EDITOR’S LETTER
Have you ever noticed a detail in a recently taken photograph, encountered a familiar scent or eaten some type of food that sparked a flurry of childhood memories that you haven’t pondered in years? The photo I am sharing here caught my attention because it reminded me of fun summer road trips with my parents, and one special item found on these adventures that I couldn’t wait to get home just in time for the Fourth of July.
During summer break from grade school every year, my parents and I headed out on a one-hour drive to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in late June to browse through its quaint shops. While my mother was more interested in visiting antiques and home decor stores, I was laserfocused on hitting souvenir shops in search of the ultimate Independence Day party accessory—sparklers! Fireworks (including sparklers back then) are not legal in Illinois where I grew up, so I had to cross the border to get my festive fix. I could barely keep the packages under wraps for a few days, but when night fell and the real fireworks began, my family and I would light our sparklers and celebrate the holiday together.
The catalyst for this happy memory was a lovely patriotic tablescape designed by Amber Lyon Ferguson for her blog, Follow the Yellow Brick Home. As I was looking through Amber’s blog a few months ago, the post caught my attention because her vignette shows off a colorful array of Americana accents, including a small ironstone creamer filled with boxes of sparklers. To see her full centerpiece, as well as get other seasonal styling ideas, turn to “Sparkle & Spirit” on pages 38–39.
For an alternate tabletop display, try your hand at creating faux fireworks from scrap branches and a little paint. Country Sampler stylist René Haines collected downed branches from her yard and used craft paint to fashion bowl fillers for a porch vignette. (See “Salute to Summer” on pages 8–14.)
We hope these ideas, as well as the charming homes featured this month, ignite some decorating inspiration just in time for your summertime activities and celebrations!