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Style Magazine

Celebrate America

May 31, 2013 10:38AM ● By Style

There’s something special about Fourth of July festivities, and this year we’re planning get-togethers that are simple, stress-free and kid-friendly. Stars and stripes? You bet. A red, white and blue palette? For sure. Here are just a few classic, no-fail ideas to make your home and garden Independence Day ready.

1. PUT YOUR PICNIC ON WHEELS

Gather your friends, neighbors, family members and dogs, and take it outside. Whether you’re heading into town for the annual parade or hitting the front lawn for a low-key picnic on the grass, this party works. Once you get the gang on board, prepare to take your party on the go. Load up a wagon and roll it to your destination.

2. PARK IT CURBSIDE

Once the kids are outside, it’s important to have some activities planned before the pop-a-wheelies begin. Surprise your bunch by whipping out a basket of tricks filled with all sorts of goodies. Kazoos, pinwheels, yo-yos and bubbles always seem to do the trick!

3. LOAD UP ON PARTY PROPS

In true Fourth of July spirit, fill a basket or bucket with red, white and blue trimmings. Visit the Dollar Tree or your local party shop and load up on all sorts of inexpensive items—from flag picks to metallic shooting stars and streamers. Don’t overlook the décor meant for tables, walls and ceilings—most of it will look pretty sharp on your two-wheeler, too.

4. EDIBLE CENTERPIECE

Show off pride for our country with an adorable and delectable centerpiece. In honor of the date, display a metal “4” house number inside a vase filled with Americana-colored candies. Insert classic sparklers or berry skewers decorated with colorful ribbon flags and voila, instant centerpiece.

5. SPELL IT OUT

Show your American pride with colorful letters. Buy plain wooden letters at a craft store or on Etsy and get creative with red, white and blue paint. Mix and match solid colors with stars and stripes. If necessary, coat the letters with polyurethane for durability.

6. FLAGS ON PARADE

Display Old Glory as artwork. Start with a small flag and gently remove the cloth from the stick. Center the flag on a mat inside a frame with no glass. Glue only the top edge of the flag to the mat, so it appears to be blowing in the breeze.

7. STAR SPANGLED THROW PILLOWS

Create a seasonal pillow using understated motifs that can be displayed year-round. Stitch a “USA” monogram onto a solid color throw pillow; use a button fastener to embellish another pillow with buttons in the shape of a star.

8. STARSTRUCK ENTRY

Make a bold patriotic statement by sprucing up your front door with a ribbon-wrapped star. Loosely tie a ribbon around a metal star and loop the ribbon around a hook or outdoor light fixture; secure with a knot. Make the star the focus by hanging a wreath behind it.

With these ideas at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to celebrate America in style!


Kerrie Kelly is an award-winning interior designer, author and multimedia consultant. She has authored two books: ‘Home Décor: A Sunset Design Guide,’ published by Oxmoor House, and the newly released ‘My Interior Design Kit,’ with Pearson Professional and Career Education. To contact her, visit kerriekelly.com or call 916-919-3023.

 

2 More Independence Day Party Planning Tips!

CREATIVE SHELF DECORATIONS

Turn everyday items into a red, white and blue Fourth of July shelf display. If red, white and blue bound books aren't available to display, fold construction paper over the covers. Wrap books in each patriotic color, and accent with vases or other accessories in holiday colors.

DIY BUNTING

Make your own bunting for the Fourth of July. Buy several yards of patriotic-patterned fabric by determining length based on where the bunting will hang. Starting at one end, gather the fabric about every 24 inches and secure the gathers with red, white or blue twine. Use the same color of twine to attach the fabric where desired.