Four for the Fourth
In preparation for the weekend of backyard barbeques and pyrotechnics, four of our designers share how they like to celebrate the birth of our nation.
Artful Independence
While celebrating our country’s liberation from England, Brittanie reminds us to liberate ourselves from flaunting too many stars and stripes and opt for a more subtle use of patriotism. For example, with some blue linen and various red blossoms, “you’re using the colors, but not so literally.” Brittanie also focuses on July 4th as a great chance to play into summer with bright colors, whites, and summery patterns.
American Accents
For those of you who wish to embrace the colors of the holiday more fully, Burt Rubenstein recommends expressing the patriotic palette in your table linens and napkins. According to Burt, “They are a visually variable way to add any combination of reds, whites, and blues.” These kinds of accents can help the theme “pop” in an indoor or outdoor space.
Clockwise from top left: Indigo Polka Dot Napkins from Houzz, Kent Drake Photography for HMR, Fandl Photography for HMR, Red Coral Linen Napkins from Caron’s Beach House
Burt also embraces the proud nature of the holiday, and likes to have fun with his decor: “Believe it or not, I love balloons,” he laughed. Balloons can give your party the celebratory feel that is so central to the 4th, and it’s especially fun to be creative with their placement.
Red and White Strip Mylar Balloons from Jilly Bean Kids Balloon hanging ideas from 365ishPins
Twos and Textures
Like Burt, Rishi Patel looks to the tabletop as a vehicle for American flare. Rather than red, white and blue, he prefers to incorporate two-color combinations. Opting for a navy and white striped underlay, or a patterned runner brings together the elements without being too over-the-top.
Fandl Photography for HMR
Clockwise from top left: photo courtesy of HMR, Pacific Blue Table Runner from Saffron Marigold, Modern Blue Table Runner from The Fabric Affair
Rishi also loves to incorporate fabric that is specific to the season, such as linen. “It is summer, after all,” he said. This sort of approach reminds us that thematic elements can come from a variety of sources (textiles, patterns, colors, seasons) when it comes to décor.
Red & Beige Linen Napkins from KSTYLEDESIGN, French Ticking Stripes Napkins from LittleBluNest
Family and a Flag
For John Hensel, the 4th is all about family, and he asks his daughter to handle the flowers for their 4th of July celebration. Choosing from a collection of large and small vases, she arranges wildflowers to her liking and situates them in all sorts of little places around their home and yard. “We get to make little discoveries of them all day,” says John.
John also believes that everyone should invest in a good quality, well-made flag to adorn their home. A real cotton flag, complete with embroidered stars can be a simple, tasteful focal piece to celebrate the day.
However you decide to spend your day, remember to embrace the spirit of independence when it comes to your style, and push yourself to try new things.
On behalf of everyone at HMR Designs, we wish you a most fabulous 4th.