How to Decorate for a Fourth of July Barbecue

Celebrate the nation's independence with family and friends by hosting a festive Fourth of July barbecue. Create a beautiful buffet and dining table with simple and inexpensive decorations. Mixing patterns of red, white and blue creates a fun look without breaking your budget.

Things You'll Need

• Red tablecloth
• Flag bunting
• Safety pins
• Blue plastic plates
• Plastic flatware
• Paper napkins
• Small American flags with stands
• Galvanized tub
• Radio Flyer wagon
• 1 oval-shaped rock per guest
• Red, white and blue acrylic paints
• Tablecloth
• Two small printed tablecloths
• Blue and red plastic tumblers
• Red, white and blue votives
• Glass fruit jars (no lids)
• Cellophane bags
• Gourmet jellybeans

Instructions

Set the Buffet Table

1. Cover the buffet table with a plain red tablecloth.

2. Attach flag bunting to the front of the table with safety pins.

3. Put stacks of blue plastic plates at either end of the buffet table, for easy access.

4. Place plastic forks, knives and spoons in red plastic cups. Place these next to the plates.

5. Stack flag themed (or another red, white and blue pattern) napkins near the plates and flatware.

6. Stick small flags on sticks around the buffet (they come with their own stands.)

7. Center a long, narrow galvanized tub for ice and bottled beverages on the table.

Set the Guest Table

1. Collect several oval shaped rocks. Paint each guest name in red, white or blue and use as place cards.

2. Cover the table with a red, white or blue tablecloth. Layer two smaller square cloths in a festive red, white and blue print.

3. Place alternating red and blue plastic tumblers at each setting.

4. Put red, white and blue votive candles inside empty fruit jars and place them in a row down the center of the table.

5. Place a cellophane bag filled with red, white and blue gourmet jellybeans at each guest setting for a sweet and patriotic party favor.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill a red Radio Flyer wagon with ice and non alcoholic beverages for kids.

Resources

• Better Homes and Gardens offers many different ideas for Fourth of July decorating.