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Book Review- Gather at Home: Over 100 Simple Recipes, DIYs, and Inspiration for a Year of Occasions

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Gather at Home by Monika Hibbs is a truly delightful book for anyone who loves to entertain, whether for special occasions or just for a cozy night in. As someone who enjoys hosting and is currently setting up a cottage for an Airbnb, this book was particularly inspiring for me. Monika’s approach to gathering is effortless and relaxed, making it the perfect source of inspiration for those of us who don’t have a lot of time or resources to put into hosting.

The book is organized by season, making it easy to find ideas for any time of the year. I appreciated that the recipes and crafts are simple and straightforward, with ingredients that are easy to find. I love that Monika focuses on making even the everyday moments special, as it can be all too easy to overlook the little things in life.

The photography in the book is beautiful and truly sets the mood for each season. I was inspired by the beautiful presentation of each dish, and I found myself wanting to try out many of the recipes. I also loved the DIY projects, which are not only simple but also add a special touch to any occasion.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend Gather at Home by Monika Hibbs to anyone who loves to entertain or simply wants to add a special touch to their everyday moments. This book is filled with easy-to-follow recipes, DIY projects, and inspiration to make every moment a memorable one. Whether you’re looking for ideas for a big holiday celebration or just a cozy night in, this book is sure to provide you with the inspiration you need.

 

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DIY Flag Banner for 4th of July Decorating

There is something so charming about handmade patriotic decorations, especially the kind that feel a little bit vintage, a little bit scrappy, and a lot more personal than something grabbed from the seasonal aisle at the last minute.

This DIY Flag Banner from CraftBits is a sweet red, white, and blue project made with lace, ribbon, fabric, and a sewing machine. It has that soft farmhouse-style look that works beautifully for a 4th of July mantel, porch railing, picnic table, party backdrop, or even a dessert table if you’re going all out with the red, white, and blue treats.

What I like about this project is that it doesn’t need to be overly perfect. In fact, the slightly uneven lace strips and different ribbon textures are what give it that handmade charm. If you have a drawer full of leftover trims, old lace, fabric scraps, or ribbon pieces you’ve been saving for “one day,” this is exactly the sort of project that justifies the stash. Finally, proof we weren’t hoarding — we were preparing.

You can see the full tutorial here: DIY Flag Banner: 4th of July Decoration on CraftBits.

The original project uses a wide lace strip as the top band, long strips of lace and red ribbon for the hanging stripes, and a rectangle of blue fabric to create the flag-inspired design. It’s sewn across the top to hold everything together, making it a quick patriotic sewing project that still looks decorative and display-worthy. The CraftBits tutorial lists simple supplies including white lace, red ribbon, blue fabric, and a sewing machine.

This would be lovely made with tea-stained lace for a more aged Americana look, or crisp white lace and bright red ribbon if you want it to feel fresh and party-ready. You could also swap the blue fabric for denim scraps, ticking stripe, or navy quilting cotton if that’s what you already have on hand.

For more red, white, and blue handmade decorating ideas, you might also like our patriotic sewing patterns and 4th of July decor projects, especially if you want matching pillows, bunting, table runners, or porch decorations. If you’re planning a family celebration with kids, our easy Fourth of July crafts for kids roundup has plenty of simple projects for little hands too.

A good tip with this banner is to lay everything out before sewing. Move the lace and ribbon strips around until the balance feels right, then pin generously. Lace can shift a little under the machine, especially if it’s soft or slippery, so take your time across the top seam. A walking foot can help if your layers are bulky, but this is still very manageable with a regular sewing machine foot.

If you’re making this for outdoor use, I’d hang it somewhere covered, such as a porch, patio, or under a pergola. Lace and ribbon can handle a party, but they probably won’t love a summer storm. For a more durable version, use cotton webbing, canvas strips, denim, or outdoor-safe ribbon.

This is one of those easy 4th of July sewing projects that works well for beginners because it’s more about layering and stitching than precise pattern cutting. It would also be a lovely project for using up leftover ribbon from gift wrapping, old lace from sewing projects, or pieces from thrifted linens.

If you need supplies, this is the kind of project where a basic rotary cutter, self-healing cutting mat, fabric scissors, and a bundle of red, white, and blue cotton scraps from shops like Fat Quarter Shop, Connecting Threads, or Amazon would be genuinely useful. You don’t need fancy materials, just trims and fabrics that look good together.

Hang your finished banner across a fireplace mantel, above a buffet table, across a window, or on a covered front porch. Pair it with mason jars, small flags, red geraniums, navy gingham, or simple white candles for a handmade summer look that feels festive without being too shiny or overdone.

Handmade holiday decor always has a little more heart, and this lace and ribbon flag banner is a pretty way to add a soft patriotic touch to your 4th of July decorating.