It’s almost July 4th, and I thought sharing how to create a quick, easy, and practical patriotic centerpiece would be fitting. It’s our Pinterest Challenge as well. That means you are going to see several inspiring ideas today.
If you’ve popped in from Thistle Key Lane, welcome and hello! I’m excited you’re here. I hope you enjoyed Michelle’s centerpiece. She is very innovative!

If you are familiar with Pinterest Challenges, then you know we recreate what works best for us from one inspiration photo. The photo this month comes from Rachel at The Antiqued Journey.
The Antiqued Journey
What I notice and would like to incorporate from Rachel’s photo is:
- Basket with a handle
- Blue and White china
- A container with flowers
- A red book
- Vintage linens
- Vintage dishes
- Coordinating ribbon
My favorite thing about the Pinterest Challenges is trying to recreate a look without purchasing new things. If I can do it, does that mean I have too much stuff? Maybe. Meh.
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I mentioned my centerpiece was practical. Practical can mean lazy, or if you don’t have much room to walk around the table when people are seated, so keeping things within reach says you’re smart.
And if it’s cute, why not use it as a centerpiece?

Add vintage elements when you can.
I have a vintage table runner with crocheted edges with a touch of red embellishments. I added that first to the bottom and let it hang over to soften the edge of the basket.
Practicality comes in by adding things you might need when everyone is already seated. Like these crocheted drink coasters. I’m not sure the person who made them thought they’d be coasters in a fabulous centerpiece, but I bet she’d smile about it.

A party should have dessert, right? Then you’ll need dessert plates and silverware. Well, here they are sitting right next to the cake. All handy dandy tucked inside this adorable centerpiece. 😉

My doability doesn’t overshadow beauty.
In my book, it’s a must to have flowers as a centerpiece. I didn’t have an old can like Rachel, so they sit in a white pitcher. Regardless, any coordinating vessel will work.

The blue and white bowls will be used for anyone wanting watermelon. Why the extra bowls? Because it’s unappetizing when the juice runs all over the plate, making soggy hamburger buns soggy. Yuck.

Do you generate fun when guests come over? Rachel had a book in her basket; however, I’m sure it wasn’t for laughs. But giggles and sassiness are how we roll around here. I tucked in a funny book we could enjoy while having dessert. I haven’t read it yet, but I bet it’ll be fun. Gotta love practicality. LOL!

What do you think? I hope you see how a quick, easy, and practical patriotic centerpiece can be handy, inspiring, and doable! It was a lot of fun to put together, and I was able to include everything I wanted.
Next up is Missy from Sonata Home Designs. I always admire her decorating skills! And she keeps things easy. Easy is for me!

Cindy,
Your basket is great! I love the book title and bet it’s funny just like you. Great post and thank you for hosting.
Author
Thanks so much. I love to laugh so I hope it’s super funny!
Haahahahaha…I can always guarantee a good laugh when I come here, Cindy. LOVE your white basket and how you styled the elements. Thanks so much for choosing my Pinterest photo this time around…truly honored. Happy 4th!!
Author
Thank YOU for being such a great inspiration! I appreciate you allowing us to use it. It’s beautifully done.
Your centerpiece is so fun and cute Cindy! Love that book and your red edged crocheted piece! Pinned
Author
I am looking forward to seeing yours! The sneak peek photo is adorable! Thanks bunches.
Simple darling Cindy! The basket is to die for and can we talk about the book? so darn cute!
Author
I know, right?! I am looking forward to reading the book. I’ve had it for over a year and can’t seem to find the time. It will be perfect for our next family get together. Thank you Wendy. 🙂
can I ask where you bought the book ?
Author
Here’s a link for you. Enjoy! https://a.co/d/3jcSK7d
If I didn’t get fun and playful out of your blog, I would think you were sick or it wasn’t you! I love your cute centerpiece for this holiday. What’s The 4th of July without watermelon!!
Author
LOL Marlene, YOU make me laugh. I agree with you… What is July 4th without watermelon?! And I don’t even like it. Maybe if it were smothered in sugar. Not sure how people stomach the added salt but they do. My family included. Happy summer!
Cindy, I love your book! I bet it is humorous. 😉 Your basket is FABULOUS!!! I love the fresh Baby’s Breath… Fresh flowers really are the best. Paper plates are perfect for this time of year. 🙂 Fun patriotic basket!!!
Author
Yes, paper plates and grilling outside. We don’t want to heat up the kitchen! I hope the book is as comical as the title and I hope to get to it soon now that Bible Study just ended. Hope you have a great summer Barbara. Thank you!
So sweet ❤️love the combination of items you used. My favorite is the book. My son gave it to me one year and our family have enjoyed so much. It’s chock full of odd southern sayings almost all of which I heard my mother use while I was growing up. It is most fun when read a loud.
Author
I glanced through the pages yesterday and had heard everyone. Some said this week. LOL! Thank you Pamela. Do you ever go by Pam? My sisters name is Pamela and she goes by Pam. Her middle name is Sue.
Ha! I don’t ever go by Pam. My middle name is Susan and I go by Suzi. I’ve never met another Pamela Susan. ☺️
Author
Her given grandma name is Susu. My dad would call her that at times so I guess that’s where it came from. I’m always interested in names for some reason. Maybe because I don’t like Cynthia and only heard that when I was in trouble or maybe because I think my name should have been spelled Cyndi but that’s obviously too late to change. 😉
Well that makes since, Cynthia, because they ONLY time I heard Pamela was when my mother yelled “Pamela Susan” which meant I was in deep trouble. I use Pamela on line and with all medical stuff because then I know who is trying to get a hold of me. I do love Cynthia though, sounds so sophisticated.
Author
I literally laughed out loud at reading – sounds so sophisticated. 🙂
Oh wow, Cindy. I adore that white basket. It’s perfect for this challenge. And your book made me giggle! I bet it will fun to read.
Thanks for hosting! Pinned.
Niky
Author
I think it will too. I’ll have to read it aloud in with a long drawl and my deep Texas twang. Thanks Niky
Your handy dandy basket is just the cutest thing Cindy, and yes so practical too! Love the fresh flowers and your dishes! That book is just hilarious, and I’ve decided I need one immediately!! Happy 4th of July to you! Hugs!
Author
You do need one! Then the next time your family is all together, you’ll have to read it aloud with a long drawl and your best Texas accent. 😉 Thanks Michelle.
Love the portability of your basket, too; pick it up and take it to your cute porch, or to the firepit for smores! Great idea with the funny book; you’re so smart:)
Author
I AM so smart! LOL!
I wish I lived in an area where a firepit in the summer was doable. I’d be all for it! But in TX, we already sweat a river. So at my house, it ain’t happenin’. Ha! Thanks Lora.
Cindy, your centerpiece is so pretty. I love all the elements you used. It’s very colorful. Thanks for hosting.
Author
One can’t go wrong with red, white, and blue! Thank you Carol.
Oh my gosh, I love this, Cindy! From the unusually shaped basket to everything in it, super cute! I like the brightness of it, just enough red. Perfect.
Author
Thanks Rita. I’m not a huge fan of red so less is better for me. Happy Independence Day!
The saying on the book about buttering ‘my butt’ made me smile. I love your centerpiece. It looks lovely!
Author
Smiles are important! Thank you Nicole.
Such a charming basket centerpiece! The book title made me laugh out loud! I love how you brought the different elements together to create a functional and beautiful centerpiece. Pinned!
Author
Gotta love the way we tawlk ’round here. 😉 Thanks Missy!