It’s an everything red, white & blue on repeat kind of weekend- and that includes food.

Whether you are venturing out for the holiday weekend, gathering with friends and family or just staying home – this post is all about nibbles and treats you can make and enjoy this 4th of July- or any time you want to enjoy something simple and delicious in a snap.
And this month- I am doing a re-do and celebrating the launch of my book Inspired Gatherings last year. When Inspired Gatherings released at the end of May- it released right into out of stock and wasn’t on the shelves and available until the last week of June. And of course, with all that 2020 was- book signings and celebrations were all canceled. Hoping to be able to get some scheduled and meet some of you all this year- and also give Inspired Gatherings a proper celebration and launch.

So including a couple of tables and ideas from the book here today- and stay tuned for some behind the scenes stories and snaps coming this month too. If you don’t have a copy of the book yet- you can grab your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble & wherever books are sold and signed copies in my shop.
Layers of Cheese Platter

This is so simple to create- and always a favorite.

Just layer up several different types of cheeses, crackers and some fruit and sweets for the ultimate cheese platter. This one has several specialty cheeses along with some fresh fruit. You might notice we left off the charcuterie aspects-we are vegetarians- but you can add whatever you would like to create a board that is perfect for you. For another idea- You can find a post all about creating this board HERE

Braided Spinach and Mushroom Appetizer
A beautiful presentation- and it is delicious. This braided beauty is so easy to make-and it disappears so fast- you will want to make two. Find the recipe HERE

Summer Salads- Sautéed Beets
We are big salad folks over here- and have a salad of some kind with dinner almost daily. And one of my absolute favorite things to add to a salad are beets. Any type will do but I do love sautéed beets the most. For this salad- you can use golden beets in place of the squash if you prefer- it is so good any way that you make it. Find the Recipe HERE

Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad
Because, Anything with avocado is a good thing in my book. And this is perfect for making for summer. Find the Recipe HERE

Veggie Flatbread Sandwich
And what about a delicious veggie flatbread sandwich? So easy to make and so easy to customize. It is also a favorite for making on those hot triple digit days when you don’t want to cook. Find the Recipe HERE

Easy Colorful Dessert

And a bonus one- because, the weekend deserves something sweet to enjoy. The most delicious & easiest way to add a bit of Red and White to your dessert is with fruit. Simply take a cake (already made from the bakery works perfectly) and add some fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for beautiful and delicious dessert. You can also roll the fruit in sugar for more sweetness.

We are staying home and enjoying a casual 4th gathering in the backyard with family (& doing lots of newborn grand baby snuggling). Whatever you do this weekend- have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th courtney, everything look DELICIOUS and wonderful.😊
I have both of your books and have started reading them. . . again! Thank you for the recipes; I am making the avocado salad for dinner! all of the recipes are beautifully displayed. Thank you.
Courtney,
I have this book and I find it so relaxing and inspiring to look through. Thank you for always giving us your ideas to make life the best it can be.
xo,
Karen
Happy 4th of July, Courtney…sounds like your day spent with family, old and new will be be fabulous!!!I will be spending it celebrating with my” Yankee doodle dandy”, who will be 60 SOMETHINGISh on that day! We have already made Your beet and squash salad,more than once and it is so good! Thanks for sharing the recipes…happy 4th to you and yours!!! Hugs, joyce
Yum!
Hello all… Wanted to know what Belgium waffle maker you use and do you use a mix or make your iwn buttermilk RECIPE ??? love the chunky shape n size!!!!