Today I am celebrating Summer in New England with a red, white, and blue themed patio party.
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
Today kicks off the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tour Week! Each day this week a different group of bloggers will be opening up their doors and sharing their Summer decorating ideas with you. I love visiting all their beautiful homes virtually.
If you are visiting from Kelly at The Tattered Pew and the tour of Summer in their new home…wasn’t it just beautiful! I love how she has made such a pretty and welcoming home full of life and colors. Kelly is also just as pretty and welcoming in real life, such a genuine and sweet person!
For the new visitors to Cottage on Bunker Hill, Welcome!!! I’m Jennifer a life-long New England girl with a passion for decorating and a love of the beach. You will find everything from designer store dupe looks (here’s my latest one), to thrifting/vintage finds, & perfect for right now gardening & project ideas.
How to Get Ready for a 4th of July Celebration
When you live in any of the Northern New England states then you probably spend most of the year dreaming for it to be Summer again! Don’t get me wrong, we love all seasons, but Summer seems to go by in a blink.
Some of my favorite family memories are from the 4th of July holidays spent at the beach with the entire family…lots of laughs, sun, and of course food!!
The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Maybe because there are no presents to worry about or trees to put up...but it still revolves around spending time with my family, oh and eating yummy food!!
But I just love to see American flags waving and oh, don’t forget the fireworks…I love fireworks too (you are never too old!!)
So here is my kick-off to the season, this is how we will be celebrating Summer in New England!
This post may include affiliate links; you can read my disclosure policy here.
Summer Patio Decorating Ideas
My back patio used to be split with our patio furniture on one side with our grill and all the outdoor toys I had for my home daycare. Since closing my daycare and taking up blogging full-time I had the chance to update the space a bit to make it perfect for entertaining and hanging out.
I bought this patio set last year from Lowe’s and I’m certain to get a message asking for the links…but even though I haven’t had issues with mine I have read so many negative reviews from others that it wouldn’t be right to recommend it to you all. (here’s the set if you want to look).
Since I have the extra room on the patio now I wanted to use some of the space to add more plants…any excuse I can get to buy more plants!!
Knowing that I didn’t want to dig another garden area out here I found the perfect solution! I added 2 elevated cedar raised beds in one corner of the patio. I love how it defines the patio space and makes it feel like an outdoor room.
Patriotic burlap bunting pinned to the fronts of the raised beds adds a festive touch.
Setting a Patriotic Table
There are so many options for patriotic-themed table settings that are super affordable too! There’s no need to break the budget for outdoor entertaining…remember Summer is all about relaxing, we don’t want to be fussin’ over everything!
My go-to spot for outdoor dinnerware is my local Christmas Tree Shops. The red, white, & blue plates were under $2 each and look amazing. The plaid napkins galvanized star chargers, and table runner are from Hobby Lobby
Here are some pretty patriotic table items I saw at Kohl’s:
For the table settings, I used natural-looking placemats topped with galvanized chargers, and I alternated red, white, and blue plates over the 6 place settings.
Then added a plaid napkin and tied the silverware with a piece of burlap Americana ribbon.
I finished off the settings with blue acrylic glasses.
This cherry lemonade is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. Not only is it refreshing but it looks so pretty when displayed in a clear glass pitcher. All you have to do is add maraschino cherries to your batch of lemonade and then pour in some of the juice from the jar and it creates this layered effect. My friend Ashley showed me this idea…check out her Instagram highlights for all her Southern recipes.
Fresh Flowers
A quick, easy, & free (my favorite part) way to add fresh flowers to my table was to grab my clippers and hit my garden. My knock-out roses are in full bloom right now and they make the perfect simple flower arrangement!
After clipping the roses I grabbed a couple of vintage glass Ball jars to use as the vases.
Such a simple idea that looks just perfect on a patriotic tablescape.
My table’s centerpiece will be used all Summer long so I am using potted flowers for this one.
I love using interesting containers when making flower arrangements, whether it be real or artificial flowers.
For this Summer arrangement, I am using a galvanized container that is shaped like a boat (also from the Christmas Tree Shops). It is intended to be used for an outdoor dining caddy but the sections are deep enough that I could use it as a planter.
For drainage, I drilled a few holes through the bottom.
Then I popped in a variety of annual flowers in for the perfect summer centerpiece that will continue to grow and flower all summer long!
To finish off my tablescape and give it a coastal twist I added a couple of decorative wooden buoys and scattered shells along with rattan stars across the table runner.
And also popped in a few American flags to the flower arrangements.
Patriotic Decorations
Oh, I never met a holiday that I didn’t want to decorate for!! This was so much fun adding red, white, and blue decorations for this July 4th party.
A super simple and super affordable idea was hanging paper fan decorations (they come in packs at Hobby Lobby) to the door leading out to the patio.
It’s a fun, whimsical touch for the day!
Hanging outside the door is the ribbon flag that I made the other day using 2 bundles of scrap trim from Michael’s…so grab some if you are near a store today!
My potting bench ( on rollback at Walmart for $99 now) also doubles as a spot for the extras for hosting a party.
It was fun to add a few seasonal touches to it as well! Starting with hanging a garland over the potting bench (using vinyl siding hooks)
The DIY Patriotic Wood Crate that I made last Summer is the perfect spot for a Boston fern to hang out in.
shop the look
Thank you for stopping by today and checking out my Summer patio tour! Next up on the tour is Brendt from She Gave it a Go and her Summer Entryway & Living Room Tour. She has a beautiful modern farmhouse style that I am sure you will love! I can’t wait to see her again in a few weeks at the Haven Conference!
Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours
This week I am joining some of my blogging friends for the Bloggers’ Best Summer Home Tours. Thirty talented and creative women will be opening their homes up for you to tour all week long. You can visit each summer home tour by clicking the links below.
Monday’s Tours
The Tattered Pew / Cottage On Bunker Hill / She Gave It A Go
Cottage In The Mitten / Stonegable / My Wee Abode
Tuesday’s Tours
Thistle Key Lane / Midwest Life & Style / White Lilac Farmhouse
My Thrift Store Addiction / Willow Bloom Home Blog / Dabbling and Decorating
Wednesday’s Tours
Bricks ‘n Blooms /Amy Sadler Designs / Peacock Ridge Farm
White Arrows Home / Pasha Is Home / The Ponds Farmhouse
Thursday’s Tours
Simply2Moms / Country Peony / Southern Home and Hospitality
Shiplap and Shells / Eleanor Rose Home / Cloches and Lavender
Friday’s Tours
Le Cultivateur / Lora Bloomquist Create & Ponder / Noting Grace
My Family Thyme / Vintage and Grace Living / County Road 407
Jennifer Howard
cottage on bunker hill
Thanks for stopping by today! Being able to share my projects, DIYs, and decorating ideas with you is amazing. Leave a comment below; I love hearing from you! Feel free to drop me a note here if you have any questions.
Jennifer, your outdoor space is beautiful and I love all of your beautiful red, white, and blue! It looks so fun, festive, and perfect for the 4th of July!! You have thought of everything…all of the details are gorgeous! I have been on the lookout for a potting bench and yours is perfect! I love all of the holiday touches you added too! Happy Summer, my friend!
Thanks so much, Lynne!! Happy Summer Vacation to you!!!
You had me at no tree to put up or presents to buy. I love things simple and easy too. Love your table and so many fabulous ideas. Looking forward to getting together soon❤️💙
Yes, the weather looks nice for Saturday too!!
Love all of your creative patriotic decor Jennifer! So many ideas!! And your backyard is gorgeous with all of the trees. You must love hanging out there. And you actually can comfortably in the summer because it’s probably not 100+ degrees like it is in Texas. Happy to be on the tour with you!
LOL Kate!!! It rarely gets that hot up here!! I went to Waco last June and I thought I was going to melt!!
Your outdoor space is so dreamy and decorated so beautifully!!! It’s the perfect place to hang out in the summer months!! I love it!!!
Hooray for celebrations! You have such a beautiful patio! And your patriotic decor is just the best!
Enjoy your summer!
I love everything about this! I love the vintage details with the soda crates. I love the fans on the door and the plates and napkins. Every detail is wonderful!
You have acheived a comfortable and inviting space for ALL! tyty
Jennifer!!! I want so badly to come hang out in this space!! It’s gorgeous and perfect for Summer!! I love it!! XoXo
Jennifer, I have to say, of all the RWB decor I have seen, yours is by far my fave. I actually love it… and RWB decor is just NOT my thing. All the unusual items (love those RWB bells hanging on your potting bench), and the muted items are so pretty! And I LOVE your centerpiece ‘boat’. So smart! Pinned, and so happy to be touring with you this week!
Awww, thanks so much, Julie!! It always evokes such great memories for me & I just love it in the Summer time.
JENNIFER, So mice to meet you on here. It’s my first time doing a Summer Bloggers Home Tour. I’m so glad to be part of it. Your home is absolutely beautiful. I love your beautiful outdoor space. It’s so dreamy. Tha k you for sharing your home with me.
Welcome, Cynthia!!! I love Kelly’s home tours! I always get so many ideas from all the other gals in it! I’ll be over on Friday to see yours.
Friend, you outdid yourself. Your patriotic patio is stunning!! I love every single detail from the dishes to the buntings and, of course, all of your pretty flowers.
The 4th is one of my favorite holidays as well. Who doesn’t love fireworks and yummy summer food? We go back to visit my family every year and do the small-town celebration. Parade, fireworks, an ice cream social, and lots of fun activities for young kids and families. Can’t wait!
So happy to be touring with you this week. Pinned!
OK, that sounds like the best! I’m coming!!
Jennifer, your patriotic summer decor is beautiful! The flag on the barn is incredible.
Thanks so much, Shawna!
Jennifer, seeing your patio decked out in patriotic colors is such a treat. I love everything from the fans on the door to your woodland backdrop and everything in between! I could live out here all summer! Pinning!
Thanks so much, Michelle!! You are so sweet!
I am loving your aoutdoor space and all of your patriotic decor! It looks so pretty and so festive, I need to get moving on 4th of July decorating. I’m still in the garden. LOL!
That made me laugh out loud. The thought of you wandering around in the garden…we will see you again in September!!
How fun for you to delete the plastic toys & fill this space with beautiful red, white & blue! It’s so pretty! Love how you hung the paper decor on the door; so fun!
Lora, you have no idea!! I dragged the play house & picnic table to the end of my driveway and taped a “free” sign on them!!
I’m loving all the updates you made on your patio, Jen! Your patriotic decorations are all just perfect. The raised cedar beds look so stylish too! Im thinking I need to do something like that next year. Pinned!! Happy summer!
I found you in my spam folder..your sweet face in between 2 x-rated comments!!! Thanks so much, Anne.. can’t wait to see you girls in a few weeks!
Hi Jennifer! I am a fellow New Englander and loved seeing your outdoors decked out for 4th of July!!! Summer has certainly arrived in Massachusetts!
Heidi, Yay!! I love finding other New England bloggers! I was born and raised in Mass and we moved to NH when I got married. We will have to chat!
Oh my gosh, Jennifer! You have given me so many great ideas for the 4th of July. We have a big party that morning as the parade goes down our street so I always like to make it as festive as ever. I need to try the cherry lemonade this year as well. Thank you for the amazing inspiration! Happy summer my friend.
I love the 4th of July parades!! When we are at the beach there is a pots & pans parade down the street…everyone dresses up in crazy patriotic outfits and waves flags! It’s a great holiday.
Your patio is gorgeous. We are still waiting for summer to arrive, I’m hoping it will be here by the Fourth of July. Hugs to you.
I heard you all are having a cold Spring! That was us last year.
Jennifer,
Your patriotic outdoor space is stunning. Love all the details
Thanks, friend!!
Everything looks so festive! Patriotic colors and decor are my fave for anything summer related so I love it all. Especially like that flag you made. Looking forward to the tutorial. Glad to be touring with you this week. Enjoy!
Thanks so much, Cindy!
Well, you have outdone yourself Jennifer! Your outdoor space is just beautiful and perfect for the 4th of July. I love every little detail from your ball jars with your stunning roses to you scrap flag DIY! You always have the best ideas…pinned! Thank you for joining me this week. I am sad not to see you this summer at Haven, but maybe next year. Have so much fun!
You are the best! Thanks for putting the time into doing this!
Jennifer, you make everything look so beautiful and special. I love your patriotic touches on your outdoor table (love your furniture too). You always are so inspirational. Hugs to you!
I love every speck of your patriotic tour. The table is so pretty and using mason jars is perfect.
I love all your patriotic decorations. I’m not near a Christmas Tree Shop. They have great pieces.
Pinned away!
They do have great finds! I’m bummed they stopped their online store a few years ago because it was nice for people that didn’t live close to one.
Thanks so much, Tammy!! I can’t wait to see you!!
Jennifer,
This is the inspiration I have been looking for…I am loving your patriotic decor! It is all so inspiring, pinned!
Plus, it’s so fun seeing your happy face; can’t wait to see you again at Haven.
xoxo,
Brendt
Thanks, Brendt!! Right back ‘atcha!
Your outdoor space looks perfect for the upcoming holiday and so do you in that cute dress! I love that you used the caddy for your arrangement and the cherry lemonade is a must try. Are you serving that when I come this fall? 😉💙
Yes, I will make you anything you want!!