This post was sponsored by Walmart and SheKnows Media. Thank you for supporting
the sponsors that help make The Sweetest Occasion possible!
After Christmas, hands down my favorite holiday of all time is the 4th of July! I’m a sucker for all the summery nostalgia from the fireworks to the 4th of July desserts to the stars and stripes to the requisite ice cream cones and backyard picnics. I recently teamed up with Walmart to host the most festive modern Americana inspired 4th of July party and today I’m sharing all the details! I loaded the backyard with great finds from Walmart, created the prettiest spread of 4th of July decorations and loaded up on the appropriately themed menu items like red, white and blue desserts and watermelon cut into stars. My favorite part is that just about every single thing you see here, from the place settings to the decor to the food to the fashion selections, can all be found at Walmart!
I wanted to create a super fun atmosphere on our back patio and throughout our backyard so I paired the comfy seating of the Better Homes and Gardens Davenport 7 Piece Outdoor Sectional Set with a long wooden dining table lined with the Better Homes and Gardens Camrose Farmhouse Stacking Café Chair. A cool cauldron fire pit surrounded by white Adirondack chairs became the perfect hang out for making s’mores! I set up drinks and desserts by using a wood potting bench as an entertaining buffet and filled a big galvanized tub with ice and additional drinks. Balloons, candle light and loads of happy kids made it all come to life!
When setting any table when entertaining, I’m most inspired by trying to work primarily from items I already own and then adding in a few seasonal colors or accessories to tie things together. For that reason, I’m not big on buying themed or holiday specific serving pieces or table wares, but I still wanted to create a table that felt warm, inviting, and decidedly like the 4th of July. The foundation of the table spread was a runner I made by buying a few yards of fabric from Walmart’s craft department. Blue woven place mats layered with mismatched blue plates, red and white striped napkins made once again using fabric from the craft department and pretty red and blue floral glasses created a look that was so pretty and really created the Americana vibe I was going for here. Simple gold lanterns in varying sizes finished things off as an easy and chic centerpiece that was the definition of fuss-free. (I can think of so many occasions where those lanterns would come in handy!)
I love that at Walmart I can literally do all of my shopping in one stop. In addition to all of the incredible decor, I was able to do all the grocery shopping at Walmart, too, and I love the simplicity of only having to make one trip. We made little burgers which I topped with American flag toothpicks and served up fresh homemade pickles, corn on the cob and potato salad. A milk glass cake stand held red, white and blue sugar cookies from the Walmart bakery and I created a s’mores board for easy s’mores making on a wooden slab I found in the craft section. Red, white and blue balloons and an assortment of fun 4th of July accoutrements (like star-spangled garlands, fun sunglasses and mini flags for waving) rounded out the festivities.
Hosting parties for our friends and neighbors is truly my greatest passion in life. Our patio is now equipped for summer gatherings for the entire season simply by hitting up Walmart for a few new furniture pieces and then rounding everything out with an assortment of modern tiki torches, colorful outdoor pillows, galvanized lanterns and pretty terra cotta citronella candles. Walmart even has a great variety of stylish planters and pots, and a wide assortment of plants to really bring your outdoor space to life, regardless of whether you’ve got a big back patio like us or a sweet little balcony off your apartment.
When I think about hosting a party, I think first about who we’re inviting and how I can make the day special for them. For the 4th of July, it’s all about those patriotic touches that really resonate with people. Absolutely you can and should request that your guests dress to the color palette, and then think classic American picnic fare for the menu. It’s berry season so loads of fresh berries make the perfect dessert or side, and pink lemonade topped with berries in an amazing glass drink dispenser lends to the color palette, too. Add small touches like that wherever you can and your party will come to life in a really beautiful and memorable way! The best part is, you can do it all with one shopping trip to Walmart. Now that is something worth celebrating!
[Art direction, event design + styling by Cyd Converse | Photos by Alice G. Patterson.]
This post was sponsored by Walmart. I received compensation for this post, but all opinions are my own. Read more about our editorial policies.
Erin Tufo
Monday 2nd of July 2018
Thanks for all the ideas! With just purchasing our first home, I’m going to be following all your hosting posts very closely! ?
sara a
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Amazing Cyd! Love it all!!! Every single detail. You outdid yourself my friend!
Ashley Converse
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Obsessed with every. single. detail. I need this to be my backyard. I need this every day, all day. COME HOST PARTIES IN FLORIDA FOR ME :(
Cyd Converse
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Duh! I'm going to. It's called Marley's first birthday!!!