Happy Birthday, America!
There’s nothing quite like celebrating the independence of our beautiful country, the ole red, white and blue. At a time when people are often divided for varying opinions, it’s refreshing to leave it at the door and just enjoy one another and partake in time honored traditions.
Let’s face it, from an entertaining standpoint, red, white and blue are vibrant colors that optically work well together making the patriotic theme really FUN to bring to life! Not to mention while it’s great for the 4th of July, you can roll it out for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Armed Forces, Returning Serviceman (or woman) or just a summer gathering for a slice of Americana.
INDOOR DECOR:
Patriotic Mantel Design:
For this 4th of July-themed gathering (as with all my gatherings), the theme starts as soon as they enter our home. Found in the Target Dollar bins, the blue canvas CELEBRATE sign was a perfect anchor to the mantel. I found the flag garland on Amazon along with the flag I used in my arrangement.
The eucalyptus wreath is a permanent fixture (similar to this one) that I dressed up by adding a bow using red, white and striped grosgrain ribbon. It really was just a matter of small and simple additions that made a statement when all put together.
Kitchen Design:
In the kitchen I love to use my letter board as a way to work in the theme. I found the 4th of July gnome at Home Goods and the “Celebrate America” wooden sign at the Dollar Tree. The vases are a set of three on Amazon that I filled with rice to help weight them. For the “bouquet” I made large red, white & navy blue pom poms glued to wooden dowels. I also included American flags and pinwheels I found at Michael’s for some extra 4th of July flair.
The burlap flag garland on the range hood I actually found ½ off the year prior at the grocery store of all places! (I’m always on the look out for little “finds” in the bargain bins right after the holiday. You can find some steals!). This garland on Amazon isn’t exactly the same, but it’s a similar feel to the one I used for a good price.
OUTDOOR DECOR:
Table Decor:
Living in Southern California has many perks and the weather is certainly one of them. A large majority of our entertaining is done outside which is such a gift. So, with this in mind it’s time to build our outdoor tablescape…
LINENS:
I started with a chambray tablecloth I found at Home Goods, very similar to this one found on Amazon. I loved the color and that it had a little texture to it as well. Plus, bonus, it’s a color staple I can see myself using for lots of other occasions. I also used linen napkins I purchased for a baptism close to 20 years ago. I’d say they’ve held up well! While my napkins are no longer available, I found these cute options:
Buffalo check, white with red & white stripes & American plaid.
DINNERWARE:
My Dollar Tree red ceramic plates are pulled out again…I still can’t believe how many uses I’ve been able to find for them. [Note: I suggest purchasing these dishes in-store as the reviews for purchasing the plates from Dollar Tree on-line have been marginal: broken shipments, funky finishes, etc. A trip to your local Dollar Tree let’s you check ‘em out and select firsthand.]
The white plates are my everyday Wedgewood Strawberry & Vine dishes and the silverware are my everyday mish mash. The acrylic glasses I found at Home Goods last summer and have used them a ton! [See them used in my Book Club post here.] I found some similar glasses on Amazon you can check out.
FLOWERS:
Market flowers (for me, my go-to is always Trader Joe’s) were used to make my floral arrangements. White hydrangeas, St. John’s ornamental wort, Eucalyptus, Green Dragon/Aster and purple filler made up these red, white and “sorta” blue bouquets. I added an American flag to jazz them up and continue with the patriotic theme. I already owned the red vase and have used it for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, too.
[Click HERE to see my tutorial post on how to make easy peezy floral arrangements that look like the local florist is on speed-dial.]
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR FINAL TOUCHES:
Lanterns:
These rattan lanterns were purchased on sale at Michael’s the end of last season. [I also used them on my Book Club table as well. See post here.] But, I did find these cute rattan outdoor lanterns at Crate & Barrel that would also work well.
Garland:
Instead of a table runner, I did some jeuging with the same burlap garland I used in my kitchen decor. [Note: I’d purchased this in the ½ off bin in the grocery store a couple years ago. A similar feel is this garland found on Amazon.]
Votives:
I LOVE using votives and have a large stash that are ready to go for any and all occasions. I keep them in a plastic storage container in the closet and am good about replenishing to keep a steady candle supply. (Smart & Final is another place I’ll go to stock up on votives.) I scattered them down the table and they’ll will bring some candlelight vibe later on.
Confetti:
For a little playfulness, I added some red star confetti down the table. The red pops so well against the chambray colored tablecloth.
FAVORS
As I enjoy giving my guests a little “swag”, I found these mini Uncle Sam hats and pinwheels at Michael’s that I coupled with sparklers for some evening FUN. [Similar to these pinwheels found on Amazon.] I tied the sparkler with some red grosgrain ribbon to finish the look at each place setting. Super easy and not expensive.
There are so many great options for adding some Americana to your 4th of July celebration. I hope this post gave you some simple ways to decorate in the patriotic spirit while also piggybacking some FUN into your next gathering.
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Wishing you and your family a very Happy 4th of July. May we remember the freedom our flag represents and celebrate the values that make our country so wonderful. God bless the Red, White and Blue~
Great ideas for the 4th of July!! I also enjoyed your bookclub dinner ideas! Thanks Shelley💕🥰
So great to hear! Have a terrific 4th of July celebration~
The decor ideas are great and I will be ordering a few items for my 4th of July weekend! Thanks so much!!
Glad you found some ideas to bring to your own celebration! Have a terrific 4th! 🙂
Love these ideas and thank you for the tips and links on where to purchase. As a “not too excited to decorate” hostess, you actually spark my desire to add a little something extra for my next get together!
Yay! Glad to help bring a little sparkle to your celebration! 🙂
Your table looks so festive and fun! I’m inspired!
Thank you! 🙂