Coffee and July 4th tree

June 29, 2014



I normally do tea posts, so why coffee today? Well, after all, it was the infamous Boston Tea Party that turned us into a nation of coffee drinkers. In honor of those early patriots, I'm drinking a cup of coffee today, and celebrating the freedoms that our Founders fought for.

from George Washington's handwritten copybook
As I've been on vacation, and indulging a great deal, I have none of the usual cookies or scones to go with my coffee. When I was growing up, and we had a particularly big feast or had indulged ourselves, my mother would say that the next day would be just "coffee and conversation." I guess that would be to make up for eating so much. Has anyone else heard this phrase? (And yes, of course she would feed us; it was just an expression!) Anyway, for me, it will be just coffee and a book.


We have lots and lots of books on American history, the Founders and various presidents, and on politics, as we are all history lovers and spend lots of time discussing politics. No dearth of information around here. Witness the "presents"  I have placed around my Patriotic Tree . . .


I bought a little silvery accent tree in January during the sales, only a few weeks after telling my family that I really preferred real Christmas trees, and abhorred all the fake, made in China Christmas junk. What can I say? The tree reminded me of my husband's stories of the aluminum tree from his childhood, which came complete with a light that sat on the floor next to it, changing the tree's colors from red to green, blue, and yellow.


 So I bought it, even though, thankfully, it isn't made of aluminum. My husband said those branches cut his hands when he was helping put it up! I really couldn't wait until Christmas to use it, so the 4th of July was a perfect excuse.

And since our youngest son is running a campaign here out of the house this summer for our local senator, I thought a little red, white, and blue ambiance would be perfect for all the campaign interns and volunteers coming in and out of our house. Good excuse to keep it up a little longer than just through the holiday weekend, too.

I found these vintage-looking ornaments a few years ago, and was glad to be able to finally use them.




A red Christmas ornament works well, too . . .


I had a picture on the wall that didn't really go with the tree, so I just took a jacket off a book and carefully placed a few strategic pieces of tape on it and covered the picture . . . 


My sister- and brother-in-law send us the official White House ornament every Christmas. Several of them worked very well on my tree . . . 


The top of the grandfather clock gets a sand bucket with a couple flags and some small sparklers poking out of it.


How about another cup of coffee? There's more books to look at . . . 



I'm thankful for the sacrifices made so that we can live in freedom and peace. May it always be so.


35 comments

  1. Hello, I'm visiting from Amaze me Monday, your vintage Independence Day images caught my attention. Love your tree! Have a great week!
    Gina

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  2. Good Morning, Oh, I love the tree and like your husband, I remember mom having the aluminum Christmas tree when I was young. The White House ornaments are a real treasure and you have a great selection of books. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a nice week.

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  3. Hi Deborah...this is really a beautiful Patriotic Tree with all of these lovely vintage ornaments! I usually don't do a lot of decorating for the Fourth of July but after looking at this beautiful post, it makes me wonder why! Have a great week!

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  4. The tree looks amazing! A green tree wouldn't have had the same impact at all ... this looks like a sparkler itself. Happy 4th of July! Wendy x

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  5. I too remember growing up with an Aluminum Christmas Tree with the light spinning to change the colors. I like your tree. Very patriotic and beautiful. So many nice ornaments. What a nice way to decorate and celebrate a special day. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  6. Oh, I love that I have memories of my family's aluminum tree! It was so out of style for a while, but with retro being so popular, I wish I had it now. It would be so fun to show to my kids. Your mom's phrase of "coffee and conversation" is just perfect! I find myself having that mindset most Mondays. Weekends are usually indulgent so I try to even out on Monday. Your retro patriotic ornaments are delightful. How interesting that your son is working on a campaign. That is some wonderful life experience.

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  7. Hi Deborah, Love your silver patriotic tree and your collection of books. We have our share of many too and I love them all. Great idea to frame the book cover to complete the look. Love your WH ornament. I have two collected from my invites to decorate the blue room tree and I cherish them. Yes, I have heard the phrase "coffee and conversation" which was only a phrase as cookies and other treats always seemed to show up!!
    My hubby found a gorgeous silver tree from the 60's last Christmas and had to have it. He said it reminded him of the time when his mom had one growing up. It even came with the old color wheel.
    Best wishes to your son on his campaign!!
    Have a great week up to the 4th of July!!
    XO

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  8. Love, love, love your tree, Deborah! It looks great and perfect for the 4th of July.

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  9. I think your Fourth of July tree is VERY fancy! I like the idea of a coffee day after a feast day. Smart!

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  10. Hi Deborah,
    I love your patriotic tree all decked out for the celebration! I always enjoy my coffee. I have coffee in the morning and for some strange reason, we like it in the evening too during the summer months. We take it down to the water front and watch the sail boats in the harbor. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the nice evenings here. Thanks for sharing your very patriotic post and coming to tea. I love your books all stacked! Happy 4th of July!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  11. Fabulous! I love your patriotic tree, and the ornaments are wonderful! Why not coffee...it's in a mug r cup too, isn't it? Happy 4th of July!
    Ruth

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  12. You have created the perfect decorations for the 4th of July! The tree is spectacular with all the patriotic decorations. I love how you used your books as the tree skirt. My post is about the 4th and I really enjoyed your 4th post, too!

    Have a great week!
    Pam

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  13. Hi Deborah, wow I love your Patriotic tree, it's so pretty and perfect for the 4th along with the ornaments and books. Enjoy.
    Julie

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  14. Hello my sweet friend! I just love your patriotic tree and the books underneath - what a clever idea for the 4th of July :)

    Have a beautiful week - sending hugs your way!

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  15. Very patriotic! Love the tree and all the wonderful ornaments and books! A nice collection, beautifully displayed. Yes, my Grandmother would say, 'Just coffee and conversation' after a heavy meal. Have a lovely week! xo Karen

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  16. I read Your beautiful post very early this morning and wasn't able to comment due to babysitting My 18 month old Granddaughter.She just left,I came back to My computer to unwind and there to My surprise was Your sweet comment:) I do love coffee and have to be grateful I suppose to the "Tea Party" of old.Sweet idea to decorate for all the political workers coming to Your home and Your home does look gorgeous too.

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  17. I love your patriotic tree, Deborah! My late beloved hubby had an aluminum tree exactly like your hubby's, with the changing light on the floor!!! Your chevron mug is so pretty and perfect for sipping your coffee while reading your books. Happy 4th to you, sweet friend.

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  18. Amen! May it always be so! What a great celebratory silver tree with all the books around. Very creative. And a campaign going on, too. Wow!

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  19. What a great idea ! My grandparents had the silvery tree too :) There's was a table top one to hold Christmas cards/

    This just looks wonderful! :)

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  20. Dearest Deborah,
    Lovely Patriotic post in the light of our 4th of July week.
    Great idea to put a tree like this and I LOVE your great book choices.
    Sending you hugs and blessings,
    Mariette

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  21. What an amazing tree. And what an amazing collection of decorations AND books. I am impressed and I enjoyed seeing it ALL.

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  22. Your decorations look amazing, and the tree is so fun! Happy 4th of July to you and your family! When my daughter was little we would do a 4th tree, because she had a white tree in her bedroom that she never wanted taken down. My spouse has some of the same history books, because that is what he enjoys reading. xoxo

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  23. I'm visiting from Vee's blog and had to let you know how much I love your patriotic tree!

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  24. Love your patriotic tree Deborah and I'm fascinated by all the history books you have. Very nice post!

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  25. What a beautiful patriotic tree and so fitting like you said to keep it up for a while! Looks like you have a lot of interesting reading! Wishing you a wonderful holiday!
    Nancy

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  26. My goodness, Deborah..you have done us proud! What a glorious display of Patriotism! I love it. Everything is lovely and I wish I had done more. You have a fantastic collection.
    And thank you so, SO much for stopping by my blog and being leaving such a dear comment. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed at how sweet blogger friends are. Do come back. I am far from one of the better bloggers..but it's just so much fun. Enjoy your 4th of July.
    Mona

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  27. P.S. I meant to tell you that we are coffee drinkers at our home..but I have a daughter that is totally tea. Has been since she was very young. I don't drink much tea but I DO love my tea pots..and make it when my daughter comes to visit...which is often.

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  28. A very pretty patriotic tree to complement your nation's history! May you have a very enjoyable 4th of July!

    Poppy

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  29. Thank you so much for joining us for "How I Wear My: Summertime Picnic Look." It was great to have you with us! Also I love this post because I am definitely feeling the red, white, and blue this week! XO, Jill

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  30. Hi Debbie,
    I am so pleased to meet you and happy that you were able to link up leave such kind words on my blog. Your pics today are so beautiful and patriotic. Gorgeous colours! I also wanted to tell you how lovely your header is on your blogspot! It is so perfect in every way! Happy Summer!

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  31. Love your (patriotic) Christmas in July! The silver tree looks really nice with all those pretty vintage looking ornaments. My father does a patriotic tree every Christmas--I had to call him and tell him about yours being up in July--he was jealous :)

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  32. Love your Patriotic Tree and the story behind it. I'm sure many of us can relate!

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  33. Wonderful patriotic tree! I'd say this is an excellent example for the campaign workers. ;-)
    I leave our my Uncle Sam collection through the summer months and have a patriotic vignette on our side door entry. Thanks for sharing. Your tree is full of charm!

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  34. Love that silver tree Deborah! Perfect for your wonderful patriotic decorations too. I am a true patriotic lover and we love history also. Looks like lots of good books! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  35. What a great Patriotic tree! I keep saying I'm going to do that one year, and never do, sadly. The silver is just perfect, like fireworks, I'll have to keep that in mind. Thank you for sharing this at the History & Home link party. Take care, Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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