedom ring!

 This basket was the perfect nesting spot for my little birds.

 This small canning jar lamp was a gift from my hubby many years ago. The shade was one of several I bought at a flea market,

Our joyful hearts today,

Their grateful tribute pay,

Happy and free,

After our toils and fears,

After our blood and tears,

Strong with our hundred years,

O God, to Thee.

My completed fireplace decor.

Then it was time to move out to my front porch. Fortunately, it was also time for tea and some sweet dessert. The weather continues to be hot and humid here, so I tried some of my favorite sweet raspberry iced tea and Strawberry Shortcake Trifle,

Click here for the Trifle recipe (I also added blueberries to make it patriotic)

A little shade and a light breeze made this the perfect late afternoon spot for tea.

But first, I would like to show you just a few areas I decorated, too.

Our father’s God! to thee,

Author of Liberty, to thee we sing;

Soon may our land be bright,

With holy freedom’s right,

Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.

A welcoming front entrance.

An old wood park bench. The quilt is actually very old, but is in excellent condition. It was handmade by my grandmother. I usually don't  bring it outdoors, but just had to set it here for my picture.

A few more touches.

I love Japanese hanging lanterns. I found these at Dollar Tree.

Some freshly cut "Annabelle" Hydrageas. So beautiful.

You have been very patient, with me to finish the tour without a word about dessert! So I think I'll sit down to eat. I wish you could be here to try some with me!

Yummy!! So patriotic!

Dig In!!!

Trump of glad jubilee!

Echo o’er land and sea freedom for all.

Let the glad tidings fly,

And every tribe reply,

“Glory to God on high,” at Slavery’s fall.

(Source) 

Ann

“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

 Linking up at these blog hops:

 

Teatime Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Teacup Tuesday @ Artful Affir@mations

Tea in the Garden @  Bernideen's Tea time

 Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Teacup Thursday @ Miss Spencer's Blog

Thursday Favorite Things (Katherine's Corner)
Home and Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life 
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonesense
live laugh {linky} Thursday (live laugh rowe)
Inspiration @ At the Picket Fence 

 Fabulous Friday@ Here Comes the Sun 

Best Posts of the Week

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors