I consider myself a fairly patriotic person.  Seeing the flag raised when Team USA wins a medal brings upon a wealth of emotions and pride.  I have taught my children to respect the flag, and thank a soldier when we see them.  I live a block away from an army base which sadly will be closing in just a year or so.  I have stood on  roads to wave flags and welcome the troops home as their busses return to the base.  I have friends who have proudly served their country in Afghanistan and Iraq, and one who served proudly but gave his life.  It is a sacrifice that I hold to those in the military with the utmost respect; one that I am not strong or brave enough to do myself.

Just like most of you, we will be having a Memorial Day party this weekend.  It will also be a celebration for my grandfather, or Dee Dad, as we lovingly call him.  His birthday was this past Sunday but due to a medical procedure we are celebrating this weekend.

Dee Dad is also a veteran, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.  Dee Dad (along with my father, another veteran) taught me about patriotism.  Growing up, the army base used to have a huge Armed Forces Day celebration.  It was a tradition that Dee Dad would take my sister and I every year.  The first part of the day was spent learning about the military – climbing tanks, watching helicopter demonstrations, the cannon salutes, speaking with those in the service, etc.  The second half was the rides.  You know what I remember most fondly?  The learning.

So by now you are wondering where the inspiration is, right?  OK, enough babbling.  My inspiration for this year is a casual outdoor gathering with gentle nods to vintage and the World War II era.

{Sources: Sunflower tablescape; Country Living banner; Lantern; Vintage Bowling Pins;

Miniature pies; Rosie Poster; Old-fashioned soda; Table Runner; Paper Lanterns;

Tablescape; Fabric Patriotic Bunting; Sliders; Kissing on VJ Day Poster}

Decor and Tablescape

I have chosen a color palette of ruby red, blueberry blue, white, and hints of sunflower yellow.  Rather than a full tablecloth, I’m thinking of using a runner.  I need to head to the fabric store and see what I can find – perhaps a red or blue check or stripe pattern.  The dollar store is a great place to find cloth napkins (kitchen towels) inexpensively.  Home Goods is another place for great finds, too!  I am going to create a ribbon belt around each napkin and place them on top of the salad and dinner plates.  Since I do not have any outdoor plates (other than paper or plastic), I will also be scouting out some melamine dishes.  Of course, there are some great paper and plastic designed dishes out there too for easy cleanups so feel free to take advantage of that!  White lanterns, pitchers filled with yellow flowers and votives of citronella to keep the pests away line the table runner.   I would love to hang a fabric bunting like the one pictured above by SpringChick across our deck  with paper lanterns scattered about for evening light.  Finally add a few flags!  Keep it simple and casual.

Food

I’m serving 2 light appetizers including corn tortilla chips in red, white, and blue with fresh homemade salsa and a spinach and feta dip with crudite.  In a nod to nostalgia, I plan on picking up some of the old fashioned soda bottles and place them in a white galvanized bucket of ice.  Fresh squeezed lemonade, water with cucumber, and iced tea will also be available.

For dinner, it is all about the grill!  I’m whipping up barbecue sauce from scratch for the chicken, making homemade mini slider cheeseburgers, hot dogs (Dee Dad’s favorite!), and my Mom Mom’s hot dog chili.  Side dishes include roasted potato wedges, a freshly tossed garden salad, and cornbread with homemade butter.

Finally, dessert will consist of miniature apple pies with vanilla ice cream for those who prefer it ala mode and cookies and cream frozen pie.

Activities

Fun group lawn games!  Bocce Ball, Croquet, or maybe try lawn bowling with a vintage bowling set from thesundaytimesmarket.

However you choose to spend your summer kick off weekend, take a moment to thank those in the service and those who gave their lives for our freedom.