A Stylish Table in Red, White and Blue

Are you planning an exciting Fourth of July celebration? Or are you going to enjoy the holiday with a casual gathering? We tend to stay home, have a typical summer cookout, and enjoy our neighborhood's fireworks. Whichever way you celebrate Independence Day you can design a stylish table in shades of red, white and blue!

I've set the table in the casual garden room which leads through French doors onto the shaded patio. (I love the shade provided by the oaks and hickories in the summer, but it does make this room darker than I'd like for taking tablescape photos.) Weather permitting, I can move the settings outside for alfresco dining, though that is increasingly unlikely with temps hovering in the mid-90's.

   

I've used a red and white striped table runner and napkins as the base for this year's table, which you may remember seeing on The French Table. I thought it nicely referred to the thirteen stripes in the flag. A trio of rattan stars radiate above each place setting.

  

The napkins are held by pieces of garland that I cut to size from a larger one that I found at an inexpensive store several years ago. They're a fun touch, reminiscent of fireworks!

Each place setting continues the theme, starting with blue placemats, white dinner plates, and favorite blue salad plates with a trellis design that evokes the garden through the doors. On the top I placed square bowls in depression glass in a rich ruby shade. They cast a lovely glow on the plates beneath! I don't remember sharing these in a post before though I've had them for some time; they were a lucky find at a local antiques market held monthly.

   

For a centerpiece I used a lovely bouquet of white chrysanthemums surrounded by three star-shaped ceramic bowls that are perfect for a selection of fruits or crudités. 

After three days the mums are still unfolding their petals to unveil pale lemon yellow centers.

   

I like this somewhat understated approach to table design that still has a bit of flair.

  

I placed a simple display of flags with a set of the rattan stars on the buffet.

 

I think this arrangement would work throughout the summer including any Labor Day celebrations.

  

Red stemmed glassware joins the place settings, along with my Dad's mid-century pilsner glasses. We can then choose whether to have a summer wine, beer or a hard cider. Or of course ice-cold water!

Through the doors you can catch a glimpse of a seating area and a pergola. The red curtains are hung year-round.

  

Red is Greg's favorite color, one that is the dominant accent on the lower level and found in the curtains and area rug in the garden room, and in the hand-loomed Navajo rug and our new leather sofa. We use this level most often during the holiday season and during the summer where it stays cooler than upstairs.

The Fourth of July's red, white and blue theme is extra colorful down here, echoing the other reds in the rooms.

I hope you've discovered some ideas for your own stylish table! You can find more inspiration in Red, White and Blue — Bright and Bold and A Casual Fourth of July.    

Table details

Striped linens | Southern Living

Dinner plates | Villeroy and Boch 'Manoir'

Salad plates | Block 'Blue Skies'

 

* Table details are provided for identification/information only. Dinner at Eight is not affiliated with nor compensated by any other entity.