Throwing a Patriotic Party

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

[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)

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.

(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.

[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)

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)

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)

Star-print ribbon is threaded through stamped tags and tied around striped no-sew napkins. (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)

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 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!

[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)

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

Adding 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)