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05 Feb 2023

Entertaining & Holidays

Throwing a Patriotic Party

July 4th

On July 4th, Americans commemorate the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

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. It’s a happy day . . . a celebration of freedom and all the things we hold dear here in the United States.

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 spirit

Patriotic door medallion. (Photo: Martha Stewart)

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

American flag in a basket of flowers, ivy, and ferns. (Photo: Starfish Cottage)

I’m all for keeping things simple. If you barbecue out, but eat in—as we sometimes do—dress your dining table for the holiday.

Table setting (Photo: Starfish Cottage)

(Photo: Starfish Cottage)

Above, simple red place mats and napkins in traditional navy are paired with white china and stemware. A lone flag graces the white hydrangea centerpiece. The starfish at each place setting add a touch of whimsy. Easy-to-do . . . understated . . . and elegant.

Table setting (Photo: HWTM)

[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] This buffet setting uses bandanas as napkins and places them in mason jars with the silverware.
(Photo: I {Heart} Nap Time)

Bandanas are used as napkins and placed in mason jars with silverware. (Photo: I {Heart} Nap Time)
July 4th picnic (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

For easy clean-up, mix and match assorted patterns of paper plates, cups, and napkins to create a patriotic table setting. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

DIY denim place mats. (Photo Dollar Store Crafts)

Make 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)

DIY no-sew napkins. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Star-print ribbon is threaded through stamped tags and tied around striped no-sew napkins. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

American flag snap bracelets. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

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)

Oversized napkins (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

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)

All-American centerpiece. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Fill an open chest or basket with decorative green wheatgrass, 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)

Want to grow some wheatgrass for your Fourth of July centerpiece? Here’s how!

Patriotic fan party favors. (Photo: Country Living)
Patriotic fan party favors. (Photo: Martha Stewart)
Votive candles. (Photo: Martha Stewart)

[above left to right] 1-2. Patriotic fans beat the heat, decorate the table, and make great party favors. (Photos: Country Living and Martha Stewart); 3. Bands of red, white, and blue sand dress up votive candles for flickering lights that are cheerful and fun. (Photo: Martha Stewart)

July 4 watermelon (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Juicy watermelon is always a summer favorite. Gives yours a special holiday twist by carving the date and using as porch decoration or as a centerpiece for the snack table. (Photo: Better Homes and Gardens)

Flags anchored in red, white, and blue gum balls. (Photo: All You)

Flags are anchored in red, white, and blue gum balls. (Photo: All You)

Candles in red, white, and blue rice. (Photo: Epicurious)

Adding some jazzed-up red, white, and blue rice gives candles just the right patriotic touch. (Photo: Epicurious)

Red, White, and Blueberry Ice Cream Cake. (Photo: Jenny Steffens)

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)

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Patricia and TomHi there! Tom and I are two empty nesters who decided to downsize and simplify our lives—lose the clutter and drama, travel a little, laugh a lot, sit back, and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer. Read more

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