Patriotic Table Decor for Memorial Day or Fourth of July

Patriotic Table Decor for Memorial Day or Fourth of July

This patriotic table decor is perfect for your Memorial Day and Fourth of July party or gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s easy on the pocketbook too!

Patriotic Table Decor for Memorial Day and 4th of July - Blue star plate with red and blue star napkin, silver bowl, red cup and silverware as place setting, red vase with white flowers and flags

With springtime coming to a close and summer drawing near, we’ve got two American holidays on the horizon that bring out our patriotic side. Memorial Day, a day to remember fallen soldiers, and Independence Day, America’s birthday, are time for celebration in the USA.

This year, we’re inviting the family over for a good old fashioned backyard BBQ. If you’ve known me long enough, you know how festive I am, and these holidays are no exception!

For our family BBQ, I wanted to come up with budget-friendly patriotic table decor. So, I went over to the Dollar Tree and found just what I was looking for. I found most items in their seasonal section and a few other things around the store.

Come with me and I’ll show you what I found and why you’ll love it!

Why you’ll love this Patriotic Table Decor

  • It’s quick and easy to put together.
  • The red, white, and blue colors and patterns are fun and festive.
  • This tablescape is great for both Memorial Day and 4th of July.
  • Everything was purchased from the Dollar Tree making it very budget friendly.

What You’ll Need for Your Festive Tablescape

blue star plate with red and blue star napkins and red cup as place setting - blue and red starred tray with red star plates, blue ribbon and more napkins in center of table
  • White Plates:

    This is the only part of the tablescape that I did not purchase. I used my everyday white plates that have a beaded edge. They work well as a base or backdrop to the star plates that we’ll talk about in a minute.

 

    • Other options: Dollar Tree has several options including Silver chargers (found near seasonal plates up front), white paper plates (found in the party section), or red, white, or blue ceramic plates (found the kitchenware area).

 

  • Silverware (Forks, Knives and Spoons):

    I used plastic silverware from the Dollar Tree. They hold up well, so I’ll often wash and reuse them.

 

    • Other options: Of course, your everyday silverware works great too. The Dollar Tree also has red, white, blue, and clear plastic silverware.

 

  • Red and Blue Metallic Star Shaped Plates:

     I found these in the seasonal patriotic section of the store. Each package comes with 8 plates (so 16 plates if you purchase both colors). I set my table for 4 and used 4 red and 4 blue plates.

 

    • Other options: The star plates are adorable, but if you can’t find them, they do have other plate options, like solid red and blue and other patriotic patterns.

 

  • Red Cups:

     These were also found in the seasonal section. They say “America the Beautiful” on them, surrounded by silver stars.

 

    • Other options: Dollar Tree also has blue and red patterned cups in the seasonal section with various patriotic patterns and verbiage.
red and blue star plates, red and blue starred tray and napkins, silver bowls, blue ribbon, red vase, flag wands, white flowers, red cup, white plate, silverware
  • Small Silver Bowls:

    These come in sets of four and are found in the party section.

 

  • Large Silver Bowl: 

    This is found next to the small silver bowls and is sold individually.

 

  • Star Patterned Napkins:

    These are also found in the seasonal section and have red, white, and blue stars on them.

 

    • Other options: There were a few other options like solid red and blue and one with a flag pattern.

 

  • Star Patterned Tray:

    This is the main base of the centerpiece. It’s also a red, white, and blue star pattern and matches the napkins.

 

  • Blue Ribbons:

    These are found in the gift-wrapping section and are also a part of the main centerpiece. They come in three packs, and you’ll only need one pack.

 

  • Metallic Red Gift Containers: 

    These were found on a shelf with other small gift boxes in the gift-wrapping section. I used two for the centerpiece as vases and one of the lids to hold extra napkins.

 

  • White Flowers: 

    I used faux, white carnations. I only needed two bouquets for the tablescape.

 

    • Other options: There were some other white and red flower options. White flowers contrast nicely with the red gift container they sit in.
  • Flags: 

    The foam flag wands are found in the seasonal patriotic section.

 

    • Other options: They also have small traditional flags and other foam wands, including heart and star shaped wands with the flag pattern on them.

      Putting Together the Patriotic Table Decor

      For the Place Settings

      To start, I set the table for four people. For the place settings, I’m using the regular white everyday plates, red and blue star plates, star patterned napkins, small silver bowls, silverware and the red cups.

       

      blue and red star plates with red and blue star napkins, silver bowl, silverware, and red cup as place setting

      I used the white plates as the base, then stacked a blue or red star plate on top. I folded napkins in half to create a triangle and placed them centered on top of the star plates.

       Next, I added the small silver bowls on top. Then I placed the silverware on each side, and the cup to the upper right side of the plate.

       *** I alternated using red or blue star plates for each place setting.

      For the Centerpiece

      After the place settings were done, I started on the middle part of the centerpiece. I used the star patterned tray, the red star plates, the large silver bowl, one of the red lids from the red cylindrical gift boxes, the blue curly ribbons and the remainder of the star patterned napkins.

       

      red and blue starred tray with red star plates, silver bowl with blue ribbon and red and blue starred napkins as centerpiece

      I used the tray as the base. Then I added two red star plates on top of the tray and placed the large silver bowl centered on top. Next, I placed one of the lids to the red gift containers upside down in the middle of the large silver bowl.

      Next, I added the three blue curly ribbons to the silver bowl, surrounding the red lid evenly. Lastly, for the main part of the centerpiece, I rolled up the remainder of the napkins and placed them in the middle gift box lid.

      Lastly, for the two outer parts of the centerpiece, I used blue star plates, the two red, metallic gift boxes (without lids), the white flowers and the foam flag wands.

       

      red vase on top of blue star plate with white flowers and two American flags as part of centerpiece

      I used blue star plates as the base, placing one on each side of the star patterned tray. I then placed the red gift boxes (without lids) centered on top of the star plates.

      Finally, I added the white flowers to the red gift boxes, using them as vases. To finish up, I placed two flag wands in each red “vase,” so they are jutting out above the flowers.

       

      blue star plate with red and blue star napkins and red cup as place setting - blue and red starred tray with red star plates, blue ribbon and more napkins in center of table, red vase with flowers and flags

      Thank you for taking the time to check out this patriotic table decor! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

       

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      What to do Memorial Day Weekend when Staying Home

      What to do Memorial Day Weekend when Staying Home

      If you’re not sure what to do Memorial Day weekend and you’re staying in town this year, this list is for you! From relaxing to active, there’s something for everyone.

      8 Memorial Day Weekend Activity Ideas on blue background with red, white and blue star confetti and patriotic ribbon

      In the US, we often think of Memorial Day as a long weekend that ushers in summer. It’s a three-day weekend to either head out of town for a quick getaway or stick around and spend quality time with friends and family.

      While Memorial Day is a special time of year for all the above, it’s also important to consider the true meaning of the holiday. Memorial Day is a day put aside to recognize and remember those in the military who sacrificed their lives serving our country.

      Memorial Day - A Day to Honor those in the Military who Sacrificed their Lives Serving our Country with flag background

      So let’s look at what to do Memorial Day weekend if you’re staying home. As you enjoy planning fun activities for the three-day weekend, take a moment to remember the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives so you can enjoy such blessings.

      We’ll look at activities that encourage quality time with family and a few that celebrate the true meaning of the holiday. Check out the list below.

      Best things to do Memorial Day Weekend when Staying in Town

      meats, skewer and vegetables cooking on bbq, parade with military and flags, two children looking at chickens at farm

      1. BBQ or Cookout

      This one’s a longstanding tradition for many Americans, so gather family and friends and grill up some chicken or steak in a backyard barbeque. Consider making it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite side dish. Turn on some music, get out the cornhole boards, and go for a swim if you have a pool.

      Continue the BBQ into the evening. Roast some marshmallows and tell stories around the fire pit. You’ll find a backyard cookout is a great way to spend quality time and create memories with your favorite people on Memorial Day.

      2. Attend a Memorial Day Event in Your Area

      Check for events in your local town or nearby city as many host Memorial Day ceremonies or parades. If you check ahead of time, you may be able to volunteer at the events.

      Other fun local events to look out for include concerts, 5k runs, or even the occasional pancake breakfast. Take a peek at what’s going on in your area.

      3. Head Out to the Farm

      Some local farms have a lot to offer visitors. You can often view or even interact with farm animals, which is a hit amongst children. Some have little train rides or play areas for kids or kids at heart. Picking produce is a great way to enjoy farm fresh fruits and veggies and is a fun opportunity for children to learn where their food comes from.

      Also, some farms have stores where you can pick up tasty sauces and sweet jams. They may even serve fresh baked goods or full meals. You might even find little shops with handmade crafts and décor to take home for that redecorating project we’ll talk about next.

      parent and child working on home improvement project, couple on couch watching a movie

      4. DIY Home Project

      Is there a space inside your home that could use a facelift? If a small bathroom needs new flooring or you like to build a garden bed or new shelf, Youtube has some great instructional videos. Does your pantry need some reorganizing or couldyour guest room use a little redecorating? Consider jumping on Pinterest for endless fun ideas.

      If possible, get the whole family involved. Turn on some peppy music and get out the snacks to keep everyone energized. Order some pizza or head out to dinner as a little reward when the project is complete.

      5. Watch a Movie

      Grab the popcorn and watch a movie this holiday weekend.

      If you feel like heading out to the theater for a movie, consider upgrading to the large, reclining seats for extra comfort. Some locations even offer in-theater food and beverage service if you don’t feel like waiting in line for those tasty treats and sodas.

      Another option is sprawling out on the comfort of your own cozy couch and streaming a movie of your choosing. You can even make it a movie marathon if you’re in need of a lazy day off.

      Also, in thinking about the true meaning of the holiday, consider a movie that honors those that gave their lives for our freedom. There’s a lot to choose from!

      playing cards, dice, snacks and notepad on table, people relaxing on grass near bike, grave site with flowers and American flag

      6. Board or Card Games

      When was the last time you played a card or board game? I don’t know about you, but we always end up in stiches, laughing it up with good friends and family when we engage in a little friendly competition. Sit around the table, enjoy a tasty beverage and pull out the snacks to add to the fun.  

      7. Spend a Day at the Park

      Head to the park for a fun and relaxing day. Bring the football or baseball for a leisurely game of catch. Try your hand at flying a kite or play a game of pig or horse with the basketball. Perhaps your local park has some trails to enjoy a bike ride or a nice walk for some light exercise. Consider packing up the picnic basket or cooler with everyone’s favorite sandwiches to enjoy a nice lunch with the family.

      8. Decorate the Graves of Veterans for Memorial Day

      The first Memorial Day was just after the Civil War. It was originally called Decoration Day and the tradition was to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. This is something many still do today.

      So, consider celebrating Memorial Day this year by taking part in this special and important tradition, decorating a veteran’s grave with a flag and/or flowers. You can take flowers to the grave of a loved one or even honor soldier you do not know. Click here for more information on protocols for properly placing a flag and more.

      Thank you for taking the time to check out our list about what to do when staying home Memorial Day weekend. Which one will you try? Let me know in the comments below!

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      Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait with a Buttery Nut Crumble

      Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait with a Buttery Nut Crumble

      This tasty cheesecake parfait has sweet raspberries and a buttery walnut crumble. It’s gluten free with a dairy-free option that’s just as delicious!

      Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait with brown sugar and nut crumble - close up of parfait with layers of crumble, filling, and raspberry

      Springtime where I live in Arizona is just beautiful. With endless sunshine, warm weather, and beautiful blooming cacti, we usually don’t like to stray far from home. In fact, we often get springtime visitors coming our way and we love hosting them!

      We’ve been blessed by many visitors since we moved from Oregon to Arizona and this year will be no exception. In anticipation of upcoming guests, I’m reflecting on how I love to be in the kitchen and serve my guests, but at times I’ve found myself in the kitchen too much, missing out on precious quality time with friends and family.

      So, with warmer weather upon us and a desire for quality time with springtime visitors, I wanted to make a quick and easy tasty treat. This little parfait fit the bill for a quick snack or fun little dessert.

      As mentioned, it’s gluten free with a dairy-free option. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always do great with dairy (thank you Lactaid for making dairy somewhat possible). I’ve made this little parfait dairy free and it’s just as delightful. So, if dairy isn’t your thing for one reason or another, you will LOVE the dairy-free version of this parfait.

      Now let me tell you a little more about it. It’s layered with a brown sugary walnut crumble, juicy red raspberries and creamy filling with a hint of orange. Come with me and I’ll show you why it’s awesome and how to make it.

      top view of cheesecake parfait with raspberries and nuts on top and three other parfaits in the background

      Why You’ll Love this Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait

      • It has a nut crumble layer and garnish that adds a perfect little crunch to the top of the parfait.
      • The delicate flavor of the raspberries paired with the creamy cheesecake filling is simply divine.
      • It makes for a great little dessert, midday snack or even a special little breakfast indulgence.
      • You don’t have to turn the oven on for this easy no-bake treat, which is awesome as the weather warms.
      • It can be served right away or chilled in the fridge to enjoy on a warm day.

      What’s in the Parfait?

      Raspberry Cheesecake parfait - all ingredients each in individual glass bowls
      • Raspberries – The fruity and pretty layers of the parfait.
        • Change it up: If you feel like mixing it up, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or a combination of your favorite berries is also an option.
      • Cream Cheese – You’ll want to make sure it’s softened. I pull it out about 30 minutes ahead of time.
        • Change it up: For dairy free, use a non-dairy “cream cheese” spread.
      • Frozen Whipped Topping – This fluffs up the filling a little bit.
        • Change it up: For dairy free, use a non-dairy frozen whipped topping. My favorite is Cocowhip and I actually prefer this over any other, non-dairy or not.
      • Powdered Sugar – Adds a nice lightweight sweetness to the filling.
      • Orange Juice – This gives the filling a little sweetness, tang and flavor. I use fresh squeezed, but any 100% orange juice will do.
        • Change it up: Lemon juice can be used in place of orange if that’s what you have on hand.
      • Walnuts – These are for the crumble layer of the parfait. You’ll want to chop these up finely.
        • Change it up: Pecans are another tasty option.
      • Brown Sugar – Adds a little sweetness to the crumble.
      • Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour – This is for the crumble.
      • Butter – Melted.
        • Change it up: For dairy free, use a non-dairy buttery spread.

      How to make this Tasty Treat

      Make the Crumble

      1. For the crumble, add the chopped walnuts, gluten free 1 to 1 flour and brown sugar to a medium bowl and mix together by hand until well combined.
      2. Add the butter to the mixture, stirring the ingredients together until the sugar and flour are absorbed.
      Make the Crumble - close up of crumble before and after adding butter

      Make the Cheesecake Parfait Filling

      1. Mix the softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar and orange juice together using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed.
      Make the filling- cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar and orange juice in a mixing bowl

      Make the Parfait

      1. Set out 4 6-8oz parfait glasses/cups of your choice.
      2. Add a thin layer of the crumble to the bottom of each cup, pressing down and spreading out evenly. ***Make sure to leave just enough crumble to sprinkle a small amount on top of the four parfaits when they are finished.
      3. Divide half of the filling between the four cups, spreading it out to the edges.
      4. For the next layer, add 4-5 raspberries to the top of the filling.
      5. Split the remainder of the filling between the 4 cups, layering on top of the raspberries.
      6. Top parfaits with the remaining raspberries.
      7. Sprinkle the remainder of the crumble on top of the raspberries on each parfait.
      8. Serve and enjoy!
      Make the parfait - crumble layered in bottom of glass - filling and raspberry layers added - more nut crumble on top

      What Can I Serve the Parfaits In?

      You can serve these parfaits in a variety of glasses or cups. I recommend using something clear so you can see the pretty layers.

      This time I used a squared tapered plastic cup, but I’ve also used a variety of clear plastic glasses and cups like small round, tall and skinny glasses and even champagne glasses and martini glasses. You can even make this recipe in tall shot glasses if you’d like a smaller treat or appetizer for a party.

      Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

      Can I Make Parfaits Ahead of Time?

      These tasty treats do very well when made ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

      How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Parfaits

      Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for two days (possibly three if berries are extra fresh when making the parfaits). Freezing the parfaits is not recommended.

      Thank you for trying out this tasty little Cheesecake Parfait! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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      Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait - ingredients layered in squared plastic cup with bright raspberries and nuts on top

      Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait with a Buttery Nut Crumble

      This tasty cheesecake parfait has sweet raspberries and a buttery walnut crumble. It’s gluten free with an equally-as-tasty dairy-free option!
      5 from 1 vote
      Prep Time 15 minutes
      Total Time 15 minutes
      Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
      Cuisine American
      Servings 4
      Calories 395 kcal

      Ingredients
        

      Filling

      • 8 oz Cream Cheese For dairy free, use a non-dairy cream cheese spread.
      • 4 oz Frozen Whipped Topping For dairy free, use a non-dairy topping (I prefer Cocowhip).
      • 3 Tbsp Powdered Sugar
      • 2 Tbsp Orange Juice

      Crumble

      • ¼ Cup Walnuts
      • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
      • 1 Tbsp Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour
      • 1 Tbsp Butter For dairy free, use a non-dairy buttery spread.

      Other

      • 6 oz Fresh Raspberries

      Instructions
       

      Make the Filling

      • Mix the softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar and orange juice together using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed.

      Make the Crumble

      • For the crumble, add the chopped pecans, gluten free 1 to 1 flour and brown sugar to a medium bowl and mix together by hand until well combined.
      • Add the butter to the mixture, stirring the ingredients together until the sugar and flour are absorbed.

      Make the Parfait

      • Set out 4 6-8 oz parfait glasses/cups of your choice.
      • Add a thin layer of the crumble to the bottom of each cup, pressing down and spreading out evenly. ***Make sure to leave just enough crumble to sprinkle a small amount on top of the four parfaits when they are finished.
      • Divide half of the filling between the four cups, spreading it out to the edges.
      • For the next layer, add 4-5 raspberries to the top of the filling.
      • Split the remainder of the filling between the four cups, layering on top of the raspberries.
      • Top parfaits with the remaining raspberries.
      • Sprinkle the remainder of the crumble on top of the raspberries on each parfait.
      • Serve and enjoy!
      Keyword cheesecake parfait, parfait, raspberry parfait, Spring

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      15 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

      15 Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

      Find the best gift for Mom amongst these awesome Mother’s Day gift ideas and you’ll be sure to make her feel extra special this year!

      15 Mother's Day gift ideas - child holding gift and card behind her back standing in front of mother

      It’s that time of year again to show an extraordinary mother in your life how much you love and appreciate her with a special gift. Let’s look at some ideas that’ll make her feel important. Whether you’re a spouse, kiddo or not even related to this exceptional mother, you’ll find the perfect Mother’s Day gift that shows her how much you care.

      Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

      1. Spa Treatments

      Who doesn’t love a relaxing spa treatment?! Depending on your budget, treat mom to either one special treatment or make it a whole day of pampering.

        • Mani-Pedi

      Treat Mom to pretty nails in her favorite color. Upgraded services include longer sessions with extra massage or added designs for her nails. Some provide parrafin wax treatments for extra moisturization or salt and sugar scrubs. Your spa may even offer Mom a glass of Champagne.

        • Facial

      Set Mom up with a facial for a little pampering this Mother’s Day. She can choose a treatment to best fit her skin needs and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

        • Massage

      How about a massage for the hardworking Mom in your life? Does she like a relaxing Swedish massage or is she in need of a tension reducing deep tissue massage to work out those knots? Hot stone massages are a soothing option and improve circulation. Whatever Mom’s cup of tea is, she’ll be delighted with this thoughtful gift.

      2. Handmade Mother’s Day Gift from the Kids

      Get the kiddos together and make a handmade gift for Mom. Not sure what to make? Click here for Good Housekeeping’s awesome list of ideas.

      3. Jewelry

      Does Mom like jewelry? Consider jewelry made with her favorite stone or metal. Maybe a locket with a picture of the kids or family inside is the perfect sweet and classic gift for the mom in your life. A bracelet with charms that mean something special to her is another thoughtful gift and something you can add to for her birthday or Christmas.

      Mother's day gifts - spa treatment, handmade gift from child, jewelry, painting pottery, candles

      4. Pottery Painting

      Take Mom to paint pottery. Usually, you choose an already made piece and paint it as you desire. They’ll then throw it in the kiln for you and you pick it up a little later. This is a fun one for the whole family or something Mom can do with a friend when she needs a break.

      5. Scented Candles

      Get Mom some nice candles this Mother’s Day. A seasonal scent for spring or summer is a great option. Fresh floral scents are great for this time of year or tropical scents are always fun going into summer. Another idea is lemon, which is a classic scent that’ll freshen up any space.

      6. Concert Tickets

      Does Mom have a favorite band or musician, or does she like a certain style of music?  Does she love country or is rock and roll her thing? Maybe she prefers the symphony or jazz. Whatever her taste in music, treat her to concert tickets or a night at the jazz club.

      7. Book by Her Favorite Author

      If Mom is a reader? Does she have a favorite author whose books she can’t put down? If so, grab her a book and see if you can get it signed by the author.

      8. Body Care Items

      Consider treating Mom to some luxurious hand cream or silky foot lotion with spa socks. Perhaps she has a preferred scent and would like some nice body lotion. A pillow spray in an aroma therapy fragrance is also a nice option or even a favorite perfume or fragrant soap.

      Mother's Day gift ideas - concert tickets, book by author, body care items, wine and paint night, adopt furry family member

      9. Wine & Paint Night

      How about treating Mom to a wine and paint night? These are fun and relaxing whether she’s an artist or not. Canvas and paint are usually provided, and the instructors often do a great job of breaking down the steps to painting your masterpiece. Many ask you to bring your own bottle of wine and some have it for sale. If you’re of an age where you can join her, do so for some good ole fashioned quality time. If not, make sure to send her off with a buddy to enjoy the night with.

      10. Adopt a Furry Family Member

      Do you have the time, love, patience and financial means to care for a pet? Has Mom been dreaming of a sweet little doggie or kitty friend joining the family? If so, head to a local shelter and rescue a furry critter that’s looking for a family. They’re a big responsibility, so make sure you do your research and are ready for the commitment!

      11. Wine Club Membership

      If Mom appreciates a nice glass of wine, sign her up for a wine club membership. Even if she’s not a wine connoisseur, a wine club membership is a great way to learn about and try new wines. They’ll often send monthly bottles and even have special member-only events and give discounts on the purchase of additional bottles.

      Mother's Day gift ideas - wine club membership, do Mom's chores for a week, flowers, breakfast in bed, photo memories

      12. Take Over Mom’s Chores for a Week

      Give Mom the week off from chores! Set her up in front of her favorite movie or that new book you got her with her feet up and get stared. Divide tasks up amongst the whole family. Take out the trash, fold the laundry, make the dinner, mow the lawn and whatever else she normally does to keep the household afloat and do it with a cheerful attitude the whole week!

      13. Flowers

      Spoil Mom with her favorite flowers for Mother’s Day this year. The classic gift of flowers can be fresh cut bouquets or potted plants. This is a great gift for any mom, but with all the delivery services out there, it’s an especially great gift when you don’t live close by.

      14. Breakfast in Bed on Mother’s Day Morning

      Let Mom sleep in and get the family together in the kitchen and put together a nice breakfast for Mom. Try this tasty Strawberry French Toast Bake or her favorite pancakes. Bring it to her on a tray with a handmade card from the family telling her why she’s loved and appreciated.

      15. Framed Photo or Photo Book

      If Mom has a photo of the family that she just loves, have it printed and put it in a nice frame as a Mother’s Day gift. Consider what size to print, the color of the frame and what space she might like to hang or display it.

      Another option is a photo book of the family. Choose photos from a recent trip or a collection of favorite photos over the years. Create a photo book online or add printed photos to an album you think she’d like.

      Thank you for taking a peek at the best Mother’s Day gift ideas! Which one is your favorite?

      Let me know in the comments below!

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      Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Citrus Drizzle

      Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Citrus Drizzle

      symbol for gluten free and dairy free option

      This French Toast Casserole will have your mouth watering with its sunny strawberries, citrus cream cheese drizzle, and cinnamon pecan crumble. It’s gluten free and delicious!

      Slice of French Toast Casserole with Strawberries and Cream Cheese Citrus Drizzle on white plate with fork

      Why You’ll Love this French Toast Bake

      • It’s perfect for a Mother’s Day or springtime brunch.
      • The strawberries add a nice lightweight sweetness to the dish.
      • Cinnamon and brown sugar warm the recipe right up.
      • The pecan crumble topping adds the perfect texture and crunch to the casserole.
      • You’ll love the orange zest in the cream cheese drizzle and as a beautiful garnish to top of the dish.
      slice of baked French toast on white plate with orange zest

      What’s in this Sweet Breakfast Casserole?

      • Gluten Free White Bread – I like to use Schar white bread as it holds together well.
      • Milk – I use Fairlife milk as the lower fat versions are extra creamy and it’s lactose free so easier to digest.
        • Change it up: Use a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond for dairy free.
      • Eggs – This basic French toast ingredient helps hold everything together and adds richness to the recipe.
      • Butter – Melted butter goes in the French toast batter and with the pecan crumble.
        • Change it up: Use a non-dairy buttery spread for dairy free.
      • Vanilla – You’ll add this to the French toast batter.
      • Brown Sugar –  You’ll dissolve it in the freshly melted warm butter with a whisk before adding the rest of the batter ingredients. Brown sugar also goes in the crumble topping.
      • Cinnamon – This goes in both your batter and in the crumble.
      • Strawberries – For added freshness and sweetness.
      • Cream Cheese – This is part of the base for the drizzle and cuts the sweetness of the other ingredients nicely.
        • Change it up: Use a non-dairy cream cheese spread if you prefer dairy free.
      • Frozen Whipped Topping – Cool whip’s an option.
        • Change it up: Cocowhip, which is a non-dairy, coconut based whipped topping is fantastic!
      • Powdered Sugar – This adds a little sweetness to the drizzle.
      • Orange Juice – Gives the drizzle a nice tanginess and citrus flavor.
        • Change it up: Try lemon juice instead.
      • Orange Zest – Adds a little orange-y zip to the drizzle.
        • Change it up: Try lemon zest instead.
      • Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour – For the crumble.
      • Pecans – You’ll want to chop them for the crumble. This adds a nice crunch to the dish.
        • Change it up: Walnuts work well in place of pecans if that’s what you prefer.

      How to make this French Toast Casserole

      Dry out the Bread

      1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
      2. Cut bread into 1-inch squares and place on a baking sheet
      3. Place bread in the oven for 12 minutes (just enough to dry it out, but not toast it).
      French toast casserole - loaf of bread cut into 1-inch squares, spread out on large baking sheet

      Make the Crumble

      1. While the bread is drying out in the oven, add the crumble ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix by hand until well combined.
      2. Set aside.
      Make the pecan crumble for the casserole - pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon mixed together

      Make the French Toast Casserole

      1. After removing the dried bread from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
      2. Grease a 9 X 13 baking dish with butter.
      3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of freshly melted butter until smooth.
      4. Whisk in the eggs, milk, vanilla and 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon.
      5. Add the bread and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the mixture and stir until they are completely coated.
      6. Place the bread mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out to the edges.
      7. Distribute the remaining strawberries evenly on top of the mixture.
      8. Sprinkle the pecan crumble throughout the top of the casserole.
      9. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
      10. Remove foil and continue baking for about 10 minutes (begin making drizzle during the last 10 min).
      11. Take out of the oven when it’s warmed through and has a slight crisp on top.
      French toast casserole Instructions - batter mixed together in bowl, bread mixture in baking dish, crumble added on top

      Make the Drizzle

      1. Add the cream cheese, frozen whipped topping and powdered sugar to a small saucepan.
      2. Warm over low heat, whisking ingredients together well as it heats and stirring constantly.
      3. Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the orange juice and orange zest and continue heating and stirring for a couple of minutes. You’ll want the mixture to be thin enough to drizzle.
      French toast casserole completed citrus drizzle and added to baked casserole

      Add the Garnish

      1. Lightly dust the French toast casserole with powdered sugar.
      2. Add the drizzle the top using a back-and-forth motion.
      3. Top with a little orange zest, serve and enjoy!
      slice of baked French Toast Casserole on white plate with fork and garnished with orange zest

      What to serve with the French Toast Casserole

      Serve this hearty French Toast Bake with one of the items below.

      Bacon – Savory bacon pairs well and is my number one choice to serve alongside this sweet dish.

      or

      Sausage – You can go with a link sausage or patty sausage of your choice. Opt for something savory, avoiding any sweet sausages like maple.

      or

      Eggs – Eggs with simple salt and pepper are another great choice for getting a little protein alongside this tasty dish.

      Go for unsweetened beverage options:

      Hot Tea – Opt for unsweetened black tea. Plain black tea is best, but a flavored tea with spice like cinnamon, vanilla or chai are nice options as well. Go ahead and add milk or unsweetened creamer to your tea if you prefer.

      Coffee – Black coffee or coffee with a little unsweetened creamer is best with this sweet French toast casserole. Unsweetened flavored coffees like hazelnut also pair well.  

      Orange Juice – Orange juice is another great beverage option with this casserole as it enhances the orange already in the dish.

      Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Left Overs

      Making French Toast Ahead of Time 

      Most of the casserole can be made ahead of time, but I recommend making the pecan crumble fresh and adding it just before baking. You can make the casserole and drizzle the evening before and store them separately in the fridge.

      Add a few minutes to the baking time of the casserole. Make sure it’s warmed through before removing it from the oven.

      Rewarm the drizzle on the stove on low, stirring constantly and adding it to the casserole when removing it from the oven as stated in the original instructions.  

      Storing Leftover French Toast Casserole

      Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three days (two days if you make it the day before). Store baked French toast in freezer for up to three months.

      It’s always best fresh, but still quite tasty leftover!

      Reheating the Leftover French Toast Bake

      You can reheat the casserole either in the microwave or oven if stored in the fridge. I recommend reheating in the oven after storing it in the freezer. It’ll come out of the microwave softer and gooier, and out of the oven with a little crisp to the outside and moist on the inside.

       

      I hope you enjoyed this pretty little French Toast Casserole! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

      Angela Post Signature
      slice of french toast casserole on white plate with orange zest, surrounded by strawberries and an orange half

      Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Citrus Drizzle

      This French Toast Casserole will have your mouthwatering with its sunny strawberries, citrus cream cheese drizzle, and cinnamon pecan crumble. It’s gluten free and delicious!
      Prep Time 45 minutes
      Cook Time 45 minutes
      Course Breakfast
      Cuisine French
      Servings 8
      Calories 435 kcal

      Ingredients
        

      French Toast

      • 1 Loaf Gluten Free White Bread 14-16oz
      • 1 ½ Cups Milk
      • 6 Eggs
      • ¼ Cup Butter, Melted + More for Greasing Baking Dish
      • 1 ½ tsp Vanilla
      • ¼ Cup Brown Sugar, Packed
      • 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon
      • 1 ½ Cup Strawberries, Sliced

      Crumble

      • 2 Tbsp Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
      • ½ Cup Pecans, Chopped
      • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar, Packed
      • 2 Tbsp Butter, Melted
      • ½ tsp Cinnamon

      Drizzle

      • 2 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
      • 2 Tbsp Frozen Whipped Topping
      • 3 Tbsp Powdered Sugar + More for Garnish
      • 2 tsp Orange Juice
      • ½ tsp Orange Zest + More for Garnish

      Instructions
       

      Dry Out the Bread

      • Preheat oven to 250 degrees
      • Cut bread into 1-inch squares and place on a baking sheet.
      • Place bread in the oven for 12 minutes (just enough to dry it out, but not toast it).

      Make the Crumble

      •  While the bread is drying out in the oven, add the crumble ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and mix by hand until well combined.
      •  Set aside.

      Make the French Toast Casserole

      • After removing the dried bread from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
      • Grease a 9 X 13 baking dish with butter.
      • In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of freshly melted butter until smooth.
      • Whisk in the eggs, milk, vanilla and 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon.
      • Add the bread and 1 cup of the sliced strawberries into the mixture and stir until they are completely coated.
      • Place the bread mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out to the edges.
      • Distribute the remaining strawberries evenly on top of the mixture.
      • Sprinkle the pecan crumble throughout the top of the casserole.
      • Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
      • Remove foil and continue baking for about 10 minutes (begin making drizzle during the last 10 min).
      • Remove from the oven when it’s warmed through and has a slight crisp on top.

      Make the Drizzle

      • Add the cream cheese, frozen whipped topping and powdered sugar to a small saucepan.
      • Warm over low heat, whisking ingredients together well as it heats and stirring constantly.
      • Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the orange juice and orange zest and continue heating and stirring for a couple of minutes. You’ll want the mixture to be thin enough to drizzle.

      Add the Garnish

      • Lightly dust the French toast casserole with powdered sugar.
      •  Add the drizzle the top using a back-and-forth motion.
      • Top with a little orange zest, serve and enjoy!
      Keyword French Toast Bake, French Toast Casserole, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Recipe, Spring

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