Wednesday, June 20, 2012

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:

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors




12 comments:

  1. Good morning Ann,
    Your place looks very festive! Yummy looking Trifle! I love a good Trifle. I usually make one or two a year. Thanks for coming to my party and Happy Summer!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Hello, Sandi! The Trifle is amazing...had enough to have some more today! Thanks for hosting your awesome link-up and for stopping in. Blessings and may you also enjoy your summer!

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  2. Oh my - that trifle looks very yummy and that nice glass of iced tea- so refreshing!
    Thank you to linking to Tea In The Garden.

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    1. I always enjoy hearing from you, Bernideen. Hope you enjoyed reading here. Thanks for hosting your blog-hop!

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  3. Hello Ann, It's never too early to get patriotic! I love your decorations...getting me in the mood to do a little decorating around here! Thank you for visiting me at Teacups In The Garden, I will be visiting you often because you have such a nice blog.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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    1. Thank you, Charlotte. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stop here! After visiting your blog, I could say the same for you. . .very nice blog! I look forward to hearing from you again!

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  4. New linky follower! First of all the trifle looks amazing! Thanks for sharing this and your other amazing pictures of the Fourth of July Decorations. I would love if you stopped by my blog and followed back at I Heart Pears

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    1. Thanks for stopping over and following my blog! So glad you enjoyed my pics! I will stop over and check yours out, too! Blessing!

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  5. All your patriotic decor looks great. How wonderful to have your grandmothers hand made quilt! I'd love a bowl of that luscious looking trifle. Your cottage is lovely - what a pretty lake. I miss spending summers at the cottage in Northern Ontario.

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    1. Oh, thank you so much! I wish I could share via the internet. We had lots of leftovers! Lake life is wonderful...the house we are currently living in isn't "ON" a lake, but we live near one. Hopefully very soon that dream will become a reality!

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  6. I love your porch! So inviting. I also really like the framed flag over your mantel. You really have some great ideas. :)

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    1. Thanks! I definitely love to decorate, but the colors for July 4 are one of my favorites to use! Thanks for stopping by!

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