Fourth of July with Four Kids: Finding Rhythm in the Chaos
Each year I strive to create as many beautiful moments for our family, especially during the holidays. The fourth of July I feel is the beginning of the holiday season for us. On July 7th we celebrate our anniversary, this year marks twelve beautiful years together. Then my birthday arrives in the blink of an eye, followed by the official first day of fall (which we celebrate) then halloween, thanksgiving, christmas and new years. Between these there is homeschool and of course our new baby, Genevieve. To me it feels like it happens so quickly. If I don't document these moments I feel like I missed it! Besides, I want my children to look back and feel like mama tried to make it all special for them.
This year the fourth looked like sticky fingers and giggles, a little more refined of a setting as I've grown into my style, and a kitchen that still smells like lemon and garlic as I type this. It’s delightfully imperfect. Linen ribbons were tied into bows, fresh white hydrangeas, tiny bare feet running around, and my sister is here visiting us this week! It was a little bit chaotic with excitement but completely ours.
The tablescape was elegant but unfussy. I found these organic shaped plates on amazon and the linen ribbons as well. I had been wanting to upgrade our plates for over a year now and chose these because they are so neutral that they can be dressed up for any holiday. I wanted to go for the soft colored, coastal vibe for us to gather around. All the lamps were dimmed to fifty percent, a little fancy, a little lived in. I made lobster tails in a lemon butter sauce over orzo topped with shaved parmesan, grilled lemon and garlic chicken over fingerling potatoes and zucchini, and we put out some mini cucumbers that the kids love to eat and put in their water with lemon slices. And as per tradition some red cherries.
We paired it all with Italian soda and sparkling cider to toast with and ended our meal with gelato. It wasn’t just food - it was celebration. A reminder that even in the noise and constant demand of motherhood, we can create magic. Someone refused lobster of course, and my darling girl wanted to be held throughout dinner but the sunset poured in golden. We snapped photos and exchanged stories well into the evening. You don't need to spend a small fortune, work with what you have, sometimes it’s what you have laid out nicely, a little lemon on the table, a little pasta to share, a meal that is made with love and a moment that reminds you that you are still allowed to love beautiful things and create a little magic - even in the mess.