Celebrations: Fireworks, Food, Freedom and Flags

by Holly Hollingsworth Phillips

The 4th of July is the quintessential American holiday. The celebration of our independence is the time to spend with family and friends while relishing the summer traditions we cherish. Our country stops to enjoy our freedom with food and fellowship.

For our family, 4th of July is a time to come together in Linville, NC. While the tradition of Linville will always be the understated cottage lifestyle, the residents of Linville constantly find a way to incorporate the Red White and Blue into all activities for the Fourth. From flags in the yard, to flags on the golf carts, to flags on dog collars, old glory is everywhere. One of my favorite traditions is to see the old guard of Linville dig out the Flag themed dresses, ties, golf shirts and sweaters. It is impossible to tell the year of a July Fourth photo of my mother, because the outfits do not change much year to year.

On the morning of the Fourth in Linville, a Golf cart parade with elaborately decorated carts is followed by games and other festivities. The children ride on fire trucks and throw penny candy to the crowds. Many pictures are taken. Seeing those that are eight, eighty or any age in between take part in the sack race, three legged race, wheelbarrow and egg toss provides constant laughs. We celebrate eating, drinking, dancing and watching the amazing fireworks display with all finding new ways to incorporate the required red, white and blue into the festivities.

Food in the south is, of course, a serious focus. The classic menu for us is to always include Fried Chicken, Pimento Cheese, Deviled Eggs, Barbeque, potato salad, coleslaw, cheese biscuits, and sliced tomatoes. This delicious southern comfort food is an essential part of the merriment.

Flags are waved throughout the land. It is truly the all American holiday. We pay respect to our heritage and honor the bravery of all who have fought, and continue to fight for our independence. I believe the absence of gifts from this holiday demonstrates how much we focus on the typically nameless, faceless yet countless heroes that enable our freedom every day. How could a gift possibly express the necessary gratitude for their sacrifice? It is genuinely, a simple red, white and blue celebration.

This holiday gives me more opportunity to decorate and entertain, which I love, especially being an interior designer. I don’t know if the color palate of this holiday is just better than others or if the pride I feel for America and our flag draws me to love all things red, white and blue. Regardless, it is a classic beauty. Red, White and Blue interiors can be so chic and can be seen throughout the years regardless of the trends that come and go.

I have curated an All American/4th of July Board with over a hundred pins from interiors, crafts, cooking and entertaining for the readers of The Southern Coterie. The ideas to celebrate and decorate are abundant. I cannot figure out what to do first. I am off to hang my swags and flags.

Look at all these fabulous 4th of July pins via Pinterest.

http://pinterest.com/theenglishroom/all-american-4th-of-july/

Enjoy and see you next month!

Holly Hollingsworth Phillips is a residential interior designer and co-owner of The English Room, which is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been featured in Southern Accents, Southern Living, Charlotte Magazine, amongst others. You can follow her blog at The English Room / Musings of a Design Aficionado.