Fourth of July Weekend kickoff

Our Fourth of July weekend was so fun! We got to see so many of our friends! Amy and Chris came into town for the long weekend on Friday afternoon - we were so happy to have them up and their sweet Maddie! Meredith and Johnathan came up from SSI to be at her parents' lake place, but we stole them away for the evening on Friday. And our awesome Gainesville friends, Callie and Brian, came over too! Great group! David grilled salmon which we served with cream cheese grits and kale. Here's the highlights from our inaugural evening...

Rigatoni, tomato, mozzarella, and parsley pasta

Cucumber, mango, red onion, and jalapeno relish for our salmon

Cauliflower potato salad

Fresh corn salad with tomato, greens, cucumber, and red onion

Spinach avocado wraps

My patriotic table!

My grandparents, Mama Doris and Datee, were the most patriotic people ever. They both loved this country, and honored it every Fourth of July. Until this year, we always gathered at their lake house and had tons of friends and family coming in and out, with the house smelling of all things delicious and summery - fried chicken, BBQ, Brunswick Stew, watermelon, and every other picnic food imaginable. This beautiful, worn American flag belonged to them, and I thought it was the perfect piece de resistance to add to my patriotic decor.

As usual, I brought in hydrangeas from the yard!



One of my appetizers for the night: Greek skewers - olives, cucumber, and tomato with feta dip. Mere brought the best artichoke dip, and we had chips and salsa along with cheese and crackers.



Waiting for our friends to arrive!

The Roberts came for dinner, the Arnolds visited all weekend, and The Hughs came over too! We all sat on the back deck laughing until waaaaay too late. :)