Red, White and Blue — Bright and Bold

I decided to celebrate Independence Day in the spirit of '76 — bright and bold! The red, white and blue plaid linens were the catalyst to go full-on colorful. I had spent a rainy day online looking for something new to express the excitement of the first holiday we plan to spend with friends

  

The bold pattern and the bright colors in the table runner and the napkins became the base, with mostly old and some new dinnerware and decor layering the excitement.

 

  

I added round placemats to the table settings; they're not quite the right red, but I like the added texture. While I had bought a set of napkins that matched the runner, I had not bought plaid placemats, thinking the round ones would be enough. On the rich tones of the table, however, the round ones were not enough (sigh...). In one of those flashes of inspiration, I folded two of the napkins so that a third of the length was tucked under, and voila! — a temporary placemat.

I had been wanting to use the blue transferware plates since we found them clearing out Greg's mother's house. He remembers them as belonging to his grandmother. On them I placed white plates with narrow platinum bands, and finished with alternating navy and red bowls covered with stars.

  

In the center of the table I placed several patriotic hand-crafted wooden items found on Etsy and a set of ceramic salt and pepper shakers in stars and stripes. I tried several taller items for the focus, deciding on a vase full of white gardenias. These are silk; I would have gathered gardenias from the shrubs in my front garden, but the remaining blossoms were in rough shape from all the recent rains.

  

Wild flowers adorn the rim of the white salad plates. Several years ago I found the entire service for twelve plus serving pieces at a local antique mall for $119. How could I have passed that up? I've used these plates in all four seasons, including in Silver and White for Embracing January.

 

The blue transferware plates are luncheon-sized, just barely large enough for their decorated rims to be seen under the salad plates. I particularly like the unusual design, combining roses and thistles.

  

When setting a tablescape here in the 'garden' room I like to decorate the buffet as well. Today I've used the wooden Uncle Sam and star-shaped tealight candle holders from my Memorial Day vignette. I couldn't resist adding some fireworks!

  

  

If we're lucky enough to have sunny (or at least dry!) weather for the holiday weekend, I'll easily whisk the settings through the doors and onto the patio for an al fresco celebration.

  

Silver-toned flatware and napkin rings and clear glassware complement all the intense reds, whites and blues.

This year's table is quite a change from last year's subdued tablescape. This year's holiday is a time for friends and family!

  

Here's to wonderful celebrations — and fireworks I hope! — on the Fourth!

  

  

Table details

Luncheon plates | Royal Warwick 'Lochs of Scotland' (Loch Oich)

Salad plates | Noritake 'Ranier'

Flatware | Mikasa 'Italian Countryside'

Napkin rings | Crate & Barrel