Celebrating the Fourth

On July 4th, Americans commemorate the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a happy day . . . a celebration of freedom and all the things we hold dear here in the United States.

There will be parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, flag waving, family picnics, and fireworks displays . . . lots of good old fashioned all-American Fourth of July fun.

If you’re planning a picnic or party to celebrate the holiday, here are a few simple ways to add patriotic color to your traditional festivities.

Show your patriotism with festive red, white, and blue

click to enlarge smaller photos

[above left to right] 1. Fly the American flag; 2. A round patriotic door medallion offers a fresh spin and welcome guests. (Photo: Martha Stewart) 3. Add the American flag to a hanging basket of white hydrangeas, wildflowers, ivy, and ferns. (Photo: Starfish Cottage)

I’m all about keeping things simple. If you barbecue out, but eat in—as we sometimes do—by all means dress your table for the holiday. Here, simple red place mats and napkins in traditional navy are paired with white china and stemware. A lone flag graces the white hydrangea centerpiece. Starfish add a touch of whimsy. Easy-to-do . . . understated . . . and elegant. (Photo: Starfish Cottage)

[above] Silverware and napkins, in a patriotic navy fabric, are tied with red-and-white striped ribbon. Using a pewter plate charger gives the setting a subtle circa 1776 feel and is a nice touch. Paisley bandanas, sewn together, make a perfect tablecloth. (Photo: HWTM)

[right] For a buffet setting, bandanas are used as napkins and placed in mason jars with silverware. (Photo: I {Heart} Nap Time)

For easy clean-up, mix and match assorted patterns of paper plates, cups, and napkins to create a patriotic table setting. It doesn’t matter if the blues and reds don’t match perfectly—
together they’ll look great. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

[above left to right] 1. Make upcycled demin place mats from an old pair of jeans—then, sew some red checked ribbon around the hem of a plain white napkin, tuck the napkin and silverware inside the place mat pocket, and voilá . . . perfection! (Photo: Dollar Store Crafts) 2. Star-print ribbon is threaded through stamped tags and tied around striped no-sew napkins. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens) 3. Snap bracelets, with an American flag or star pattern, are a perfect wrap for napkins and something your guests can wear during the party. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens) 4. For saucy barbecues, use inexpensive white dish towels as oversized napkins, rolled and tied with checkered shoelaces for a pop of color.
(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Fill an open chest or basket with decorative green grass, baseballs, and red and blue croquet balls. Top it off with a few tiny flags for an all-American centerpiece.
(Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Patriotic fans beat the heat, decorate the table, and make great party favors.
(Photos: Country Living and Martha Stewart)

[above left to right] 1. Bands of red, white, and blue sand dress up votive candles for flickering lights that are cheerful and fun. (Photo: Martha Stewart) 2. Flags are anchored in red, white, and blue gum balls. (Photo: All You) 3. Add some jazzed-up red, white, and blue rice gives candles just the right patriotic touch. (Photo: Epicurious)

A casual holiday picnic table with its perfect centerpiece features a simple table runner . . .
mason jars filled with rock salt and flags . . . baskets of blueberries, cherries, and strawberries . . . and a
Red, White, and Blueberry Ice Cream Cake
—three layers of strawberry and blueberry soaked cake topped with ice cream and fresh fruit—
truly a red, white, and blue masterpiece. (Photo: Jenny Steffens)

Happy holiday . . . let freedom ring,

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