Since America’s 250th birthday, or the semiquincentennial (say that 3 times fast), is coming up, I thought this month’s Design Challenge should feature patriotic ideas.  If you’re new here and don’t know what the Design Challenge is, it’s a monthly post with my friends, where we all share ideas inspired by the same photo.  This month is a little different.  We have an inspirational photo, but we are all sharing something different.  I’m showing patriotism while decorating when red isn’t your vibe.

 

Showing Patriotism While Decorating When Red Isn’t Your Vibe

Were you around when we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence?  I remember, but my parents just said bicentennial.

I was 9 and remember going to a huge city-wide party at the park.  I enjoyed drinking Big Red soda (it’s still my fave), having a red, white, and blue Bomb Pop, and the fireworks at the end.  The rest of the time, I was terrified of getting separated from my parents.  It was way too crowded for my liking.  I was short and felt like I was going to be trampled to death at any moment.  As I think back, I’m wondering why my parents took me in the first place. 

Vintage Demijohn works all year round and looks good with flags or on its own.

Despite my childhood grievances and my love of patriotic decor, the color red doesn’t match my mood.  I use the pieces I’m currently decorating with around the house.  That way, adding a little red is all I need to do.  I definitely don’t change everything out as one might do at Christmas.    

This year, the summer colors in our home are green and blue.  So my patriotic decorating came down to some flags and an entire spool of ruffled ribbon.

Quickly change a tablescape by switching candles, adding flags, and using different napkins.

I used the tablecloth from a couple of years ago in a Pinterest Challenge and still love it.  If you can’t find a tablecloth that interests you, check out a fabric store.  I purchased 3 yards of fabric, and because I didn’t want to drag out the sewing machine, I used pinking shears around the edges.  Not sure my family ever noticed.

Consider using multiple patterns for an interesting patriotic look.

Can you see how blue and green look fantastic together?  By adding a plaid napkin, a couple of red candles, and flags, the table went from everyday summer to a patriotic party. 

Here’s a quick hint when poking your flags inside of plants.  If you want the wooden sticks to stay clean, wrap them with Saran Wrap or Cling Wrap.  That way, next year, if you want to use them in a clear vase, they won’t look ugly and dirty.  I learned that the hard way.

Dining Room hutch is all ready for summer!

Besides flags, I prefer shopping my home and pulling out anything in red, white, and blue.  It could be books, vases, cups, dishes, boxes, candles, ribbon, pillow covers, throw blankets, etc.  And don’t forget the Christmas items!  You may be surprised by what you can incorporate to show off your patriotism. 

This is a good example of using things all year round. The silver trophy cup has had flowers in it, a boxwood ball on top, and even candy canes.  Now it has red candles and flags.  I love it!

Here’s another hint.  If you have a container that may leak or has a hole in the bottom, and want to use it for flowers, place the flowers and water in a Ziploc bag first.  It works every time.  

Add a mini hutch to a wall if you can!

The green dishes and other blue pieces were already on my little shelf.  All I had to do was add two small flags, and voila, instant patriotism.

Repurposing vintage or antique items is saving the earth!  Or at least helping the landfills!

BTW, if you are infatuated with plates like I am, adding a small shelf is a great idea.  I have plates hanging on different walls, but this little shelf is so fun to redecorate.  I move plates and other pieces every couple of months.  It’s nice because they are usually tucked away in a cabinet.

Thank you for visiting.  If you found your way here from French Ethereal, welcome!  I hope you were inspired today.  Next up is my friend Lora Bloomquist.  You will enjoy her summer hutch decor with thrifted finds.  And I hope your 250th celebration is out of this world!