Olla-Podrida: Stars & Stripes Tablescape

Monday, July 2, 2018

Stars & Stripes Tablescape

Thinking back, I cannot remember a time when I hosted a Fourth of July anything. For years my dad played in a symphonic band that had a fabulous Fourth of July concert, complete with a spectacular fireworks display, that was held on the Fourth every year at the local Civic Center. We would either head to my mother's for a Fourth of July barbecue, or to my aunt’s, and then we would all go to the Civic Center, spread out our blankets, set up our lawn chairs, and unload our cooler full of beverages and cold desserts, and enjoy the concert and display.

But, as happens, people moved out of the area, got older, became ill, and this celebration that I remember so fondly, ceased to take place. After that, Fourth of July just didn’t seem as important to me anymore. I do have a spectacular view of the fireworks from my deck, and I enjoy that every year, generally while sipping a cocktail. This year, instead of being an old poop, I decided that I was going to set a pretty table as well.

Some Pottery Barn rewards dollars were burning a hole in my pocket, so I spent them on these placemats and blue napkins with the white stars. From there, I just started rummaging through my hutches, cabinets, drawers, closets, you name it, in order to dig up something that would go together and look attractive. It’s not as heavily laden as some of my previous tables, but it gets the job done. The beauty in this table is its simplicity.

Whatever you do or however you celebrate the Fourth of July, be safe!

Sources:
Placemats, flatware, and star napkins - Pottery Barn
Jeweled chargers - Pier 1
White dinner plates - “Amelie” by Versailles
Heart-shaped salad plates - Amazon
Small red and blue bowls - Fiestaware
Candleholder Centerpiece - Pottery Barn
Blue champagne flutes - a wedding gift, years ago
Red napkins with white stars - my mother made these years ago