The food is always the same: hot dogs, burgers, roasted corn on the cob and, for the grand finale, a huge strawberry or raspberry pavlova topped with whipping cream. And as traditional, at dusk, Dad sets off fireworks while the kids and the other adults watch from a safe distance.
Here are a few easy and affordable ideas that you might want to try:
Tissue Flower Garlands
Tissue wrapping paper flower garlands are easy and inexpensive to make and they are a great holiday project for both children and adults to make. For each flower, fold four 25cm squares, accordion-style. Wind a pipe cleaner around the centre of the folds and then pull each paper layer towards the centre. Attach the completed flowers to a crepe paper streamer and hang these garlands over doorways, around the patio or front porch.
Festive Fresh Flower Centrepieces
Fresh flowers always create an ambiance like no other at any table setting. For Canada Day ambiance, gather up 3 to 5 glass or plastic clean bottles on a pretty white or red plate and wrap together with a length of red or red-and-white ribbon. Plop a single white or red carnation into each container.
Oh Canada Painted Pots
Dress up a patio or porch with groups of hand-lettered pots to dress. Paint clay or plastic flower pots either red or white and then hand paint a 'July 1' or 'Oh Canada' using one letter per pot. Fill with red and white flowering plants. Alternatively, use these pots to line the driveway for a different festive touch.
Table Runners
For the table, use whatever red and white linen is available. For example, use red and white calico bandanas or tea towels as table runners. These can also be used as colourful liners for bread baskets.
Patriotic Napkin Rings
To make neat napkin rings, buy little stick-on flags at the dollar store and stick these on strips of white paper. Roll a red napkin around a knife, spoon and fork and then tape the flag napkin ring around each the napkin. Make enough for each guest.
Tasty Candy Decorations
Red and white jelly beans are great for table decorations. Fill small jars with the candy and use as anchors for sparklers or small flags. A few lined up in the middle of a table make an attractive centrepiece. Once set off, the sparklers make an impressive show.
For more free and fun Canada Day party and table decorating ideas, visit Canada Day Party.
