CELEBRATION

CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY

There are so many celebrations throughout the year including holidays and family occasions. This year, however, marks the 249th birthday of the United States providing us with opportunities to be setting special tables. I am including this one  from the 4th of July as a starter.

Celebrating our nation is very personal to me. My dad immigrated from Austria in 1939 and always instilled in us his gratitude for the opportunities he was offered. His story started when he went to apply for his Visa and was interrupted by a Countess who told him he should be applying for permanent residence. His plan had been to stay only one year as the pathologist/radiologist at an Illinois hospital. The doctor to replace him decided otherwise, so my dad made the choice to become a citizen. While teaching nurses, he met my mom, his student, and married her. So, he was doubly grateful for his becoming an American.

Completely aware that I was an American because of his choice, my gratitude became even more intense when at sixteen years old I stood in the Munich Square right underneath the balcony Hitler had stood on just a few years before. I could feel the cobble stones under my feet and imagine the scene of years before. I almost fell on my knees in gratitude that I was born in America and was spared all that terror. The time of my visit was 1958 when there were still lots of bombed-out building sites. 

What am I thinking about this upcoming 250th Anniversary? My mind goes to prayer in thanksgiving and protection for our nation.

What I like best is the display of the colors of our flag. I was thrilled that I had the ribbon which rivets the eye. The white plate and heart were given to me by a friend who knows my passion for America. I had the gladioas for years. They work well at any season, and in this case, tent the placesettings. The cobalt glass dishes were an early rummage sale find. They are really special because the friend who gave me the red goblets insisted I go back to buy them. They were quite heavy, and she insisted on carrying them to her car.

The paper dollies give the whole composition a light and airy look. This would be a great 4th of July table.