Next week is Independence Day!

I’ll be really honest - the 4th of July may be one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time to celebrate all things American, and be grateful for our independence. Also contributing factors to the favorite holiday-ness: hot weather, swimming, BBQ, friends and family gathered, and FIREWORKS. Lots of FIREWORKS. Wheeeeeee! …ok, maybe a bit more excited than most.

For me, when I’m stoked about a holiday, throwing a memorable gathering becomes paramount. Then there’s the less than monumental budget to pull it all off. We’ve got you covered. I visited the Carmichael CA Thrift Town store to look for fun, festive 4th items, and boy did I find what I was looking for (and more)! Here are a few of my patriotic finds:

First off - for most major holidays (and a lot of fun minor ones) the awesome crews at Thrift Town pull and make displays with holiday related items in one big prominent section for your shopping ease. Sure enough, when I walked in the Carmichael store: tons of red, white & blue! There was a whole section of a big rack full of patriotic t-shirts in all different sizes and styles, most under $2 each.

For the hostess with the most-ess: you deserve to look adorable and pulled
together while rushing about making the magic happen. All three of these
cute blouses were under $5 each - the red is name-brand, and silk!

There are few cuter things for a little girl to wear in the water than this Hello Kitty suit! Whatever age or gender your little ones are, they’re gonna want to get wet in the heat, and you’re way better off finding the right gear with us for around $5 each instead of $20-$30 elsewhere.

Going to a bit less of an informal gathering? Spiff up the kids
for way less - so many great options for boys & girls alike.

Don’t forget the decorations! I found so many great pieces for bringing
the ambiance up at your party: full-sized American flags, wooden cut-out
wall hangers (above), little hand-held flags, banners, signs and a ton of
red/white/blue table decor, just to name a few.

And then there’s the food. Last, but DEFINITELY not least.
Pictured: large flag jello/cake mold, star ice cube tray, patriotic tinsel table
fountain, star-shaped snack trays, flag plate/bowl/appetizer plate set, set
of 6 popcorn holders, blue glass vase and American Flag. Everything on this
table together (incl. previous pic) is under $30. You can’t beat that for party decor!

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Hope this was inspiring, and that you all have a fabulously festive Fourth with those you love! — Kari

Kari Shipman is thrifty, eco-conscious, and knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has a serious passion for fashion. In addition to owning her own Fashion Consulting Business, Juniper James, Kari is the Retail Manager and Designer Consultant for Flywheel, a non-profit, all-local designer retail shop/art studio.

Kari lives out her passions in Northern California with her wonderful husband Charles, and their black lab, Gracie.