Saturday, July 1, 2017

A Casual Fourth of July

Are you having a big celebration for the Fourth of July? We've been invited this weekend to a friend's cabin in the mountains to celebrate – there's sure to be several types of barbecue, side dishes and tasty desserts.

But on the Fourth itself, we'll be happily relaxing at home.


I've already set the table in the breakfast room, which is the dining space between the kitchen and the family room and open to both.


I wanted to limit the colors to the traditional red, white and blue, and the patterns to stars and stripes. Kitschy? I don't think so. They represent the flag, and by extension, the country.


Besides, it's fun and festive and instantly recognizable!


In the center I've placed a vase full of white carnations that I used here in a different context.


Completing the centerpiece are star-shaped ceramic bowls in red, white and blue, that I bought at Saks Fifth Avenue ten years or so ago.


Joining them is a cute flag salt and pepper set.


The place settings consist of a square plate topped by a round salad plate with a larger flag design. They sit on blue placemats and include blue glasses. Two of the settings are set on the diagonal for added interest. Napkins with stars and stripes are inter-laid with white ones.


In this photo, you get a glimpse of the field of stars on the dinner plate.


Why do I call this a casual Fourth of July table? The plates and napkins are paper and the glasses are acrylic. Should the rains ever stop, they'd be easy to pack up and take outside.


And if they don't, I see no problem in using them indoors. If ever there's a time and place for paper dishes it's the Fourth of July!


I hope you enjoy the Fourth and cherish the independence we celebrate.




   
   
   
   
   





16 comments:

  1. I like your casual Fourth of July tablescape! I have no problem with paper plates- very practical and there are a lot of great patterns. I invested in some of the melamine dishes so there would be less concern going in and out of the house with my better dishes. I love those S & P flag shaped shakers and meant to buy a set myself! I like your star bowls (in fact you've reminded me I have a large red star bowl I keep forgetting about! ). I hope you are having a great time with your friends and will enjoying kicking back on the 4th! We are staying home because our area is a tourist town and about 100,000 extra people arrive for a week to take part with the local cherry festival and the 4th celebrations!
    Have a great 4th!

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    1. Thank you! I hadn't planned on posting a Fourth of July table, but then I saw these plates.....You know how it goes! Paper products give you a world of design choices, and the better ones are surprisingly sturdy. I had stashed the star bowls away but luckily remembered them in time! We have had a week of rain and more to come, but can't complain because we sorely need it. Enjoy the holiday!

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  2. Super cute paper goodies! I thought they were melamine! Enjoy your holiday!

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    1. Thanks for your comments! The plate designs just really appealed to me. Happy Fourth!

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  3. Cute, Cute, Cute!!! Looks like a fun place to celebrate!! I agree with Liz, if there is ever a time to use paper plates - it's 4th of July!!
    I hope you had a nice time!

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    1. Thanks! These just called to me. It rained here off and on all day, but cleared enough for neighborhood fireworks. Hope your Fourth was good!

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  4. I do cherish the independence we enjoy. Love our country and the patriotic spirit of families celebrating America's birthday. Our table was casual as well with just the two of us for dinner. Still it was fun to have the red, white, and blue be the stars.

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    1. Red, white and blue are such stirring colors, don't you think? I smile at all the artful ways people use these three colors to express patriotism. Celebrations can be big or small - I hope you enjoyed yours!

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  5. Great idea to use paper plates and napkins! The colors of red , white and blue are what is perfect for the 4th. Love the striped plates just the right touch. Hope you will pop over to Tea in Texas to view my Patriot Bear table also with July 4th plates
    Have a grand weekend! Pam

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    1. I hadn't planned on buying plates, but you know how it goes...LOL! I'll pop on over!

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  6. I love your Independence Day tablescape! Thank you for sharing at Make it Pretty Monday! Happy weekend! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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    1. Thank you! And thanks for hosting a great party.

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  7. Sometimes casual is the way to go. We will be hosting our outdoor breakfast with family this year. Still haven't decided whether I'll do paper or not. :) I guess I need to hurry and decide! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Jann! When I'm not sure if we're eating on the patio or inside, I tend to go paper or melamine.

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  8. Adorable. It also looks like easy clean up which is fabulous for a busy holiday. Thanks for linking to Keep In Touch.

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    1. Thanks, Katie! It definitely made the evening relaxing.

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