All Things July 4th
holidays
We always look forward to going to our cabin for the July 4th holiday. It is much cooler in the mountains of Arizona and this area has a nice small town feel. The highlight is the July 4th parade, which started many years ago by a wonderful neighbor who believed this holiday needed proper celebrating.
Parade Cancelled
Yesterday, we received word that the parade is cancelled this year. My heart sank as it is just one more thing to adjust to during this pandemic. Intellectually I understand, but emotionally, I was really looking forward to it. And our governor has imposed a 30-day lockdown….again. But we will prevail and keep our spirits up. What choice do we have.
Not only is this parade quite fun but every year thousands of dollars is raised through t-shirt sales and donations supporting the local fire department. Being in the mountains, our firefighters are true heroes as the threat of devastating fires is common during our hot summer months. I am hoping there is still a way to donate?
Nonetheless, we will celebrate our independence and freedom in the true spirit of red, white and blue. Today’s post is a compilation of patriotic celebrations over the past few years. Since I barely know what day it is, I haven’t thought ahead on how I will set the table nor what foods I will prepare. But for some reason, like Christmas, it all comes together, right?
Patriotic Brunch
Our July 4th morning starts with a patriotic brunch and I do serve the same dishes every year. Perhaps I should try something new but these recipes continue to be crowd pleasers.
The egg casserole can be served hot or cold~it’s delicious either way. Hard to believe I shared this with you in 2016! Click here for the recipe.
A tried and true coffee cake recipe can be adjusted each year depending on what fruit you have. My 2017 recipe includes raspberries, but it can be made with peaches, pears, apples, or blueberries. Click here for the recipe.
Since we need our fruits and vegetables there is always a green salad and a fruit salad. Our guests tend to linger after the parade so I make a charcuterie board for nibbling. Ha! I just realized I made a 6 pointed star vs. a 5 pointed star with the cheese! I get an A for effort….Here’s the link to the charcuterie board.
Can’t have brunch without a dessert! I was rather ambitious in 2018 when I baked this impressive red, white and blue 8 layer American Flag cake. First of all, I am never going to do this again, as baking in high altitudes is not one of my strengths. But surprisingly, it did taste very good! Here is the link to that post.
What is July 4th without cherry pie? I have yet to master the perfect cherry pie, but I hope to try my friend Gwen’s recipe this year. It is my husband’s favorite.
Typically I set up brunch around the kitchen island so guests can go in and out of the house, eat, watch the parade, eat some more, watch the parade. But with no parade, we will more than likely sit down at the table on the outdoor covered porch. Here are a few pictures from previous events.
The Table
July 4th is a very important holiday. We often take for granted our independence and freedom. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as an independent nation began.
We live in an amazing country and I will proudly display many flags. Let’s all remember what the flag symbolizes: white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Long may she wave.
What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July? My next post will be from the mountains! Happy Wednesday, my friends!
Today’s post shared with Charming Cottages and Gardens
and Centerpiece Wednesday Linky Party at Karins Kottage
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HI Mary! Wow this is such a great post of all the fun things you have done in past 4th of July celebrations. I am so sorry your parade was cancelled. So was our annual pancake breakfast 🙁 I would love to have you come and link up to my Centerpiece Wednesday linky party and share your post with us https://karinskottage.com/2020/06/linky-party-happy-4th-of-july.html
Hugs and I hope you will still enjoy your 4th of July this year. 🙂
Karin
Karin,
Thank you so much for letting me know about your Wednesday link party. I am so new to the link party/blog hop concept and I am just starting to understand and join them. How gracious of you to extend an invitation! Happy July 4th to you too and I am now going to your blog to sign up!
WOW! I’m going to comment on the cake too – WOW!!! That’s amazing! I’ve never tried high altitude baking, but I hear it’s tricky. Total points for you! 🙂 Plus I so love your pretty patriotic polka dot flower table ware!
I’m sorry you don’t get a parade this year. I know your decorations and food will be wonderful though, and if you accidentally make six sided stars again this year, just give me a call and I’ll come eat them all for you! 😉
Take care my friend and have a wonderful 4th!
Wow that cake is amazing! Your tables look great too. Would love to have in a tablescape hop sometime.
Count me in on the tablescape hop! 😉 Happy 4th Andrea!
Yes, I need to do more blog hops! Still learning the ropes!
Oh this is a beautiful post Mary. Love that cake! Thank you for sharing ☺️
The cake took some mathematical effort and trying to adjust the ingredients for high altitude baking was on a hope and prayer. But lots of oooh and ahhh when I cut it open!!! Have a happy 4th, my friend.