Stars, Stripes & Spontaneity
One of the best parts of summer? Spontaneity. I was thrilled when my family decided to come into town at the last minute, and before I knew it, I was hosting an early Fourth of July dinner party.
With little time to plan, I reminded myself of something I tell clients all the time: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create something beautiful. I leaned into what I already had on hand, kept the atmosphere relaxed, and gave myself permission to use (beautiful!) disposables. The result was an easygoing summer evening that still felt thoughtful and festive.
The Table: Effortless & Elevated
I had picked up some beautiful disposable placemats from a local shop a few months back and they ended up being the perfect base for a festive summer table. I paired them with simple disposable napkins in a classic blue and white polka dot, layered in my everyday flatware and china, and brought out a few pieces of vibrant blue glassware to tie it all together. The simple, cohesive color palette did most of the work.
Flowers: Always
Even for a casual dinner, I can’t resist the charm of fresh flowers. I pulled together a few arrangements using hydrangeas, peonies, lilies, and Queen of the Alps—all picked up from my go-to, Trader Joe’s. I styled them in festive blue and white vases, creating an unfussy, festive look that brought the whole table to life.
Farmers Market to the Rescue
One of my favorite things about summer is the abundance of fresh, seasonal veggies. A quick stop at the farmers market that morning sparked the entire menu inspiration:
Herb-roasted salmon with lemon and olive oil
Fresh mixed green salad with a quick homemade vinaigrette
Heirloom tomatoes simply sliced, salted, and served with fresh basil and pesto
Festive firework popsicles for dessert (store-bought but so on-theme)
Hosting Takeaway: A Last-Minute Party Can Still Be Gorgeous
Would I have done things differently if I’d had a full week to plan? Maybe. But this dinner reminded me that some of the best gatherings happen when you just open your door and work with what you’ve got. A relaxed mindset, good food, and thoughtful details are more than enough to have a wonderful evening together with family.
Wishing you a happy Fourth of July!
