Monday, July 1, 2013

Stars, Stripes and Checks

My Zinnias have started blooming, so I made a little arrangement for the breakfast table. 
I planted them from seed several weeks ago; and we had so much rain, I was afraid they had all washed away...but some made it.


When I stuck the little flag in the pitcher, I noticed the "stars and stripes" on the Zinnias. :)


Don't the little yellow parts in the center look like stars?


These have stripes on them...and stars.


This one looks a little like exploding fire works...ok, work with me on this one. :)


This one...not so much.
Now, for the checks. 
Look what I found at the thrift store...


...a MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle...for $3.53. Whoo Hoo!


It's handle is slightly scorched, and there are a couple of small dings
in the edge of the lid, but it's just the thing to hold herbs from the garden.

Oh, one last stars and stripes...


I probably would have just put out my little flags in the flower pots, but the weather man has predicted rain for the rest of the week, and only my big flags are weather resistant.
So, Plan B...I quickly grabbed two smaller flags, a dollar store bow, which I fluffed and stuffed with pieces of cardboard to make it stay put, and...


...three sparkly drinking straws left from last year. 
I cut them to fit, stuck them in the bow, and tied everything on the door knocker with twist ties. 
My front door is now ready for the 4th, and it only took 5 minutes!

I think I'm finally ready, except for shopping for hot dogs, buns, chips, sodas, napkins...whew...guess I'd better get busy.

Hugs,
Babs


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The Tablescaper ~ Seasonal Sunday
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21 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I love those zinnias, Babs...so unusual! And your door looks so festive...ready for the 4th! Thanks so much for sharing at The Scoop!...hugs...Debbie

Mary said...

So clever to add those straws to your door arrangement Babs! I have some of those same straws, I'll have to remember for patriotic decorating in the future! I adore your tea kettle and such a bargain too, you find the best stuff thrifting! Love your stars & stripes and bombs-bursting-in-air zinnias too :)

Lynn said...

Looks like you're all set for the 4th Babs! I love the zinnias and the fireworks one is my fav! Happy 4th of July Week-enjoy:@)

Bonnie said...

I love quick and easy things. Thanks for the door decoration idea.

I must buy some zinnia seed if they come up and bloom so quickly. I always intend to plant seed and forget.

I love your photos of the zinnias and the centers are amazing. They do look like stars. Awesome creation.

Great thrifting find. Love your herbs in your kettle. Happy 4th!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love your flowers, so pretty and the teapot is fabulous. Great 4th decor. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Sylvia said...

Yes, your zinnias are so patriotic! You find the neatest things at thrift shops at such great prices too.

Sarah said...

Babs, I'm impressed that you planted seeds a few weeks ago and now have these wonderful blooms. What's your secret? Love the variety of your blooms. The candy stripe is my fav! You already know how great I think you thrift store find is. Hurray for GW!
~ Sarah
PS
I have zinnias on my table too, but I had to buy them at the grocery store. Ha!

Pat said...

Babs,
Adorable "Stars & Stripes" with your Zinnias, dear friend!!! Gorgeous variteies, too!!!
Your front door decor is stunning!!!
I'd say you have a "Great Find" in your Tea Pot!!! Love how you've already put it to use in your kitchen with herbs!!!
Fondly,
Pat
P.S. We planted three varities of Zinnias in the Gardens, but "Pee Wee" the Spring born bunny liked them even more than we...alas...there will be no Zinnias this year! "Pee Wee' is growing rapidly...he's adorable!!!

Unknown said...

Your zinnias are beautiful and I love, love your tea pot!! Wonderful 4th decorations, too! Hope you have a wonderful holiday, Babs!~~Angela

Debbie said...

I love zinnias. I planted some this year just for the picking of them.

But my favorite part of this post is the wonderful tea pot. I am crazy about that, and what a score on the price.

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Babs, I love your zinnias, especially the one with the little stripe running through it. It reminds me of a raspberry ripple.
I do not know who MacKenzie Child is.... is that a sharp intake of breath I can hear. Whoever he or she is, I love the design of the kettle and I love how you have added herbs to the kettle.
Have a wonderful 4th July holiday tomorrow.
Best wishes as always,
Daphne

Ivy and Elephants said...

That door decor is so simple, but just perfectly gorgeous! I'll have to give that a try.
Enjoy your 4th of July!
Hugs,
patti

Ricki Treleaven said...

Those cute little striped flowers are perfect for the Fourth!

Happy Independence Day!

xo,
Ricki Jill

Helen's Decor said...

Hi Babs, Your floral arrangements are lovely.
Hope you've had a great Fourth of July.

Helen@Helen's Decor

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

What?!!...you found a MacKenzie Chllds at the thrift store!!!....that is a major score Babs!!...Love it!...your zinnias are just beautiful!

Dana Bishop said...

Love this entire post. Your zinnias are incredible! Am I coveting MacKenzie Childs tea pot? You know it!
It's always so much fun to visit your blog.

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Hi Babs, Don't you just love zinnias? They are such happy flowers. Mine have just started to bloom. I like to pair them with acuba for a sweet cottage arrangement. Yours is so pretty and I love the two toned zinnias. Hope you had a great 4th and enjoy the weekend. ~ Lynn

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? An MC teapot for less than $4 was quite the great find!

Love the colorful zinnias and your door :)

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh how I love your festive Zinnias! Some real unusual ones, and yes I see the stars and stripes! The teapot is a fantastic find! I usually plant large Zinnias. Didn't get them in this year but did plant some small ones. Not blooming yet. I can't wait! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi Babs, hopping by to let you know that I will be featuring you at SYC this week.
hugs,
Jann

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I just love zinnias and the striped are so wonderful! I love the herbs in the tea pot too.