If you're thinking of throwing a party of your own this Fourth and need more inspiration, here are some of the pictures from ours that didn't make the magazine, captured by photographer Laura Moss for Woman's Day.
The bunting we made from inexpensive fabric, cut into triangles and strung along the fence to greet guests as they entered.
Miniature versions adorned a tiered tray of cupcakes, finished with grosgrain ribbon.
The final touch: lit sparklers as cupcake toppers. Careful now! And make sure you have a bucket of water handy to put them in after they go out.
What's a summer party in the country without a farmstand crudité? Ours I served in vintage berry baskets with a hallowed out cabbage for dip.
I made the corn dogs from scratch, served in a vintage wooden mustard box from a salvage shop in upstate New York.
The pulled pork, on the other hand, I picked up from our favorite little barbecue joint When Pigs Fly in Sharon, Connecticut. A quick coat of spray paint kept the vintage flower basket in palette.
Here's our friend Elizabeth Moyer, toting twin gifts in navy and white. Among the other guests: friends and bloggers Debra Phillips, Lauren Liess, Michele Ginnerty, Patricia van Essche, Reginald Darling and Valorie Hart.
Check out the fun video that Valorie's darling husband Alberto made! The portrait of Michele, Patricia, Elizabeth and Valorie appeared in a story on digital connections in the November 2010 issue of Woman's Day.
Soon, our yard would be filled with guests! Here's Katie in a vintage gingham apron, serving up sliders.
Of course, our friend Diane's sweet Lucy was more than a little jealous.
Jaithan and I have since moved from this house, but looking back on it all, we can't help but miss our little cottage in the country.
Fab styling as always! Looks like it was a great party
Posted by: Lisa McGee aka Nenaghgal | August 26, 2011 at 10:16 AM
OH my how picture perfect! So much inspiration here, and I particularly love the Kelly green and light blue jackets you two are wearing!
Posted by: Laura-Bear | July 24, 2011 at 12:53 PM
i love this post and my mouth is watering over those home made corn dogs... seriously amazing..... hope you are enjoying your summer... go ck out my post on our friend sarah... you will love it.
xx pam
Posted by: pam robinson | July 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Ok, I have to steal the pulled pork and buns in a basket. Lovely!!!!
xx Alison
Posted by: Alison Duffy | July 16, 2011 at 08:53 AM
such a fun night- we miss you guys so much!!!!
big hug!!
xoxoxo
Posted by: Lauren Liess | July 15, 2011 at 05:26 PM
How fabulous, you've moved already! I think I need to read some back posts to see where!
xo
maria
Posted by: Maria Killam | July 14, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Great work. I like the simplicity of the paper flags and so festive. Okay, now I have never eaten a corn dog but yours look so cute, I would have gone to the "other side".
Posted by: Decor Girl | July 13, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Great photo's! It must have been a fun day.
Posted by: Dee | July 13, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Eddie and Jaithan,
You really pulled off a great party at your old house. I guess my invitation was lost in the mail.
xo, Rosemary
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | July 13, 2011 at 07:31 AM
Looks like plain 'ol Summer fun.
Posted by: Tonia | July 07, 2011 at 11:33 PM
very inspirational post. :D
http://www.fabulous-chic.com
Posted by: Hannah | July 07, 2011 at 06:02 PM
What a darling party! Wish I was there! I love all of your little touches. So sorry to hear that you have moved from that adorable country house! I love how you decorated it and have saved images for one day when we can have a country vacation home too! Hope you are having a wonderful summer. It is just lovely here in MA!
~jamilyn
Posted by: Jamilyn | July 07, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Looks lovely! Love every little detail! Really love these photo's reliving a truly magical evening.
http://www.homeownerinsurancequoter.com/homeowner-insurance-plan.html
Posted by: Erica | July 07, 2011 at 04:16 AM
This is just amazing!!!! Love the old fashioned vibe but not compromising on luxury or beauty one bit. Love your crudite, and mini corn dogs! Clever and beautifully presented. Thank you for sharing, got some fantastic ideas! Its totally magazine worthy:)
Posted by: The enchanted home | July 06, 2011 at 07:09 AM
E&J: I think
I might love
the out takes as
much as what made
it "in" to the mag!
So much fun to see
my sweet friend
Elizabeth in the mix.
{I do remember seeing
that photo last fall.}
The talent here just
blows me away...
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | July 06, 2011 at 07:00 AM
That bunting is just TOO FREAKING CUTE. I want to put it everywhere!
Posted by: Steve | July 05, 2011 at 11:42 AM
i.n.s.p.i.r.e.d
u.n.d.e.r.s.t.a.t.e.m.e.n.t
gott a make me some backyard banners ...
how dare Debra come without me
hahaha
Posted by: savvycityfarmer | July 05, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Looks like a fabulous bash, Eddie!!! Love it all! ;)
Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com
Posted by: sandy@oohlafroufrou | July 05, 2011 at 10:20 AM
beyond wonderful!
Posted by: Design Elements | July 05, 2011 at 08:31 AM
I just woke up and I want a corn dog NOW! Thanks for a great time which cannot be a year ago, already!
pve
Posted by: pve | July 05, 2011 at 06:02 AM
It looks like you had a splendid day. Beautiful decor and delectable treats. Happy 4th to you both.
Posted by: El | July 04, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Corn dogs need to make a serious comeback....this just might do the trick! Great shots, it looks like you all had just the best time...it would've been impossible not to I think with all the brightness, both decorwise and fabulous peoplewise, what a great group!
Your cottage was a very special place.
Happy Fourth!!!
xo J~
Posted by: Jessica | July 04, 2011 at 01:18 PM
BEAUTIFULLY done Eddie! LOVE your style (and the green jacket & wine!) Happy 4th!! =) Have a great day!!
xo Lynda
Posted by: Lynda | July 04, 2011 at 11:25 AM
What a great wooden crate with the mustard written on the side - that's what I love so much about vintage shopping! It looks like a beautiful party!
http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Barbara@HausDesign | July 04, 2011 at 07:58 AM
E + J,
A photo shoot and a party! I need to find out what kind of water you guys are drinking to always have that much energy!
Everything looks wonderful and I can feel the good energy all the way to Seattle.
Happy 4th gentlemen!
ox, Mon
Posted by: Splendid Willow | July 03, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Why wasn't I invited!
Posted by: Randy | July 03, 2011 at 10:37 AM
wow, what an amazing, happy soiree. thank you for sharing.
Posted by: cecyj | July 02, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Oh, what a delightful backyard bash - love the decor, the food and the people!!! Happy July 4th! xoxo!!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | July 02, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Love the photos! Great ideas that seem pretty easy to do-thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Renay | July 01, 2011 at 11:21 PM
The husbands birthday is the fourth and I knew if I came in on your blog I would get some more ideas and I did...love your bunting ideas, farm fresh veggie and corn dog idea that I'm going to use. Thank you and I hope you and Jaithan have a wonderful fourth!
Posted by: Acquired Objects | July 01, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Pefection. I love a great party, a great 4th of July party is even better. I'm a huge fan of fun food on a stick for relaxed parties; the mini corn dogs are awesome.
Posted by: elz | July 01, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Found you blog through Country Living Mag. website - love your gift of design! This backyard bash looks so fun and colorful; love everything about it!
Posted by: Melanie at Country Cottage Living | June 30, 2011 at 08:22 PM
What fun!! Love seeing Elizabeth's smiling face!! And I see that several of my blogging friends were in attendance. Love the Green Acres video - too funny!!
Posted by: quintessence | June 30, 2011 at 05:56 PM
E & J, man do you guys know how to throw a party. I would miss that house, too. The yard would make me stay forever. I think one of my favorite things is the fabric flags on the fence -- so going the extra mile to introduce what's coming in the yard. Love it. I never tire of seeing what you do and how you do it! Have a happy 4th. :) Carol
Posted by: carol@sofasandsage.com | June 30, 2011 at 04:00 PM
so fun! i love all the color. :)
Posted by: katelewisart | June 30, 2011 at 12:13 PM
The crudite is so fun! Can't wait to try it!
Posted by: Ceri | June 30, 2011 at 11:08 AM
OK I am having a party and using that cabbage thing idea for dips.
I know someone who had purple cabbage in their garden and I am headed out to the country and get me a head LOL
Janice
Happy 4th
Posted by: Curtains In My Tree | June 30, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Beautiful setting, beautiful attention to detail, as usual! I'm sure your new place is just as fabulous. I am available for the next soiree : )
Posted by: Carrie leskowitz | June 30, 2011 at 08:10 AM
E+J
really love these photo's reliving a truly magical evening.
ok, so i have searched the western suburbs of chicago and cannot find a Women's Day....... anywhere, "sorry, all sold out quickly" is the refrain. but i am not giving up.
this has never happened and i am holding the two of you solely responsible.....your reach and fan base is enormous!
thank you both again
much luv
debra
Posted by: debra phillips | June 29, 2011 at 01:18 PM
The little corn dogs (or Pronto Pups as they are known here) were a particularly wonderful idea!
Posted by: The Devoted Classicist | June 29, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Thanks for sharing your extra photos with us. I look forward to seeing this article in the magazine.
Love the bunting and the food shots!
Posted by: Paula | June 29, 2011 at 09:46 AM
love all the extra attention to details such as the bunting on the fence and duplicated on the serving pieces..like how all the serving pieces are kept within the theme quite well..looks like a fun event...looking forward to the pics of your Memorial Day celebration!
best,
maureen
Posted by: eclectic revisited | June 29, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Looks like fun! Love the bunting and then how you repeated it on the cupcake tray. Cute pup! Very inspiring for the fourth. You both look so fabulous on your porch!
Posted by: Carla@DesignintheWoods | June 29, 2011 at 09:16 AM
I love these shots. Making me want to have a party this weekend. It looks effortless (even though I know it's not), it is gorgeous! Great shoot!
xox
hooper
Posted by: hooper patterson | June 29, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Sooo much work!!( I know this from experience :-( ... But it really pays off- it looks lovely, and everyone seems to be having a ball.You have put a lot of effort in the details, from the bunting to the lovely cheerful tables, the flares, just great.Great idea to include the video, love the song of " Greenacres" hahaha.Next time I throw a party you two must come over :-))
It's a date! :-)))
and.. then you can rest on your laurels for a change :-)
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | June 29, 2011 at 05:04 AM
What a fantastic party! I love the behind the scenes photos. A question: I'm always worried about bees and bugs around the food - do you usually keep the food wrapped up before the party begins or just through hell to the wind?
I hope you are both well.
xx
Posted by: Perfecting Pru | June 29, 2011 at 03:43 AM
Love your blog! Love Laura Moss she has shot for me before!
Keep up the great work!
Jamie Herzlinger
Posted by: Jamie Herzlinger | June 29, 2011 at 12:54 AM
OMG I love corn dogs! And I promise you I'm making the crudite as close as possible to yours... LOVE the cabbage for dip!
So fun to see PPT! You all look adorable... a perfect summer party indeed...
XOX
Jan
Posted by: Jan (The French Tangerine) | June 29, 2011 at 12:00 AM
That was a great party! I really felt like I was living in a magazine that evening. Love the video Alberto made.
Posted by: my notting hill | June 28, 2011 at 09:54 PM
The only thing better than having been at this amazing backyard bbq is getting to relive it through Laura's fantastic pictures. Love the one with me and Eddie!!
Can't wait to see what y'all put together for all your new friends over Memorial Day Weekend!
xoxo Eiizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | June 28, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Brilliant! Wish everyone could see them all, but so glad your faithful followers can get a glimpse!
Posted by: Eclectic Etcetera | June 28, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Love all the details! Looks so 'start of Summer' Wish I was there.
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | June 28, 2011 at 08:51 PM
Thank you for these great ideas! We're having 35ppl over on the 4th. I will definitely try the cupcake mini flags if time allows! Love it all - so inspiring, yet now I have this eek feeling like so much more to do!
xo
s
Posted by: Serena at the urbanfarmhouse | June 28, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Oh how I would have loved to meet Debra and Elilzabeth in person. You two seem to have the nicest people in your life. Good things come to good people like you two, xo Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | June 28, 2011 at 07:49 PM
what a fun day! so, so gorgeous! the cabbage with the dipping sauce for the crudite is soo scrumptious.love all the bloggers u had over.
Posted by: maureen | June 28, 2011 at 07:36 PM
What a fun party!! Looking at your adorable place with blog friends there!! The food, the decor,the setting,it is all just so fun!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | June 28, 2011 at 07:34 PM
I watched all the video and it was grand. I can certainly see why this party brought back bittersweet memories. Love this blog+both of you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | June 28, 2011 at 07:19 PM
how could you give up that house?! Ahh.. the yard looks so lovely. Also, youi've inspired me to make corn dogs. Never thought of that before but they will be the perfect addition to my 4th of July BBQ :)
Posted by: Meagan @ Style-Edition | June 28, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Your parties look like fabulous fun. I'm very struck by your crudites presentation, a nice twist on the classic!
Posted by: SilverMagpies | June 28, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Great ideas for a 4th bash! Especially love the berry basket idea. . .but now I'm hungry for a corn dog!
Posted by: Bunny from Couleur Nature | June 28, 2011 at 05:50 PM
I love how you use a smaller version of the bunting and decorate it around the tiered cupcake stand. Such a fun, fresh and original idea! The sparklers are a nice touch, too.
Jessie
www.mixandchic.com
Posted by: Jessie | June 28, 2011 at 05:27 PM
I just LOVE the way you arranged the crudités! So creative!
Posted by: Elisa | June 28, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Looks lovely! Love every little detail! The tray, the basket, the buntings and the sparklers! So fun! Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted by: Jenn-lee | June 28, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Is it bad that I love these photos more than the ones in the magazine? So much fun! I know everyone had a ball. xoxoox, P
Posted by: Patti Davis | June 28, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Love that last image of the two of you.
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | June 28, 2011 at 03:13 PM
Hi Eddie,
I saw the layout in Women's Day. You are so much fun. I love you. Pam
Posted by: Pamela Pruett | June 28, 2011 at 02:35 PM
it looks like the perfect party! i loved how you served the food, you made corn dogs look elegant! you are so talented!! xo susan
Posted by: susan | June 28, 2011 at 02:31 PM