All Things July 4th

We always look forward to being at 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. I initially ran this post in 2020 but have since updated it with new information for you to enjoy.

Our Community Parade

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.

Nearly every property owner here decorates their home to celebrate our freedoms in the true spirit of red, white and blue.

Since our home is on the parade route (lucky us!), we host a pre-parade brunch for friends and neighbors.

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 in addition to my fruit 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? Plus I score some extra points as it is my husband’s favorite.

Typically I set up brunch on the back terrace so guests can come and go as they please, eat, watch the parade, eat some more, watch the parade. Aren’t these patriotic fans cute? Hanging above the buffet table they certainly add to the festivities. Originally purchased from Hester & Cook (no longer available), here is a similar style.

The July 4th weekend tables

Here are some ideas if you are having a sit-down meal for July 4th. Whether you are entertaining indoors or out, setting a table to celebrate our independence is easy and fun. Personally I love anything red, white and blue that resembles our beautiful American flag.

My sister, Susie made this runner and napkins for me and they look so sweet on our dining room table here at the cabin.

Here are some table photos from other years. Mixing vintage china and linens with a red/white stripe paper runner (Hester & Cook), it a fun way to celebrate past and present.

Even patriotic paper plates can make a table festive. These from The Pioneer Woman look great against a red/white checkered tablecloth.

July 4th is a very important holiday. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as an independent nation began. In spite of our differences, I hope we can all agree that we live in the best country on earth. We often take our ability of free speech and independence for granted, when those are the very same attributes that allow us to speak our minds.

Proudly Displaying the Flag

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.

We bring out our abundant collections of flags. Every pot of red geraniums leading up the walk to our front door holds a flag.

Even our golf cart is all decked out for the holiday!

What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July? Wishing you a day of laughter and love and a heart filled with patriotism.