Easy Labor Day Table Decor

 Can you believe that labor day is right around the corner? It seems like the summer really went by faster than ever. Now that school is in session, why not send summer out in style and welcome fall with open arms? These festive and oh so easy table decorations are perfect for a party, and they look nice long after the patriotic holiday season.

This is an easy project, and chances are, you have everything you need to make a few in your pantry!

This easy candle project is perfect to make with the kids. We used leftover dyed rice from a sensory bin and tossed a battery operated candle into the mix, and BOOM! There is a cute as can be way to decorate for the day. For FREE!

If you don't already have dyed rice laying around no worries, it is so easy to do! You can get the complete dyed rice tutorial here.

Start by putting a little red, a little blue and a little un dyed white rice into a mason jar. Shake it. Add more of each color, making sure to shake in between colors, until you fill about 3/4 of the jar.

Add a battery operated candle. Repeat as needed. Decorate tables, patios, walkways and more with these.

Find more wonderful rice ideas here.

Reader favorites include Homemade Rice Pudding.

Sushi Sensory Bin

Stars and Stripes Bin

Bring a touch of patriotic flair to your sensory activities with this easy to set up Stars and Stripes Bin.

It is fun to play in and gives little hands a chance to design the flag. Make it for the 4th of July, or anytime for hands on play.

A few weeks ago I ran across a bag of white sand in my craft supplies and I wanted to use it before it spilled all over my craft room. I had visions of our rascally kitten Richard finding it and using it like a mini litter box. 

I kept poking around in my supplies and found a bag of glow in the dark starts. Inspiration was born.

This was an easy bin to assemble and both of my kids enjoyed playing in this bin. 

Supplies:

Popcorn kernels

Hand sanitizer

Blue food color

White craft sand

Red paper

Star Confetti

Small glow in the dark stars

Paint brush

Plastic bin with lid

Scissors

Zipper seal storage bag.

Directions:

To make blue dyed popcorn:

Place about a 1/2 a cup of unpopped popcorn kernels, 2 generous drops of hand sanitizer and several drops of blue food coloring in a zipper seal food storage bag. 

Shake well.

You can allow the kernels to dry in the bag overnight, or place them on a paper towel to dry for several hours.

To assemble the bin:

Cut a sheet of red paper to fit inside of the bin you plan to use.

Pour white craft sand over the red paper.

In the upper left section, pour the blue dyed popcorn kernels.

Add a paint brush and an assortment of stars.

Invite your child to brush sand away to create the stripes.

Encourage your child to add the stars to the popcorn kernels.

When not in use, replace the lid on the bin for easy storage for future play!

Find more sensory bin ideas here.

Reader favorites include:

Birthday Cake Bin

Flower Garden Sensory Bin

Bomb Pop Cocktails

All the flavors you loved as a child in bomb pops take a grown up turn to create a cocktail that is perfect for your holiday festivities, or anytime of the year!

I might not be sipping on boozy drinks very often, but I do love to play bartender for friends and neighbors.  Last weekend one of my favorite neighbors caught me outside taking photos and he asked me to make his lovely wife a drink, something cheerful that would take the edge off. She had a rough day. I knew right away what I wanted to serve. I dashed inside and gathered my supplies. This drink came out so beautifully that I made a few and headed over with my little drink tray and visited with them. 

This drink looks like it might be complicated to make, but trust me. Layering this bomb pop cocktail is effortless!

Ingredients:

Strawberry syrup (torani makes a nice one that is easy to find)

Vodka

Sprite

Ice

Blue Curacao

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 1 ounce of strawberry syrup.

Add 1 ounce of vodka.

Add 6 ounces of sprite.

Add 1 ounce of blue curacao.

Garnish with a strawberry if desired.

Enjoy!

You can easily make this a mocktail for the kids and friends who don't indulge by omitting the alcohol and replacing the curacao with blue gatorade or Hawaiian Punch.

You can find more cocktail recipes here

Reader favorites include:

Goodnight Kiss

18 Treats for the 4th of July

The 4th of July is here, but have no fear! I have you covered for all treats Red, White and Blue! I rounded up 18 fun recipes that I thought you would love!  From kid made to downright Patriotic, this list of treats are perfect for your 4th of July party!

Patriotic Pudding Pops from We Made That
Red, White and Blue Patriotic Pops from Oh My! Creative
Red, White and Blue Layered Jello from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Patriotic Jello from We Made That
Patriotic Popcorn from Life with Moore Babies
Patriotic Dipped Pretzels from Mama Miss
Patriotic S'mores  from Club Chica Circle
4th of July Drink from We Made That
4th of July Layered Kids Drink from Artsy Mama
Berry Sparkler from Bitz n Giggles
Exploding Cookie Bars from Life with Moore Babies
Red, White and Blue Marshmallow Decorating from Stella 123
4th of July Fruit Kabobs from School Time Snippets
4th of July Homemade Gummi Candy from Mama Miss
4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars from Kids Activities Blog
Red, White and Blue Cake from Just Enza
Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes from KleinWorth & Co
Summer Velvet Parfaits from Bitz n Giggles


Which of these patriotic treats will you be making for Independence Day? Do you have a favorite festive recipe to add to this list? Tell me about it in a comment!

This easy patriotic parfait is perfect for a last minute dessert!