Fourth of July Tablescape

cbwdesignllc
Jul 4
3 min read

I've always loved the Fourth of July. Especially the fireworks. Fun fact: Jack proposed to me on the Fourth of July in 2022! Growing up, I would spend the 4th with my grandparents, Mimi and Papa, at their country club home. The club put on a spectacular fireworks show the night of the third followed by a parade, cookout, and pool day on the fourth. Sometimes I would get to walk in the parade with my friends and throw candy. Papa always made us feel like superstars with his camera. If you didn't know, my love for photography comes from him. I'll always cherish that sweet season with my grandparents. The Fourth of July was just a highlight of summers spent at the pool with them.

Mimi taught me how to properly set a table during that season. We would go all out for Thanksgiving and Christmas together. She showed me where all the different forks and little plates go that aren't commonly used. We would come up with different decorations to use as the centerpiece. I was always trying new combinations from her china cabinet. Mimi passed her skills and love for hosting down to my mom. As hosting responsibilities shifted to Mom as years went on, I set tables with her and my sister. We enjoyed picking and purchasing flowers to use as centerpieces and cut up greenery from trees to lay on the tables. For me, creating tablescapes is a family tradition. It's an art that seems lost sometimes in this modern world. It's not only a creative challenge, but a way to remember those who taught me how and the memories we created together. I love to use sentimental pieces passed down to me alongside my own selections.

This year's Fourth of July table is a blend of old and new. I wanted my elegant, traditional style to shine in a relevant way. The Fourth of July is often a more laid back celebration, but that doesn't mean it can't still be beautiful! I paired casual elements like my cloth red and white checked placemats & rattan chargers with antique silver and crystal. I used my everyday plates and flatware (they even make beautiful melamine plates now that still give an elegant look to any table if that's what you prefer). I added greenery with texture and dimension to my classic hydrangea centerpiece. I always aim to inspire others to use the things that have been passed down. Your grandmother's silver isn't dated, it's timeless. Crystal isn't just to display in a china cabinet, it's to use. Vintage ceramics, silver teapots, and old glass ice buckets can all be used to create an elegant and unique floral centerpiece.

I hope this tablescape brings you inspiration for your patriotic gatherings. Morw importantly, I hope you enjoy time with family and friends celebrating the freedom we are blessed with. Take a moment to remember the sacrifice so many gave and our still giving. It doesn't matter who you voted for, the state of the world right now should quickly give you a deep sense of gratitude for the nation we live in. We are blessed beyond measure. God bless America!