4th of July

2019

There's something that has always been really magical to me about the 4th of July. After a string of religious holidays (which I love, don't get me wrong) it's refreshing to have a holiday that is designed to bring us all together to celebrate our freedoms and diversity.

I consider myself from Texas since I spent most of my growing up years there. However, up until age 10 I moved around and have traveled all over the United States during my life. I've celebrated the 4th of July in a lot of different places: on the baseball fields of the small southern California town my parents grew up in, on the banks of the historic town square I grew up in watching fireworks be sent up from the barges on the Kentucky River, from an military base in Texas surrounded by the brave men and women (and their families) that make celebrating such a day even possible. I try to remember everyday what a blessing it is to live in the country that I do and have the freedoms that I am able to exercise, but on the 4th especially I always feel a surge of gratitude for the history of our country and the progress we have made and hope to make in the future. I can't make it through "I'm proud to be an American" without tearing up.

Along that vein, when celebrating the 4th of July I think it is important to be intentional about uniting our personal goals and appreciation while honoring the diversity and perspective of our guests. In other words, there is a way to honor the traditions of the holiday while also accommodating those involved. As always, there is room to be creative and try new ideas.

The color scheme for this holiday is pretty standard and symbolic. Try playing with different shades of red, white, and blue. The easiest way to do this is to keep two of the shades the same while tweaking the third. For example, you could serve watermelon (which is more of a pinkish-red) on blue plates with white napkins. It is a simple way to keep with the theme while also keeping it fresh and new. You could also consider decorating with the traditional shades of red, white, and blue, but then throw in a metallic hue such as gold accents.

Also, keep in mind the kind of environment you want to create. The 4th of July is a really fun holiday to spend outside, but make sure you plan for changes in the weather and other considerations (i.e. keep sunscreen and bug spray on hand, extra water to keep people hydrated, earplugs for the little kids when the fireworks start, etc.). An outdoor setting can still be classy, and there are a lot of cool ways to dress up paper or plastic cutlery.

One particular thing to keep in mind is how we treat the flag. I love all the American flags I see around this holiday, but it's important to remember how sacred of a symbol it is. When decorating with the flag, be sure to secure it and display it properly. Accidents happen, but do everything you can to ensure that the flag is not near a fire hazard or a place where it is likely to fall on the ground or get caught on something. If you have any doubts or questions about flag etiquette, don't be afraid to ask someone who is familiar, or you can visit the resource listed at the end of this article (1).

Other than that, the space and time you dedicate for this holiday is up to you and those you invite to join you. It might be fun to involve friends that have different experiences living in this country such as immigrants, refugees, or those going through the process of becoming citizens. Consider inviting your guests to bring their favorite dish from their home country or asking them what their favorite American dish is so that you can make it available. There really is no "right" way to celebrate this holiday as long as it is respectful of our country and its citizens.

Since there are generally lots of fun activities, parades, and shows that happen on the 4th of July, make sure to plan your dining and celebrations around the events that are important to you. You'll want to prepare and be intentional about the time and space in which you eat so that you can fully enjoy the 4th and all it stands for, for you and your family and friends.

I've included some of my favorite table-scapes and settings below. Click on the pictures to see the sources and get more ideas. I can't wait to see how you celebrate! Be sure to tag @theANNIfeed so I can see your adventures. Happy 4th of July!

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WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THESE

The colors keep with the red, white, and blue, but also incorporate a lot of subtle shades and patterns that elevate the look without distracting from it.

The flowers add color and freshness and make the tables feel lively. They are a natural way to add in an accent color or pop of color while still keeping it classy.

The cups and glasses keep with the color but also add pattern, texture, and depth to the table. They are transparent and reflective allowing them to support the light and color of the other table elements.

The plates and other metallic fixtures make use of what you might naturally already have on hand. White and metallic dishes also allow for light and color to bounce off of them and can amplify the red, white, and blue.

Stars and the more rustic items/motifs are pretty universal and reusable for other holidays. What can be used in these table-scapes could also work for other patriotic themes or parties.