Set a wonderful dinner table and colorful fireworks won’t be the only thing your family and guests remember about the 4th of July this year.  Bring on the red, white and blue and show off what you can do!  Let your table set the mood for a fun, exuberant and playful evening.  It’s easier than you might think.

Marcie Hayes, owner of Persnickety – a cool home store in Chelan, Washington, believes fabulous tablescapes are as easy as 1, 2, 3!  “First, think layering,” Marcie advises, “next add height to your table, and finally have fun while mixing up your settings.”  Follow her tips and your guests will explode with compliments when they see your version of the tablescape Marcie created below.

Here’s How

1.  Layer! Marcie layered a rectangular wooden table with sheer red table cloths, overlapping the squares of fabric to provide the desired amount of coverage.  Over the sheer cloths she ran a long red, white and blue runner down the center of the table.

Then she added a red circular mat at each place.

A linen hand towel layed over the back of each chair extends the color, texture, and theme of the table. Since the towels are for sale they remain folded – but you could open yours to span the chair’s back rail.

2.  Add Height!  Marcie mixed and matched holiday decor items with candles, dishes, and whimsical items to add height and interest to the center of the table.

Ready-made stylized firecracker decorations (I adore these!) add height to the center of the table.

You could also create height by filling a vase with an American flag surrounded by colorful curly-que stems.

3.  Mixed fun!   Shop your kitchen and the rest of the house for pieces that tie into the red, white and blue theme.  Select items that are compatible - but they do not have to match.  In fact, a variety of items will be much more interesting than using complete sets or getting too matchy-matchy.

At each place Marcie added a round white metal charger on top of the previously layered red placemat.

A square white plate tops the charger and a napkin and “napkin ring” finish the stack.  Your guests will no doubt smile when they see their napkin holder is an unexpected flip flop!  This fun touch is easy to create:

Pair an unworn flip flop and and a cloth dinner napkin.  You can vary the flip flop and napkin colors at each setting if you like.  Fold the dinner napkin into a triangle then roll the long edge of the napkin twice.

Insert one rolled end of the napkin through the flip flop as shown.  Repeat with the napkin’s other rolled corner and you’re set.

You can skip the standard napkin and instead offer each guest a decorative hand towel.  This is a great idea for really messy meals like cracked crab, lobster, or saucy bar-b-que ribs.

“Dressy” stemmed wine glasses are mixed with casual, fun, polka dot mugs at each setting.

 Give It A Try!

Try your hand at a festive table for July 4th this year.  If you’re lacking in red, white, and blue items, give Marcie a call at 509.682.2300 and she’ll happily ship any of the fabulous items shown in this article to you.  Call her with questions or for prices.

Bottom line - shop your house or let Marcie ship direct – you’ve no excuse for a boring table at this year’s July 4th celebration!  Celebrate in style and enjoy!

P.S.  After you’ve got your holiday decorating handled, remember Terrie and I can help you with your home decor issues.   From color selection, to a single decorating dilemma, to a full room design, we offer one-on-one consultations that you can learn about by clicking here.