The great thing about holidays is that we get to celebrate them every year, no matter what. I find it so comforting that they come with built-in traditions, such as color schemes, decorations, menus, and of course, wardrobe selections.
While jewel tones, plaid, and a bit of sparkle are fitting for the winter holiday season, we look to pastels and the soft colors of springtime at Easter. In the heat of midsummer, no holiday makes a snappy style decision quite like the 4th of July. The palette is crisp and straightforward, inspired by the colors of our American flag: red, white, and blue. Don’t we all love a patriotic and easy way to dress?
When hot weather hits, my coolest companion is a white dress. I am loving flowing cotton pieces with pretty details such as embroidery or eyelet. Of course, the simplicity of wearing white is that it can be accessorized differently every time I wear it. It’s like a white canvas waiting for a brush to bring color and interest to it.
If you know me, you are right to expect that I add color to my white frock. My favorite accessory of the moment is a collection of candy-colored beaded stretchy bracelets that I throw on with everything. For the 4th of July, I’ll sprinkle my look with patriotic colors to amplify the spirit of the holiday.
Just as my Independence Day wardrobe is simple, so is the fare that we eat. This is not the holiday for a complicated menu. Chilled salads are colorful, healthy, and don’t require cooking or heating up the kitchen. I prepare cold salads in advance so we can pull them out of the fridge and serve when its time to sit down. Sweet or savory, don’t be shy about mixing ingredients.
For a beautiful and delicious mix of sweet and salty cravings, watermelon, feta, and mint tossed in balsamic is colorful and refreshing. Another Reynal family favorite: corn, tomato, and avocado salad with mozzarella and tons of fragrant basil from our garden.
I am sure you will agree, the 4th of July holiday’s favorite cooking companion is the grill. My husband, Mike, grills mouthwatering ribs, salmon, and steaks—all seasoned and cooked to perfection.
When it comes to music, I made a playlist for the 4th of July with classic music such as “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz, “American Girl” by Tom Petty, and everyone’s favorite “American Pie” by Don McLean.
Luckily, the 4th of July is meant to be celebrated outside, a welcome habit given the socializing constraints of this year. So, revel with sights, with tastes, with sounds! Go for a bike ride, lounge around the pool, wear your stripes, abandon calorie restrictions to indulge in an ice cream cone, and light a sparkler. Happy Fourth!
