Hello friends! It’s been awhile. I am SO excited to share that Season 6 of Bargain Mansions is complete! 🎉 It might be the best season to date…stay tuned for NEW episodes airing THIS August!

Now that filming season is over, the busy days don’t stop! From private client design to lake days to hosting get togethers with family and friends, I am soaking up every second of it. Do you need any last minute hosting tips?  Well, you’ve found the right place…Happy 4th of July!

1. Have a Signature Cocktail & Mocktail

I love spending time crafting fun cocktails for friends and family! For me, it’s the process of it. I decorate large all the time, so it’s fun decorating something small every once in awhile. Go big or go home? Is going small a thing? In my opinion, it’s all about the garnish:)

If you need inspiration, my favorite drink lately has been this Easy Watermelon Margarita I found by Erin Lives Whole. It’s delicious and SO refreshing! Create an easy mocktail by replacing the tequila with club soda and a little bit of Trader Joe’s Jalepeño Limeade. Take it up a notch? Place a sugar cube and lime wedge soaked in absinthe on top and ignite the light! Who doesn’t love a drink on fire? This drink makes for a fun experience and is perfect for adding a little sparkle on this festive holiday! Bring out the red, white and lime!

2. Water is a MUST

There must be water somewhere around you! Especially on a hot day, if you don’t have a pool, lake or pond, sprinklers are a great option to cool off and enjoy! AND, if you’re really adventurous then set up a slip n slide! I’ve linked one in my Amazon Storefront here. How fun for all ages?

3. My Favorite Firecracker

If I was hosting a party, I would get tons and TONS of the firecracker poppers. I would have the sidewalk walking up to my entryway littered with them, so when your guests walk up you’d make quite an entrance! I bet my boys would pick them up and start a fire popper war between them ;)

4. TRAYS!

When hosting for either a small or large crowd, make sure you have tons of trays to serve things on! So, you can move things around AND move the party alongside you wherever you are with ease.

5. It’s Not the 4th of July Without a Flag!

What’s the 4th of July without a flag? You’ve got to have it somewhere! You can hang one up across your front door or have the kids paint one on the driveway with chalk. Like I always say, get creative with it! Take a look at what my babygirl and niece did today! It was such a fun activity for the both of them!

6. PIE, PIE & MORE PIE

If you’re into cooking, you NEED to make a strawberry pie sprinkled with blueberries on top! My family is going to love me for this one! Not only does it taste delicious, it makes your whole house smell amazing. Here’s a yummy recipe by Joy the Baker! My simple instructions, don’t measure:)

 

Happy hosting everyone! Enjoy!