My friends and I have been going to the New Berlin parade on the 4th of July since we were in college. Over the years we added spouses and children, changed our post parade venue and added brunch.
Summertime is my favorite time of the year and who doesn’t love the celebration of July 4th? It gets hot by noon, but in the morning we relax on the porch over breakfast and Bloody Marys!
Festive red, white and blue
Setting an independence table is fun and festive. You can pull out all the red, white and blue stops. I found the iron table and chairs at a flea market for a song a few years ago. A bit of sanding and spray paint and it seats up to 6 people comfortably.
Red, white and blue the color for the day
Denim placemats add the touch of blue to the place setting. Since this is practically a picnic, I bring out my enamel dishes from Sweden. You can pick up lots of white enamel dinnerware at flea markets, but since I’m part Swedish, I stick with those marked Sweden.
Vintage enamelware
Look for dishes marked Sweden. The cm indicates the size
Start the party with basic supplies
What could be more Americana than a red bandana? They make perfect napkins—colorful and inexpensive. I fold them in thirds and then half again. Triple pleat in the middle and hold together with an old fashion clothes pin. I write each guest’s name on the pin and add a couple of mini flags.
What could be easier than writing guests' names on old clothes pins!
Bandanas also work as chair seats. No upholstery required!
Bandanas also fit the chair seats. The upholstered seats are fine, but I like the coordinated look since the table top is glass.
Festive place setting
It’s OK to break the rules when setting the table. Since the cup and saucer take up the right hand corner of the placemat, I chose to put the knife next to the fork and spoon with the saucer.
Patriotic candles and ribbon for the centerpiece
The centerpiece is a trio of RWB candles, ribbon and flag.
Festive table setting
Such a simple way to start the celebration!
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I LOVE bandanas as napkins. They’re so festive and very practical. I used navy blue ones every day for years. They must have been washed a thousand times..and they’re inexpensive. Best of all you made it all look so great! the clothes pins add a very charming country touch. Lovely!
The bandanas as slipcovers for the chairs is such a cute idea! Love it!!
Great ideas, Merri! Love the bandanas on the seats! Clever napkin “rings”, too!
Happy 4th…enjoy!
;-D
Hi Merri!
FANTASTIC idea with the clothespins — love it, and will steal it as soon as I can. 🙂
Also love the enamel ware… I am Norwegian, and I do love how the Scandinavians “present” things so beautifully; I had aunts who could serve you a wilted lettuce leaf, but do it so elegantly that you thought you were dining very well indeed!
I am very fond of the Cathrineholm enamelware from Norway — I collected some of that when I was a kid.
Again — LOVE the clothespin idea — brilliant! Happy 4th!
Cass
So glad you like the 4th table setting. I’m always looking for clever ways to seat guests at the table. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter “Style By Design”. Get interior design and table setting ideas twice a month!
Merri