I’m still not quite sure who is actually going to be around for dinner on the fourth. Our house has been a bit of a revolving door so far this summer. Even so, I like to think about what I might be doing with the table. I have a few images saved for inspiration. Carolyn Roehm is always a good reference.
As is Martha Stewart
And Joe Nye’s book Flair has may stylish ideas
So I started to play around with a few ideas. We have a new table on the terrace this year and none of my old round cloths fit so it will be just mats this time around. Hopefully by next year, I’ll have some new “ground cover”.
Now obviously there will be more going on – this is just to determine the basic place setting. I know which one I’m leaning towards – how about you?
How fun I think I am leaning towards the second one!! I also like the white pierced plate!!! It looks like you have some fun combinations to work with. I am sure it is going to be a very festive table enjoyed by all who get to sit at your lovely table, Kathysue
I love, love, love # 3– I can do something like this– great idea!!
Now all you need are the sparklers! I love the first one but seriously, you could use all those plates in tandem. Happy 4th to you and your revolving door family. Good of you to plan ahead and take it as it comes.
pve
OOHH I love these kind of decisions. I like the white plate with the open work and the flag placemat. Where did you find the placemats? they are perfect! Happy Fourth!
Exactly! Where did you find those placemats! I know which setting I am going to do because I have those same plates… provided I can find those placemats!! PS. The top one!
What time shall I be over?? xx
All beautiful and Carolyn Roehm has nothing on you! I would favor the 2nd one though I have to say I LOVE those lattice-y looking plates in the third picture but think the 2nd one is a little more patriotic. Enjoy whatever you do, your household sounds so much like my own.
PS Just scrolled up again and I change my vote, I say go for the lattice white plate…spectacular!
I like the first of the last four place settings, the flowers on stripes. But I would love to take home one of the fan-shaped circular decorations from Martha’s table. Those look to be copied from a political campaign of the late 1800s.
do tell about the placemats. they’re perfect. I like seeing the grill of the table, and it will look wonderful with people’s skirts and legs underneath! I vote for PLATE NUMBER 2 because the cutwork looks a bit like sparklers and is very festive…I think the flower plates would be great for a luncheon, but a bit subtle as the light dims…! well, that was a fun few moments off deadline….make sure you see the Times story today on more energy efficient ways to prepare food, not because of green sanctimony, but because the parts about potatoes seemed quite useful!
To you and others who have asked, the placemats are old Ralph Lauren. They are a great very canvas-like cotton and are machine washable. And best of all, if I catch them coming out of the dryer, no ironing is necessary – yay!!
I like #2 the best, well maybe a tie with #1. We’ll be driving home on the fourth but I’d much rather be coming to your soiree.
PS, with placemats like that, you can go easy on the little paper flag thing. I think, given your style, bolder simpler strokes pack more punch.
Agreed!!
I love your no. 2 but anything you get inspired to do will be wonderful! I will be going to my annual 4th of July at a friend’s farm where we have our own New England tradition of vichyssoise, poached salmon and peas, herb salad, strawberry shortcake and tons of champagne [débutante] punch!! Happy 4th Stacey!! ox
Love the second place setting as the cut-outs on the plates remind me of stars… gorgeous blue hydrangeas, too!
xxoo
I love the second one.
I love them all, but my favorites are the first and third. I really love the yellow plate also. These images are gorgeous, q.
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
Such bright and patriotic settings. I am leaning towards the last one perhaps punched up at the side with the pinwheels in your earlier picture!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
You’ve picked the best resources out there! I always look toward one of them when I’m preparing a little gathering.
Love them all – you can’t go wrong! Enjoy the weekend, no matter who’s sitting around the table!
xo E
Beautiful 4th of July tables! Lots of wonderful inspiration!
Just love handing out my opinions! The second one!
The blue flowered plates are fab. Brilliant with the striped mats and blue flowered mats. I like this #1 the best. Totally agree with Tina, Carolyne, Martha & Joe are runner’s up. xx’s
I love your table top. The white pierced plate is my fave. Reminds me of fireworks and stars around the rim. Wishing you a great weekend!
All I can say is fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. At the lake so we don’t get so fancy…but if I were at home entertaining I would be all over these ideas. Happy 4th . Mona
Got some great ideas for our small party. Thank you.
I love the third one from top. That white porcelain plate is the one for me. Enjoy your fabulous time in the terrace.