CasaSugar

Open House: How Do You Decorate for Fourth of July?

CasaSugar — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:30:29 -0700

For some of you, using a blueberry and raspberry tart as a centerpiece is the extent of your patriotic décor. Others may hanf red, white, and blue bunting and American flags galore all over your property - in addition to the requisite Old Glory toothpicks in every mini appetizer you serve. I usually go with some festive table linens and a few flags. But I have an aunt who one year bought out Lillian Vernon's entire stock of patriotic décor. Tell me, how do you decorate for Fourth of July? What accessories and linens do you use? Are you reserved or is your patriotism visible to every neighbor on your street?
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How-To: Keep Your Household Safe and Sane on the Fourth

CasaSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:32 -0700

While the Fourth of July can offer a lot of fun with friends and family, there are also some obvious hazards, from barbecue burns to out-of-control sparklers. There are many ways to keep your house, and your loved ones, safe on the Fourth, with a little common sense and prep work. Here are my suggestions:

Keep a fire extinguisher close by. If you're using a barbecue or a fire pit, chances are good that you may need to use it.
Make sure you have a Summer first aid kit on hand, especially if you're outside or in the sun.

Want more tips? Then read more.

If you or your kids are using sparklers or firecrackers, a burn kit is a must have!
Is your dog afraid of fireworks? Check out PetSugar's advice for mellowing your pooch out.
If you're hosting party guests, stock your bathroom with extra toilet paper, soap, sunscreen, and hand towels.
Stop stains before they can set in on your favorite picnic tablecloth or blanket. Find out how to treat red wine and grease stains, and avoid sullying your linens!

Decorating Your Home With American Flags, Inside and Out

CasaSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:30:02 -0700

Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, (d) of the US Flag Code maintains that the American flag, "should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free." However, sometimes interior designers and patriotic home decorators hang the flag indoors with the best of intentions. Check out some homes that decorate with American flags, and tell me which ones you like!
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Sale Alert: Crate & Barrel Fourth of July Sale

CasaSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:30:29 -0700

Crate & Barrel is celebrating America the best way it knows how: with a sale. Join in on the holiday fun and save up to 50 percent off select items at outlet stores and online. Perk up your BBQ bash with the eco-friendly Mendocino 5-Piece Dining Set ($659, reduced from $859) made from FSC-certified eucalyptus wood. Save $170 on the Tiago Accent Tables made from renewable bamboo. Or, get great savings on patio umbrellas, cushions, jute rugs, outdoor lanterns and pots, and all the dinnerware you need for the perfect Summer party.

Roundup: Fourth of July DIYs

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:57 -0700

Are you hosting a Fourth of July party this weekend, or heading to a parade or backyard barbecue? Whip up one of these cool patriotic projects to celebrate Independence Day!
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11 Great Interior Ideas From 11 All-American Films

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:07 -0700

Yesterday, I showed you 11 great Summer living ideas from 11 all-American movies. Today, I'm back with more all-American movies whose interior elements keep me inspired. See what I love, and how you can use it in your home.
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Roundup: Fireworks

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:16 -0700

I've shown you stars, I've shown you stripes, and now I'm back with some fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. As usual, I've rounded up some cool Fourth of July-inspired home decor elements that will look good in your casa year-round. This Goldfinger Pendant ($2,385) resembles a gorgeous exploding firework, but would look lovely hanging over your dining room table on any holiday.

For my other firework finds, read more.

Steal of the Day: Americana Cube

CasaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:12 -0700

I love stars and stripes just as much as the next Yankee, especially around the Fourth of July. But, if I'm going to invest in patriotic furnishings to use year-round, I'd prefer to make a more subtle tribute.
The Pottery Barn Americana Cube ($499, reduced from $699) has all the right ingredients. The small trunk incorporates Old Glory imagery with muted distressed fabric stripes in dusty red and blue on its sides, and hand-stitched stars on its table surface. Nothing about it says barbecue, fireworks, or hot July day, but it certainly says "America."

11 Great Summer Living Ideas From 11 All-American Movies

CasaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:14 -0700

As many of you already know, when I'm watching movies, my eye is constantly trained on the interiors and exteriors to see what ideas I can borrow or adapt for CasaSugar readers. So, since we're heading into a long holiday weekend here in the US, I figured that I should entertain you with some all-American movies whose exteriors inspire me.
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Roundup: Stars

CasaSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:53 -0700

For those of us in the United States, this Saturday will be marked by parades, barbecues, and family outings. Yesterday, I showed you some stripes that will look great in your home year-round. Today, I'm back with some stars for your stripes.

I love these fun Reclaimed Wooden Stars ($19-39). They'd look cute in a Summer cabin or a children's bedroom. There are a lot more star-studded finds when you read more.

HelenBilt Goldfinger Pendant - $2,835.00	Kim Seybert - $56.00
angela adams Grace Rug - $899.00	Chrysanthemum Rug - $598.00
Steel Espresso Burst 27" Wall Clock - $89.99	Fumi Watanabe Fireworks - $580.00
Wallter Premium Burst bedspread - $580.00	Essenze Ulu Pendant - $660.00
Golden Sunburst Mirror - $675.00	Rohini Curtain - $98.00
Area Four duvets and cases - $55.00	Artel - fireworks clear glassware by artel - $51.00
Essenze Floral Pendant - $500.00	Lights Up! Meridian Pendant Lamps - $80.00

Star Rug - $299.00	Star-Point Side Table - $859.00
Mini Antique Mirror Star - $123.00	Planked Star Panel - $399.00
Diamantini Domeniconi - sun & star clocks by diamantini & domeniconi - $238.00	Star Hanging Candleholder - $6.95
Mini Star Dish - $2.95	Star Citronella Mini Torches - $8.95
Bobby Berk Home Evening Star Mirror - $329.00	Star Fruit and Daikon Veggie Bowl - $42.00
Reclaimed Wood Stars - $59.00	Triangle Edged Pillow - $79.00