Every time I set my
table, I’m amazed by how much red, white, and blue dinnerware I’ve collected
over the years. But it wasn’t always this way. In our previous home, my dining
room was a vibrant showcase of jewel-toned dinnerware and stemware, proudly displayed
in a vintage china cabinet. That changed when I inherited my mother’s
collection of dinnerware and stemware, forcing me to part with some of my own
pieces to make space. When we moved to our current home, I leaned hard into
neutrals—a decision that led to letting go of treasures I’d later regret.
One regret stung more than most: my cobalt blue
champagne flutes with their distinctive spiral design. For reasons I still
can’t fathom, I included them in my dad’s estate sale. The moment they were
gone, I missed them. I’d find myself poring over old photos of tablescapes
where those flutes sparkled, feeling a pang of loss. Those glasses aren’t easy
to find, but after a determined Google image search, I tracked down a matching
set on eBay. Buying back something I’d let go felt a little wild, but when
those flutes arrived, I couldn’t have been happier. They’re as lovely as I
remembered, and I promise you, they’ll be gracing my table often.
That rediscovery inspired this year’s tablescape, along with a Mother’s Day
gift to myself: a 16-piece dinnerware set by Pfaltzgraff in their “Kenna
Red” pattern. Each piece is unique yet
perfectly coordinated, creating a plate stack that looks effortlessly
professional. The best part? The price was a steal for such a versatile
collection. Dinnerware sets like this make it easy to mix and match colors and
patterns for a polished, curated look.
This year, I’ve added several new elements to the table.
A fresh “Fourth
of July” tablecloth, three patriotic
stars, and a vibrant artificial flower
arrangement set the tone. Confession: that
centerpiece took four sets of flowers from Amazon to get right.
The first set
was a letdown, so I ordered another, then another, and finally one
more. Persistence paid off—I arranged them in a
basket, securing the lid with a bit of wire for a festive, overflowing look
that I absolutely love.
The napkins, from Pottery Barn, are a staple in my
collection. Their linen offerings never disappoint, with stellar quality that
elevates any table. The little blue plates holding the tarts are a happy
accident—found years ago at an antique shop, they somehow escaped my dad’s
estate sale. I’m so glad they did; they’re perfect for this setup. The bold
red
water glasses make a striking statement and are
versatile enough for year-round use.
The Fiestaware
pitcher, a decades-old treasure, still holds
its own despite the style changing at least twice since I got it. The flatware
I inherited from my mother, though you can find similar sets here. These pieces tie the table together with a mix of
nostalgia and timeless appeal.
This red, white, and blue tablescape is as versatile as it is vibrant, perfect
for patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day, or the Fourth of July. It
would also shine at a formal picnic, blending elegance with a touch of whimsy.
Each piece tells a story—of lessons learned, treasures reclaimed, and new finds
that spark joy. Here’s to setting tables that reflect who we are and the
moments that matter.
Many thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Summertime Tablescape Blog Hop!
Click on the links below for more summer table
inspiration from my blogging friends:
Panoply - Summer
Tablescape: Stars, Stripes, Checks and Plaids Forever!
Home is Where the Boat Is - Lakeside
Table with Thistle and Bees
Hyacinths for the Soul - Marching
Into Summer
Everyday Living - A Garden Table to Welcome Summer
Pandora's Box - A
Berry Good Brunch
Celebrating Everyday Life - Poolside
Patriotic Party
Life and Linda - Adventure
in the Skies
The Cat's Whizkerz - Come
Sail Away
My Thrift Store Addiction - Heavenly
Honeysuckle Picnic in the Garden
The Little Yellow Corner Store - What
is Growing in the Garden Tablescape
Belle Bleu Interiors - A
Quiet Summer's Afternoon
Dinner at Eight - Summertime
Blues on a Carefree Table
Thrifting Wonderland - Summertime...Living
is Easy
Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Summer
With a Cherry on Top
Mantel and Table - A Beautiful Red Table Setting -
Roses Make It Easy
The Bookish Dilettante - Americana
Tablescape for Summer
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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday
The first set
was a letdown, so I ordered another, then another, and finally one
more. Persistence paid off—I arranged them in a
basket, securing the lid with a bit of wire for a festive, overflowing look
that I absolutely love.
