Simple July 4th BBQ

Nearly everyone is gearing up for some fun BBQ'ing for the 4th of July that is rapidly approaching. I'm in the same boat and decided that since we were having a bunch of college kids over last night for a BBQ, I'd just make a July 4th theme to go with it.

I had a great time decorating with simple, inexpensive things.

Just simple, little touches but they make a big impact and help to add just that special touch of hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.

It doesn't have to take a ton of time or money to make it special.

Add a little praise & worship through testimonies and singing...

and a few games of Head's Up {iPhone app}...

and you've got yourself a fun time. And pictures to prove it.

More July 4th fun projects to come!

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Things to Do This Summer {Picnic Edition}

It's that time again! Time to make some plans for the summer to keep from hearing those two little words: I'm boooooored! So, as I have been making lists and brainstorming about all the wonderful, fun and happy things to do this summer with my kids and as a family, one theme keeps recurring: Picnics! I love a good picnic whether it's just eating supper on the back patio, going to a park, etc. The whole family enjoys it! Here are a few ideas I found that I may incorporate into our summer and thought I'd share with you.

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Use these adorable printables to invite friends out for a fun summer evening picnic! Have it at a local park, in your backyard or even indoors. Make it a picnic theme with lots of bright, summer colors - {Theme ideas: lemonade, citrus, gingham, floral}

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Pick a color theme and make lunchtime with the kids a fun, memorable time together a few days this summer! Just carry it out to a shady spot in the backyard, lay down the blanket, eat and then read some books from the library together about picnics or just some favorite books. This is sure to leave a lasting impression on the kids! Time well spent. {Theme: by color or based on their favorite book like 'The Hungry Caterpillar'.}

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Sometimes, you just have to use the trunk of the car to have a picnic! These are the things memories are made of! My sister and I and a few of our girls had a picnic in the back of her suburban once and it was fun. Just park somewhere with a view and you're all set! This would be fun for a date night! I love the use of quilts for picnic blankets!

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Sometimes you just have to use what you have, but when you find things like these on sale, get them and save them for picnics! Colorful paper bags, paper trays, chinese take-out boxes (these come in lots of sizes and colors at World Market), travel cups with straws (Dollar Tree), ribbon, baker's twine, cute tablecloths, etc. It's those little touches that really make people feel special and it looks like you've put a lot of thought and time into it.

And let's not forget about yummy, picnic food & drinks!!

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There are so many ways to have a picnic! Find some fun ones you'd like to do and plan them! I know I'm planning to do several this summer with the family and I'm really looking forward to it! This weekend would be GREAT! Memorial Day is a great day to have a picnic, so plan one!

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