Happy July!

I hope everyone has some wonderful plans for the 4th even if you aren't using an event planner - I've got a few tips for making it fun and cheap!

I love to take the ordinary and use them in ways that make people go "What a cute idea"!

I love to entertain over the 4th of July, and it seems to be a weekend of fun with everyone getting together to enjoy the great weather and each other. What can be better? Although I send out invites weeks ahead inevitably more people get invited once we attend the Annual Horse Races. There always seems to be someone who has come to Flagstaff that we weren't expecting, but hey - the more the merrier.

One of my favorite ideas for summer is to decorate with Terra cotta pots. I can go to my local Michaels' store, pick up pots in various sizes, as well as themed wire ribbon, paints, sponges, flags, and of course trowels.

When you get all your goodies home, then lay them out and start the planning. If this is a 4th of July Party, get out your Red, White and Blue favors and have fun! I like to paint my Terra cotta pots on the outside only with stars and strips, or solid colors depending on decorating design. Always wash your pots before you start decorating. Try and paint a couple of days before you'll need them and if you want to seal them, be sure and use a sealant that is non-toxic.

I like to use the large pots for chips of every type - it looks nicer than chip bags all over the table and sometimes you need your larger bowls in the kitchen. Middle sized pots are great for salads and the smaller or quart size is perfect for dips. Always wash your pots before using and if you plan to put salad or dips into the pots, soak them overnight in icy water - Terra cotta retains the cold and will help your salads remain cold. Before I begin serving, I always take the ones that have been sitting in the ice water and let them dry out a bit and keep them cold in the fridge, this way they get an extra chill. Right before putting in the food, I line with plastic - just a barrier between the food and my pot and even though I've cleaned it before getting started, I just feel better. So, we've got the cold pot, lined in plastic with the salad displayed inside, now it's time to place the ribbon around the rim and top it off with a brand new clean trowel. I try and buy trowels that match my ribbons, so you've got a great "garden or summer" looking table with minimal effort.

Set up your table making sure to place your items at different heights, add flags, hats and confetti and you're ready to throw a party that will impress all who attend. The nice thing about Terra cotta pots, is that once you've used them, you can wrap them and store them for next year, or plant summer flowers.

Happy 4th of July everyone - we are truly lucky to live in this incredible country.

Deb