Pepper Design Blog

*July 4th* Celebration Inspiration

There’s nothing like a holiday designed just for fun in the sun. Whether you’ll be spending it on the sand, by a pool or bbqing in the backyard, I hope that this adorable party (featured over at hwtm.com) provides a little Independence Day celebration inspiration.

And don’t forget to check out the Entertaining button there on the left sidebar to find even more ideas for the 4th of July (including delicious recipes).

This “vintage Americana” tractor party was designed by Aubrey of Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats for her son’s birthday – but how perfect is it for the 4th of July? Invite the neighbors over for strawberry shortcake and potato sack races, and plan an afternoon of relaxing on this beautiful July day.

Handmade pinwheels, bunting and delicious cake pops (see how the pinwheels are the cake pop sticks? so clever) add a DIY touch.

Adorable labels by Printable Parties.

Be sure to check out the full post (and all of the fun details) over at Hostess with the Mostess.

And if you have a few extra minutes today, check out the July/August issue of High Gloss Magazine. I love all of the virtual lookbooks that are being published these days and I thought this particular issue was one of the best I’ve read by High Gloss. SO much inspiration! I was adding every other page to my inspiration folder on my computer.

Happy Labor Day!

Hope you’re having a restful and relaxing Labor Day! Here’s to a full Monday of catching up on the to-do list, BBQing in the sand somewhere or just sleeping in a bit later than usual…

*An inspiring vintage-accented Labor Day party can be found here
*Dig in to this delicious BBQ menu here
*Spoil everyone with one of these red, white & blue desserts
*Or serve up a cool summer drink from this yummy list

Sweets Indeed created this American-themed party complete with paper pinwheels and a very mouth watering dessert table. Check out more great photos over at Celebrations At Home.

Tasty Treats for a Weekend Full of 4th of July Fun

When I was little, it was always my job each year to make a patriotic red, white and blue dessert… I don’t know how this little tradition came about but as a 12-year-old I loved taking on the daunting responsibility of baking my own treat for two dozen or so family friends! Thinking back to those years {and after oohing & ahhing over these photos} I’m thinking it might be fun to tackle the job again.

Our 4th of July now is typically reserved for a long day at the beach complete with volleyball, fireworks and marshmallow fights (true event – the whole beach brings bags of marshmallows for tossing across bonfires as soon as the night ends. It’s innocent and fun but what’s it like to wake up with melted marshmallow in your hair? gross).

Here are a few mouth-watering desserts that are catching my eye this year. Thanks BHG for all of the lovely inspiration! From Berry-Lemon Nepoleans, Raspberry Custard Brulee to Cheesecake Parfaits and Panna Cotta di Casa there are too many choices…

I’m tempted most by the Berry Pudding Cake, above, but might resign to a more beach-friendly alternative like Poundcake and Strawberries shaped like stars or pre-made plastic cups full of Red, White & Blue Parfait. Oh yum.

Mouth is watering… maybe I’ll have to make one each night until the big day…