Fourth of July picnic. Courtesy photo
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos
Can you believe we are mid-summer already? It’s our country’s birthday and time to celebrate! My family loves fireworks. We are blessed enough to watch them from our deck, so the day will be filled with good eats – ribs on the barbeque, lawn games, probably even a trip to the pool.
It doesn’t take much to decorate for Independence Day. You can decorate with food, flowers, and lawn decorations. Follow these guidelines for a red, white and blue, patriotic celebration.
Red, White and Blue Refreshments
Think of cold beverages as a decorating opportunity. Chill berry-flavored bottled juices or sodas in metal tubs filled with ice; you’ll not only keep guests cool but also sneak in a few extra red, white and blue touches to carry the party’s patriotic theme.
Patriotic Picnic
Add a little romance to your Independence Day with a red, white and blue picnic. For a true designer look, introduce a mixture of patterns and textures through floor pillows, toss pillows and blankets.
Sparkling Favors
Instantly turn sparklers into party favors with ribbon and paper tags. Once the sparklers are removed from their packaging, bunch them up, then tie them together with red, white and blue ribbon. Before tying and curling the ribbon ends with scissors, slide a hole-punched paper tag through one of the strands with your guests’ names on it.
Modern Patriotism
Who says Fourth of July decorating has to be all stars and stripes? Give your Independence Day decor a modern update by introducing red, white and blue through modern graphic patterns.
Floral Design
If you’re throwing your party in a backyard, give it a garden theme while showing your patriotism. Mix oversized floral patterns with more contemporary patterns in red, white and blue.
Flower Pots and Vases
Like to paint or do crafts? Try this – paint a flag motif on a flowerpot or on three canning jars for a group of flowers. Just pick up some craft paint and have fun with it!
Starry Night Decorations
Give the grass star-spangled treatment for your 4th of July party. Focus the stars near the entrance to your yard for a dramatic welcome. To make, cut a star shape from a piece of cardboard. Lay the stencil on the lawn and paint with special spray paint made for the lawn. This paint is available at your local hardware store. Remove the stencil and repeat.
4th of July Chair Cover
Add July 4th flair to your chairs with cloth napkin slipcovers. To make, fold a napkin in half and iron to crease. Cut four pieces of ribbon; glue one inside each napkin corner. Tie to close. Hot-glue or stitch red cording to spell “4th” and you’re done!
4th of July Lantern Table Setting
For a unique July 4th centerpiece, spray paint matching antiques or thrift store finds with metallic red, white, or blue paint. Pair them with American flags and color-coordinated flowers for a whole table setting ready in no time!
Patriotic Paper Lanterns
Red, white, and blue lanterns make a bubbly focal point over your dining table. Use a long piece of sturdy string and tie each of the lanterns onto it. Fold the string in half before hanging to create a layered look.
P.S. Don’t forget to put your flag out! Happy 4th everyone!
Feel free to contact Los Alamos Interior Designer Suzette Fox to help with your home. Find her on Facebook at facebook.com/SuzetteFoxInteriorDesign and on her
