Out of the three long summer weekends, the Fourth of July is undoubtedly the most festive one to fete. So why not do it big for the most patriotic day of the year? The clear-cut color scheme takes any serious decision-making out of the decor, and you can get a disproportionately large amount of credit for even the simplest mixed berry tart. So how else can you succeed with the greatest of ease? “I’ve always been a fan of red, white, and blue bunting—it’s so old fashioned and patriotic,” says interior designer Miles Redd of the Revolutionary War–era classic scheme. “But if you don’t have that lying around,” he adds, “a clam bake on red check tablecloths and an immense blueberry cobbler for dessert will do.” While that’s how the designer himself tends to celebrate the Fourth, others may be more drawn to a floral-focused theme. As interior designer Lilly Bunn councils, “put white daisies and blue hydrangeas on the table with red bandanas for napkins. It’s a simple and festive look.” Indeed, but if it’s outdoor entertaining that’s mainly on your mind, string up loads of lights as fellow designers Alyssa Kapito and Vivian Muller suggest, or focus in on a watery blue glass pitcher and matching drinking glasses as Leslie Banker does. Need more specific suggestions beyond these pro tips? Above, our color-coordinated guide to decor. Whether you’re at a New England beach house where nautical items tie in naturally, or throwing a BBQ in your grassy green backyard, a beautiful table runner—and a cheeky bottle of rosé—never hurt.
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