I’m in absolute disbelief that July is already here. Somehow, it always sneaks up on me—but the Fourth? The Fourth of July is summer’s great crescendo. It’s the height of the season. The lake is starting to warm, the days are long, everyone’s in a good mood and it feels like the whole world migrates north to be near the water.

There’s just something in the air that week—the sound of screen doors swinging open, the distant echo of boats on the lake, the low hum of laughter traveling across porches. The kind of summer magic that reminds you how good it is to slow down.

And while the Fourth is often filled with big gatherings—cousins running wild, a grill fired up all afternoon, flags waving proudly—I had a slightly different scene in mind this year. Something quieter.

I imagined a slow cottage morning. Just the two of you. Maybe everyone else is still asleep, or maybe you’re stealing a moment away from the bustle. The kind of morning where you can hear the breeze before the birds wake up, and brunch feels like an occasion.

So I set a little table for two. Nothing fancy—just thoughtful. We pulled together pieces from around the cottage. I didn’t go out and buy anything specifically “Fourth of July.” Instead, I leaned into what we already had: vintage blue china, soft blue linens, and a few stars I’d tucked away in my Christmas bin (tip: never underestimate the power of cross-seasonal decorating—those little stars worked perfectly).

A pop of red from the fridge—think juicy Michigan strawberries, raspberry jam, or even a tomato tart—and suddenly your everyday blue-and-white feels festive in the most effortless way. With berry season in full swing, it’s the perfect excuse to let the food do the decorating.

It was simple. Sweet. Slower. And honestly, one of my favorite little moments of summer so far.

No matter how you’re spending your Fourth—whether you’re surrounded by cousins and sparklers or tucked into a quiet nook by the lake—I hope it’s exactly what your soul needs this year.

Here’s to the wind in your hair, sandy toes, and soft mornings that turn into golden afternoons. Happy Fourth of July from the cottage.

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