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Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg


Ways to Entertain and Dress Festive for 4th of July

 

 

Friday Bar cart styling summer Nautical, Watermelon moscow mules

Friday Bar cart styling summer Nautical, Watermelon moscow mules

Bar cart day bbq , bar cart styling , bbq fun,

Can you believe the 4th of July is a little over a week away! Seriously Summer just flies by, and I love to soak up every minute of it. This year the 4th is going to look a little different for all of us. Many of the activities we all love and enjoy May be canceled,  For instance, parades, festivals, firework displays, and breakfast in the parks. however, this doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate American and this great Country in a little different way. (Did you know Utah is the number 1 most patriotic state?) Family BBQs, Backyard pool parties, or a lake day, little sidewalk fireworks, or even a small neighborhood firework display (if allowed in your city). Family and friends are what makes a Holiday special, So put on that American the great playlist, Plan the grocery shopping list and pull out all the stops on your Home decorating.

Our front porch welcomes & celebrates America, and I hope it gets you excited for what’s beyond the front door.  I wanted to share with you a red, white, and blue nautical Bar cart perfect for serving drinks, a festive snack table to keep guests happy and tummies full before dinner, and our Stars and stripe dining table perfect for entertaining a small crowd. I hope they will inspire you to entertain this 4th of July and maybe make some new traditions.

   Tip for creating an eclectic and festive tablescape for entertaining is to gather up all the items you have in the colors theme you are using, here, of course, is red, white, and blue. Don’t worry about the patterns. A mix is part of the fun. Place all our items in your workstation, take inventory and see what your missing (plates or glasses, etc.) This act will allow for easier shopping. Another tip would be to collect items that can quickly work for other occasions (think solid colors, patterns not necessarily the Holiday pattern.)

   Try to think of other Holidays or events you could use items to decorate with. Say the Red polka dot bowl. The item could be used for Christmas, Valentine’s day, 4th of July, and even a Birthday.  Layering is also another tip, layering tablecloths, placemats, ribbon, chargers, etc. Layering adds texture, for instance, if I removed the mesh ribbon from the center of the table below, The centerpiece of the table would look flat and not as interesting. Layering creates texture. Play with the items you’ve collected and remember to group in odd numbers, use dishes as risers to give your display height dimensions, and use some unexpected things. Using denim pockets from old jeans for the silverware holders is unexpected and useful.

My inspiration was all things red, white, and blue, days of Summer from the past. Coke and cherries remind me of hot summer days and add a little nostalgia to the tablescape. I created easy shopping for you below. Some of the items I have used are vintage and some I have been collecting for years. I did find a lot of similar items or pieces that could easily be substituted. Mixing things collected, vintage and new gives it that fun pop.  For more Idea’s and products Shop my Amazon shops HERE

Now that we have the entertaining covered, let’s talk dressing festively. You could use the same concept I used for entertaining/ creating a tablescape, Collect all the Red white and blue clothing items and accessories, and create your outfits from the pieces you collected from your closet. You’d be surprised how many festive outfits you could put together from what you already own. Below you will find I created five 4th of July outfits from pieces I have owned for years. White Jeans HERE a Summer staple and my RED Tory Burch Miller sandals HERE are pieces I wear all supper long. Pair them with a Gingham top below and festive jewelry for that perfect Summer night outfit/BBQ. I added an easy shopping bar below to help you find a piece or two that works for all of the Summer season and perfect for the 4th of July. Shop the outfit HERE

4th of July outfit

4th of July perfection says the dress below, unfortunately, it sold out. Still, I listed some adorable alternatives below.  The straw bag is perfect for the Summer season, and I added this cute designer dupe bow pin to make it perfect for the 4th of July. Shop the look HERE or shop the post below 

4th of July outfit

Easy peezy outfit that says 4th of July without having a flag or saying 4th of July. Pulling red white and blue pieces out of your wardrobe that you wear all summer and pairing them together creates a Holiday look without actually purchasing a 4th of July item. Stripes are one of my favorite things, and I love you can mix a bold stripe and small stripe. Shop the look HERE or shop the page below

4th of July outfit

Chic and festive pulling basics out to create a Holiday look everyone can wear. Navy blazer, classic white button-up shirt, distressed jeans and could also be worn with Bermuda shorts add festive accessories, and you’re ready to celebrate.  Show the look HERE or Shop the page below

4th of July outfit

4th of July outfit

The easiest dress to wear and style multiple ways for Summer. Here we’re shooting for 4th of July and celebrating America, so I paired this polka dot maxi dress with a denim jacket, a sun hat, and a patriotic star bandana. Easy and festive. You could also swap out the denim jacket and wear a striped sweater over your shoulders. Swap out the sun hat for a festive headband. Shop the look HERE or Shop the page below

4th of July Summer outfits

Welcome to our Home. Remember, your entryway tells the story of what your guest should expect when they enter your home. Make it as festive as your tablescape. I’ve been collecting items since owning my Home decor store “Pages of tyme” back in California starting almost 24 years ago. Some of these pillows are a treasure from those days. The lady that hand made them from some of the prettiest fabrics. This flag and rose pillow are hand embroidered. Remember to collect things that bring you joy. They’ll always work in your home when you love them.

4th of July entertaining

4th of July entertaining

4th of July entertaining

4th of July entertaining

4th of July entertaining

I hope your Holiday week brings you joy and your ability to make fun memories, although they may look different this year.  Happy fourth of July! OX,D’Arcy

 

I have three blogger girlfriends that are sharing 4th of July inspiration over on their blogs! Please go check out their post: 

Rosemary= Distinctly southern style

            Gwen= Gwen Lives Well

             Heidi=www.simplyoursociety.com

Michele = Sooo Boca

You might enjoy these older post:

Easy Pot luck dish

Friday Bar cart

Christmas Holiday Tablescape

 

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe. Thank you for your support! 

14 Comments

D’Arcy

D'Arcy
Welcome to my blog, Where I share Fashion and lifestyle over 40. A Former Clothing Boutique owner, Interior designer by Trade! Boy mom, Sharing Tips, DIY’s, Recipes, Home inspiration, Ways to style what you own and create ways to look & feel stylish at any age! I love a good deal and I adore luxury! I share how I mix both. While sneaking in Chats about midlife issues. Midlife Now, isn’t what it was for our moms!
oxox D'Arcy

For size reference: I am 5'9 1/2
Wear a size 6 and med Top

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Helping Women live life stylishly & look good at any age👗outfit styling 💄Beauty 🛍️Tips🍽Recipes✈️Travel🏡 Utah #midlife [email protected]

Just Call me Martha With a Hack… Biscuits and Ber Just Call me Martha With a Hack…

Biscuits and Berries recipe is what “is this “Sunday’s in the Kitchen with D’Arcy”

I had heard good things about @magnoliatable  Buttermilk Biscuits,
And I’ve been wanting to try them. 

I thought that would be a good quick hack to serve them for a Sunday breakfast treat.

I brushed them with 🧈French Butter and French flaky Salt… (makes all the difference) you could eat them just like that…

I served them with Homemade Whipping cream and my Strawberry sauce along with Fresh Berries🍓🫐🌱

So so good… this would be a great brunch side dish or dessert as well.

These biscuits would make a great mini breakfast sandwich- egg cheese and bacon✔️
Or my Family’s  favorite-Biscuit’s and Gravy 

❤️save to reference later

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

I hope you have a day full of Gods Blessings and good food

What are you having for Sunday dinner?

We making. Grilled Filet mignon, scalloped potatoes, Asparagus and Baby carrots, homemade Baked Bruschetta bread, and a couple appetizers… 

Plus we’re all looking forward to our Baby Fix💙💙💙💙

Happy Sunday pretty ladies💋 D’Arcy

#biscuts #homecookedfood #sundayrecipe
Romanticize your Life & Relationship ☕️ From a Wi Romanticize your Life & Relationship ☕️

From a Wife of over 30 years, a boy mom, a new coco and someone who loves to entertain & make you feel special, and welcome in our home ….

Let’s normalize morning ☕️Coffee dates at home……

Make your morning Special in the quietness of your own home.

Create a cozy table, with your favorite warm drink, fresh juice, yummy treat and fresh fruit. 

This can be inside or outside, in your garden or on the deck.

Set the tone with your favorite coffee morning playlist, and Take the time to catch up, enjoy each other’s company and relax . 

A little effort & a whole lot of love☕️❤️

Romanticize your life & relationship…

Small gestures make a BIG impact and really do change how you feel and care for each other….

#coffeedate #homestyle #romatizeyourlife #homesandgarden
Drenim lovers💙 The denim dress you won’t stop wea Drenim lovers💙

The denim dress you won’t stop wearing!  NYDJ did it.. designed the perfect and flattering denim dress you can wear on vacation, style it country with boots and a hat for Rodeo’s or country concerts and add a cute pop of color & wear it to lunch with the girls.

so flattering I 
Styled it with 
Ratten/straw bag with 

Sam Edelman platform slides with a buckle 

Natural Beaded hoops 

For that fun vacation /summer vibe 

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/65YAs 

#denimdress  #nydj #midlifestyle
When you have time to kill…. And you end up HERE✔️ When you have time to kill….
And you end up HERE✔️

Who’s with me for killing time at Homegoods?🛒🛍️

See my designer picks… and what I purchased and HOW I STYLED it….

Let me know below what you’re buying?

FOLLOW if you like this kind of content❤️

#homegoodsobsessed #midlifestyle #homefinds
Denim on Denim but CHIC, NOT Boring OVER 50✔️ Lov Denim on Denim but CHIC, NOT Boring OVER 50✔️

Love the denim on denim “Canada tuxedo” look, perfect and chic when you don’t know what to wear✔️

Always chic- and never boring when you add Fab & Fun accessories…
-Denim slide sandals with some bling
-Mixing bling and turquoise Jewelry adds interest, and bring on those layers!
-A touch of Texture with a straw bag

-The Meg wide leg jean is one of my favorite pairs of jeans, cute year round…

Wear in the summer and spring with sandals, date night with a heel

-Denim jacket is my all time favorite denim jacket, not boxy, slightly tappers in, hits at the right spot and  comes in several washes ( I own all) 

-Nothing Better than a great Denim shirt, a piece you’ll wear on repeat year round!

Comment “Shop” for links!

Tell me below your favorite denim to wear⬇️ I’ll go first…
Mother
Kut from the Kloth
Risen
Wit and Wisdom 
Spanx
Cloth & Stone

#denimondenim #canadiantuxedo #midlifefashion
Yesterday’s ABC’s “Good Things Utah” Fashion Fix ~ Yesterday’s ABC’s “Good Things Utah”
Fashion Fix ~ 
Spring Dresses for every body type & a few styling tips.!

View the full segment on my BLOG & in my Bio as well as a clip in today’s stories!

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK
 ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/65fen 

🛍️Save 10% off your Purchase on all these dresses with MY CODE and Link: DARCY10

Tell me what’s your favorite Dress style to wear 👇🏻 below in comments😉🌸

#utahblogger #midlifestyle #springdresses #yourenevertooold
Life is better in pink🌸 Styling a pretty pink bla Life is better in pink🌸

Styling a pretty pink blazer and floral dress over 50…

Perfect Spring combo🌸🌸🌸

I’ll be on set at ABC Good Things Utah today, sharing Spring dresses for every body type..

Sharing a few styling tips too.

You can live stream or all have it up on my blog this evening🎥
Link is in bio

What’s your favorite dress style? Short mid length, Maxi-color neutral or prints? Tell ⬇️ below

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/65bLT 

#springdresses #midlifestyle #utahinfluencer #fashionstylistlife
Who feels me…. I took a walk to clear my head….. Who feels me….

I took a walk to clear my head…..
This is where my walking lead….

Sometimes we do… Just need a good WALK😂The only kind Retail therapy can bring😂😂😂

Target and Trader Joe’s is always good therapy !

Did you get your WalK in today?

Midlife journey-shopping that makes you happy- a new Spring dress, food & flowers

#walkinginpurpose #midlifejourney #funnyvideosclips #retailtheraphy
He has Risen…Gave us the most precious gift🙏🏻✝️ Th He has Risen…Gave us the most precious gift🙏🏻✝️
Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough 🙏🏻

May you Have a beautiful Easter full of God’s love, Family, Faith, Good Food & Blessing and Blooms✝️🌸

💋From Our Home to Yours

🌸Outfit inspo:
Spring Dress style

Floral dress- fully lined tts 
Fabric cover buttons, pockets tie waist, puff sleeve v neck
Love the pink and green floral perfect for Spring.

Designer  slide sandals and Dior Saddle bag in pink 

Julie Vos- necklace, bracelets, rings and earrings 

Classic pieces you’ll wear on repeat for years

🛍️Comment “SHOP lbelow to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/64QCv 

Spring social season, wedding guest, church, bridal shower, brunch- Spring dress outfit inspo

#springdresses  #midlifestyle #utahinfluencer
What I mean when I say “I am Hosting Easter Dinner What I mean when I say “I am Hosting Easter Dinner!” 

Easter Tablescape in Shades of Blues, Green and Pop of yellow.

Using my mom’s vintage Willow ware china, Bamboo flatware, green steam ware, eggs cups and linens. 

Chocolate bunnies filled with treats, a touch of Gold, low lights and candles a long with Spring flower arrangements I created.

Brings a look of tradition, vintage and collected together for a beautiful tablescape, I hope you can pull inspiration from.

Remove the bunnies for a beautiful Spring Table. 

Have a beautiful Easter and if this is your Vibe follow along for more. 

#eastertable #eastertablescape #vintagechina #bluewhite
—Weekend Style over 50– I am 54 and this is my Sa —Weekend Style over 50–

I am 54 and this is my Saturday style mixing splurge and saving.

Perfect & put together comfy set with accessories to grab a coffee, a lunch date, run errands or head to the grandkids sport event✔️

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/64Bdj
DIY: Let’s creat adult Kid Easter Baskets… I was l DIY:
Let’s creat adult Kid Easter Baskets…
I was lucky enough to grab a few of the pastel Trader Joe’s canvas bag’s (which make darling Easter Baskets) 

🥕🐰Make sure to watch to the end to see all the different ideas🧺🐣

I shared with you these cute Bunny Snack containers, perfect for favorite candies, snacks a gift card and a few small treasures. To add to their baskets or give alone.

(Still available to order online and pick up)

Ideas for Basket stuffers
Favorite snacks
Socks
Book
Toiletries 
Beauty accessories 
Hair Accessories
Fun make up
A gadget or two
Small game 
Gift card

(When mine were little)
I did a beach towel, new swim suite, flip flop’s, sunglasses, sunscreen, pool toys, and a summer outfit…

(I need to do that next year for them as adults) ☀️🌊👙⛱️

Do you still do baskets for your adult kids? (I do one for hubby and my mom too)

🛍️Comment “ Shop” and link with details receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/64s62

Happy Good Friday

#easterbaskets #easterbasketideas #midlifemom
Storage Healthy choice NO MORE PLASTICS… We made Storage Healthy choice 
NO MORE PLASTICS…

We made the change last year to remove all plastic in our lifestyle..

One of the changes we made for bread & cheese along with sandwich’s is to use beeswax wraps and beeswax and linen storage bags..

Safe, reusable, non toxic,, locks in freshness, ease to clean, freezer safe and reuse & recycled 

Highly recommend 

Wooden bread knife
Creating Easter Baskets For your Grand babies🐣🐰💐 Creating Easter Baskets 
For your Grand babies🐣🐰💐

I had so much fun creating a basket for our little guy!
( most of this will arrive before Easter) so you still have time to order online and even order online for pick up.

🧺The Basket is personalized (and unfortunately takes two weeks) but you could save to order other cute custom items.

🐰This cute Melissa and Doug Bunnie is one of my favorite children’s toy lines. (Arrives next day) 

👶 Baby clothes make great basket stuffers🧺

- Teddy bear sweater with ear hood
- Denim Jacket
- Set of 3 Thermal tank bodysuits
-Linen shorts
-Ducky Sleeper
-Duck Sponge
-Lamb Rubber bath toy
-Bunny Case Full of Travel Baby Toiletries 

Comment “Shop” for more details and links

#easterbaskets #grandbabies #midlifejourney
What DRESSES I am wearing as a 54 year old, this S What DRESSES I am wearing as a 54 year old, this Spring & Summer…

A little something for everyone…10 dresses & Styling ideas

-Ruffles & Bows
-Show a little leg
-Calf & Maxi length for those who don’t 
-Casual- Everyday-Workwear and -Travel
-Color- Neutrals and Print

A few style TIPs and the BIGGEST style mistake….

Just putting on the dress and not accessorizing …. Take NOTE of every look… Shoes, Bag, Jewlery and finishing accessories ✔️✔️✔️

Accessorizing can make or break your look… Styling doesn’t have to be hard or over the top… but it is something you don’t want to skip…

Changing your bag takes 3 minutes, picking a shoe can be an issue for some. Tip: pick a neutral sandal or heel, 1 good neutral sandal & Bag can work for all these looks. (I’ve linked several over on my blog and in stories) 

- A great gold or silver stack of bracelets, a favorite necklace and earrings will work if you are a minimalist..

If you’re a Maximalists like me😉 you’ll have a collection for every season, every “vibe” and several choices to change the looks….

You can be classic and chic, simple and elegant, boho and layered…. Just DON’T skip accessorizing😉

Tell me what’s your style below: ⬇️ 

Save 10% off your Purchase on all these dresses with MY CODE and Link: DARCY10

Comment “Shop” ⬇️ to
receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/64aXn 

#springdresses #over50fashion #alldressedup
Say Goodbye to boring Veggie platters🥕🥬🧅🫜🫛🫑🌶️ Com Say Goodbye to boring Veggie platters🥕🥬🧅🫜🫛🫑🌶️

Come create a Spring Veggie wreath platter with me that will wow your guest for your next gathering.

In Season Veggies fresh from the Farmers Market.

Served with my Homemade Garlic and chive hummus🌱
(Recipe on the Blog)

Veggie Ingredients below:
-Tuscan kale leaves
-Green onions 
-Heirloom cherry tomatoes 
-Belgian endives
-La Petites carrots
-Radishes 
-Baby Corn
-Asparagus 
-English cucumber 
-English peas 
-Edible Flowers (chamomile)

You’ll need a wreath shaped cutting board or a round cutting board!

Note: You can create a small to large wreath depending on the size of circle cutting board you use, to accommodate the size of your guests.

Fun idea: Add a pretty bow to match your theme (made an Easter bow forgot it!)

💌SAVE this for your next party menu✔️

#veggieplatter #utahblogger #veggierecipes #entertainingathome
Spring outfit of the day🌿🌷 Cute top with Jeans✔️ Spring  outfit of the day🌿🌷
Cute top with Jeans✔️

Chic, cute and great mix of affordable and splurge 

Had a coffee date with my hubby☕️🌷what I wore:

Cute knit peplum top $27  comes in several colors.
Great to wear now and layer for fall. 

Cuff jeans -made for  exclusive from one of my favorite brands under $80 the perfect year round jean! 

Steve Madden suede gold buckle flat/slide 

Splurge worthy- Necklace and  matching chain bracelet Julie Vos you’ll wear on repeat forever ❤️

-Gold hoops lisi lurch 

Two bangles and one small link bracelet Allie. & Bess save 20% with code DARCY20 

One of my most used splurge worthy bags- The speedy

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/63VzT

#cutetop  #saveandsplurge #utahinfluencer #starbucksdate☕️
Mail Day LiVe Random Tuesday live to share New ar Mail Day LiVe

Random Tuesday live to share New arrivals, latest product launches, Spring fashion and midlife helpers!

I hope you’ll enjoy grabbing an iced coffee and tuning in for a bit!

Items and discount codes are linked over on my Liketoknowit 

Tell me what your Interested in or shopping for this Spring below.

Comment “SHOP”below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/63VjT 

#mailday #newproductlaunch #midlife
—-Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe— HACK I created the b —-Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe—
HACK

I created the best & easy to make treat your family will love…

🥕Boxed cake mix
For the easiest Carrot Cake Cookie’s Topped with Cream Cheese frosting …

You’ll need:
1 box carrot cake mix
16oz jar of apple sauce
1 1/2 cups of flour (you want it to be able to stand in cookie scoop)  high altitude needs a touch more.
1tablespoon cinnamon 
1cup of shedders and chopped carrots
1/2 cup or cup of walnuts depending on how many nuts you like

Stir in ingredients cake mix apple sauce, mix, add in cinnamon, add flour stir, fold in carrots stir, fold in nuts 
(I like to reserve a small amount of carrots and nuts for top of cookie frosting . Bake at 350 for 12-15 min depending on oven

Cream cheese Frosting :
1 softened block cream cheese
1 softened cub of butter
1 tablespoon spoon of Vanilla 
1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar
1 cup powdered sugar 

Full recipe details up on my blog. 

#carrotcakecookies #cookierecipe
Melanoma Cancer Journey Part 5 —2 month Update— Melanoma Cancer Journey 
Part 5

—2 month Update—

 1 month after my First laser treatment.

➡️Slide through the video clips and photos for ALL the updates➡️

I was diagnosed in December, Surgery in January and my first laser in February.

I’ve been sharing this Journey in hopes to help encourage you to make a skin check up appointment. 

Melanoma Cancer is deadly and very different from Skin Cancer.

Melanoma cancer is deadly,  early detection is key, before it can spread to lymph nodes, organs blood. 

If your new here or just seeing this post, I have 4 other parts with all the info and my Journey to date in Feed and stores saved to highlights with more info.

Thank you for all the kind messages, comments and prayers! I appreciate you being apart of my tribe.

Thank you and NOW make your Skin Appointment!

#skincancerawareness #skincancer #melanoma
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