Yankee Doodle decorating
BY BONNIE MCCARTHY >>> Fireworks aren’t the only way to dazzle friends and family this Fourth of July. We’ve got a few festive ideas for making the most of your holiday tablescape with star-spangled, summertime style. ¶ On a scale from a single sparkler to a fireworks grand finale, decorating for the holiday is a democratic process that allows us to show off a little f lair, or a lot. ¶ Whether setting a patriotic picnic or a red, white and blue buffet table, decorating options abound. And they can be as simple as adding American f lag-emblazoned appetizer plates to your tabletop or embracing the look from the tablecloth to the tapers.
AMERICAN INGENUITY
Invite unexpected items to the table. Cute potholders ($12 at Sur La Table) can be used as trivets and freshly ironed dish towels (4th of July kitchen towel, $10 at Sur La Table) can serve double duty as oversized napkins or placemats. Red, white or blue bandanas are a clever choice for napkins, basket liners, place mats or when tied onto the handles of platters ice buckets, or lanterns.
SAVING WASHINGTONS
Inexpensive serving trays, baskets and paper goods can boost a Betsy Ross-inspired theme. Choose red, white and blue burger baskets, printed ice cream cups ($8 at Sur La Table for set of 16 cups and spoons), or festively colored platters for star-spangled style without over-spending. Another way to keep the budget in check: Shop your own shelves for white dishes, and add blue or red accents.
BORN IN THE USA
For style that is more subdued, little touches of patriotic panache can go a long way. Use stars and stripes serving ware ($16, Crate and Barrel) and napkin rings ($20 for set of 4, Pottery Barn, seen on the cover). Add white f lowers, or choose sunf lowers for a happy, classic accent.
BUCKETS OF STYLE
Small buckets or sand pails in patriotic prints, colors or galvanized surfaces ($13.99 per dozen at orientaltrading.com) make easy holiday centerpieces: Plant pails with f lowers or succulents, use as vases for cut stems, or fill with sand and add red, white and blue candles, pinwheels or small American flags. Pails can also be a great way to contain festively colored paper straws, silverware, napkins, candy or nuts on a buffet table. Patriotic taper candles, $15 at Sur La Table.
CHEERS TO US
Drinks look festive and fun in wide-mouth mason jars — which can also be used as table vases or votive holders. Bonus points for decorative rocks glasses ($11 each at fishseddy.com) with images of our Founding Fathers.
STARS AND STRIPES
American flag-inspired tablecloths, napkins ($29.50 for set of 4, Pottery Barn) and servingware ($35.95 for appetizer/dessert plates, set of 4, Williams Sonoma) add instant drama. The fact they can be used for other occasions makes them an investment worth considering.