It's Red, White and Blue Day!

Happy Independence Day to everyone!

Tablescapes are a great decorating tool. They add a reminder of the season or event we are enjoying. One of the best thrifty ideas to use for your tablescape is paper plates. Instead of the expense of regular decorative plates, you know the ones that cost anywhere from $2.99 to $5.99 each, paper plates are $4.99 to $6.99 for a package of 8 or more. Besides the cost factor, the selection of paper plates is over the top. Another benefit of the paper is they take up a lot less room when it is time to store them. If you grow tired of the pattern or see something that is cuter, you can get them without feeling guilty.

This tablescape is a combination of old things I use for a lot of different settings. The white tablecloth was from Target many years ago. (From the sale shelf). The gold chargers are part of the Christmas plan. The blue goblets go with my china. The red striped candles are from the Christmas stash. I have never lit them because I could not stand to not have them available. The Uncle Sam top hat, garland, and wire stars/flags were from JoAnn's. (The sale section, after the holiday when everything is 70-80% off). No need to not be thirfty! The napkins are from an antiques shop, paid $8.00 for 4. They have some crocheted edges, so delicate looking. I wrapped a red and blue ribbon around them.

 Granted, the first year I decided to decorate for the 4th, I did not have much of anything to work with. When the reduced prices started, I was there like "a duck on a June bug". Now I can use these decorations for Memorial Day. July 4th, and Labor Day. So what little money I spent is divided by three holidays. As I decorate for each holiday I mix it up a little. This allows my creative juices a chance to flow.  

Okay Sissies, I want you to look around your house and start to think "outside the decorating box". If you are thinking the 4th is today so why would I decorate now? Well, we can celebrate our wonderful independence all month long.
 If you don't want to do that, now is the time to start thinking about August, back to school and the beautiful fall season. It is never to early to think ahead. Just follow the merchants. Hobby Lobby (one of my favorite stores) is starting to fill their aisles with Christmas goodies.

So enjoy our special day and don't eat too many hot dogs.  

Thrifty Shopping Y'all !!!!