Patriotic Table Decorating Ideas

Use a red bucket as a container for a centerpiece.

Whether you're hosting a Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Labor Day party, or you just want to show your pride for your country, consider decorating your table with festive patriotic decor. From the linens to the place settings, all elements of the table can be used to incorporate a patriotic flair, welcoming guests to pay tribute to the red, white and blue.

Linens

Linens serve as the backdrop for table decor, and to create a patriotic vibe, select linens that feature red, white and blue. Cover the table with a red and white gingham tablecloth, the type that is often used at picnics. On top of the tablecloth, arrange blue place mats; blue star-shaped place mats are ideal, but if you can't find stars, a basic blue place mat will do just fine. Use red, white and blue plain cloth or paper napkins and set them in a napkin ring that features a star for this table setting.

Place Settings

For the dining ware, decide whether you want to use paper or china. If you plan on using paper products, you can use plain plates in any of the colors of the flag, a collection of the three colors or plates that actually feature prints of the American flag. If you opt for china, this, too, can either be plain red, white or blue or a collection of all three colors. No matter which you are using, if you choose a collection of all three patriotic colors, use white as the main dinner plate, top it with a blue dessert plate and top that with a red bowl. In regard to cutlery, if you've opted to use paper plates, use clear plastic utensils, and if you've chosen to use china dishes, accompany the settings with silver flatware.

Centerpieces

Centerpieces add interest to any table setting, and this also holds true for a patriotic tablescape. For a floral centerpiece, fill a red bucket with blue and white hydrangea and surround scatter red rose petals around the base of it. If you prefer candles for a centerpiece, make a simple statement with a collection of red, white and blue pillar candles along the center of the table and set tea lights between them.

Seating Cards

Let guests know where they should sit at the table with seating cards that fit in with the patriotic theme. Cut out squares of dark blue construction paper to resemble the night sky, write each guest's name on the paper with craft glue and sprinkle glitter over the glue to make it look as if the names are fireworks. Another option is to cut a strip of red, white and blue paper and glue them together so that the red is on the bottom, the white is in the center and the blue is on top. Use a silver glitter pen to write guest's names on the white strip of paper.

References

• Country Living: Summer Table Settings
• Fancy House Road: 4th of July Tablesetting Ideas