Fourth of July Table Runner ($4)

I picked up the supplies for this table runner during my recent trip to the Dollar Tree.  I used three place mats and one dish towel.  I cut the dish towel into strips that I then used to connect the place mats.  This is an incredibly simple project (and only costs $4!)!

Before

After

We used this table runner at our BBQ tonight, as well.  It held up great and added some festive, Patriotic cheer to our table.  Not bad for four dollars!

Patriotic Serving Tray

I know that the 4th is almost done, but if I post it by midnight, I think it counts, right?  I have been eyeing big and fancy serving trays everywhere I go.  We have a screened porch right off our kitchen and dining room, so I dream of having something lovely on which to carry food to the porch for our picnic dinners.  I'm stingy, though, and am not willing to pay $10 an arm and a leg.  Lucky for me, while wondering the aisles of Target (you know you do it too) the other day, I found a $20 extra-large serving tray that was clearanced down to $4.98!  It was a bit scratched up and one of the handles was loose, but it was nothing a little Gorilla Glue couldn't fix!  Perfect!  I headed to our local Dollar Tree to check out their Patriotic Decor, and fell in love with two gift bags.  I cut them to pieces, patchworked them onto the tray, then Mod Podged the heck out of them.  What do you think?

Before

After

We used the tray tonight for a big BBQ that we hosted and it was just right!  Hurray!