I love the American flag and all things red, white, and blue.
Right down to my dining table.
Yet, this patriotic tablescape almost didn’t happen.
This summer my focus changed from the blog to my personal health and wellness. I’m making some strides, although it seems that it’s two steps forward and one step back. But, I decided to not stress over it. Instead, I’m giving myself grace to let go of a few things. I’m good at pushing through… not at receiving grace… especially from myself.
So, even though I love decorating for the 4th of July, I just decided to let it slip by. That is until Tim asked me when I was going to create a holiday tablescape. My reply was a question, “You want me to put together a 4th of July table?” He did.
I don’t have a lot of red, white, and blue in my stash… or at least I didn’t think I did, so when we were in Target to look at bike helmets, I breezed through the Dollar Spot. It was there I spied this fantastic red and white stripped crock. I asked Tim what he thought and he said, “Get it!”
Every tablescape needs a focal point, a theme, and a plan.
That day I walked out of the store with my $5 focal point for my 4th of July theme. Next… I needed a plan.
Usually, we think about stars and stripes. Certainly, I had my stripes. But, what do I do about stars?
With that in the back of my mind, I opened the china cabinet to look at the table linens I had available and much to my surprise I discovered a red, white, and blue paisley tablecloth and napkins that I purchased (on clearance) for Christmas late last fall, but in the end went a totally different direction with a black and white buffalo check tablescape theme.
The stage was set. Or maybe I should say the plan was beginning to come together.
The tablecloth was ironed (Yes, I iron… some aspects of perfectionism are hard to overcome.) and spread it across the table. As I stood there looking at it with the red Pioneer Woman plates I got on clearance some time ago, the beautiful paisley pattern felt just a little too busy for me. After remembering the navy placements we often use, I decided to see how they would work with the plates. At first, I slipped a white charger under the plates. Nope… too much. Sometimes simple is best. The navy placemats gave the eye a little area to rest from the busyness of the paisley pattern and made the blue snap out of the tablecloth.
At first, I pulled out my wooden napkin rings. They looked great on the napkins sitting on the red dinner plate, but then I had an idea!
Why not add some stars to my decor with a dessert? Why not!
A little before Mother’s Day, I came across a set of personal tart pans at the thrift store, but never got to creating the tarts or the tablescape. So how about Plan B!? Homemade blueberry tarts with a single large star. A nod to the white stars on the blue background of our country’s flag.
Those cute tarts became the stars of the table when I placed a folded napkin on the dinner plate and topped the napkin with a bone colored dessert plate topped with a tart. Sweet and simple. Literally!
To complete the place settings I added two different goblets… also thrift store finds. I think the clear goblet might actually be a parfait. It looked so fun with a red and white striped straw I couldn’t resist using it.
Now to complete the centerpiece.
The red and white striped crock makes quite the striking vase. The funny thing is I kept thinking that it reminded me of a lighthouse or “The Cat in the Hat.” It needed to look a little more patriotic.
That’s when I got the idea to go through my little craft stash. I still had sparkly foam stars left over from the sparky mason jar project I made for the Fourth.
My stash included both gold glitter and white iridescent glitter stars… not quite what I was looking for. It was time to get the navy paint out. Ten minutes later I had a constellation of stars for my striped crock.
After the stars dried, I applied some sticky tack to their backs and stuck them around the crock. Voila! A stars and stripes vase!
My supermarket usually has a good selection of flowers. And they did… pinks, oranges, greens… but no white. I didn’t have time to drive around town and I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money so I put on my thinking cap. That’s when I remembered that I’d seen white yarrow scattered down the side of one of the nearby country roads. Perfect! I grabbed my snips, jumped in my van, and out I went for my flowers.
I’m so happy that there were no white flowers in the store. The yarrow ended up being just exactly what I needed… giving the table a little more casual look with their soft white tone.
For the final hurrah, I dug out my place cards and gave them a little Independence Day makeover by adding ribbon and the pleated medallion on the back. (Get an original glimpse of them here and here.)
Now that the table’s all set… we need to sit down to eat.
My 4th of July menu is always simple… burgers or brats with ALL the fixings, a salad of some sort, fruit, and dessert… like my Stars and Stripes Pie. This year the Blueberry Star Tarts are a take-off on that EASY pie.
What do you usually serve for the Fourth?
Do you have some special traditions?
Hope you were inspired today to decorate for the Fourth. I’d love to hear what caught your eye and what you do.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
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Patriotic Wreaths | Two… Red, White, & Blue Flag Wreaths : Navy Braided Edge Round Placemats : Pioneer Woman Red Dinnerware : Red and White Striped Straws : Blue Goblets : Clear Footed Glasses : Red and White Striped Vase : Porcelain Place Cards : Individual Tart Pans
MORE Patriotic Decorating Ideas
So Easy… this 4th of July Tablescape Will Make You Celebrate
Easy to Make Stars and Stripes American Flag Pie
Decorate a Vintage Window with a Patriotic Wreath and Garland for the 4th of July
How to Make Your Fourth of July Sparkle with Mason Jars and Flowers
One Room, Three Ways :: The Fourth of July Finale’
Easy and Inexpensive Dessert Idea to Make Your Fourth Spectacular
Your tablescape turned out beautifully, Diane! I love everything Americana and you shared such a beautiful display. Happy 4th of July to you and Tim. xoxo
Awww… I can’t tell you how much you made my day! It’s been a while but at one time my family room was totally dressed in Americana style. Happy 4th to you and your sweet family, too!
Take off the stars and use the red white crock for Christmas or Valentines. The yarrow save was brilliant
I’ll try to remember to use the crock for Christmas for sure!!!! I love repurposing things for the seasons.
I think the yarrow save was a God thing for sure!
Thanks for popping by Gail! Happy 4th to you and yours!! xo
Voila indeed!
You never disappoint ?
Blessings to you!
Minnie
Awww… you know how to make me feel so loved! Thank you!!!
Happy Fourth, my friend!! xo
I am so glad you did a post! And I hope you invite a couple over for dessert. It looks very pretty at your table. This tablecloth looks stunning. Don’t you love how this all turned out?? I think it’s one of my favorites ever. I liked the things on tour side table too with the shutters as a backdrop.
This was a gift to us. Thank you.
I did put together a centerpiece for my table this year. I think last year we were so busy doing a baby shower that we did not decorate for the 4th.
I am praying that tomorrow begins a better week. Get well soon!!
You totally made my day, Gwen!! Thank you for your warm thoughts and encouragement. I’m so glad you like it and for noticing the side table, too. (BTW… I put a separate post up about that today.) Having a centerpiece seems like a small thing, but it sets the tone and really adds a festive element. I’m so glad you were able to create one this year. Thanks for your prayers… I so appreciate it! xoxo
I’m glad your husband asked for this table — and that we get to share it with you! The tablecloth is lovely and the feeling I get is definitely patriotic. I like how you enhanced the striped vase, and what could be better than wild flowers?
You are so sweet Sandra! Thank you for your lovely thoughts.
I know! …wildflowers are the best!! I’m living in a different area and need to keep my eyes open for more as the seasons go on!
Happy Fourth!!