Today I’m sharing not one, but two easy summer patriotic tablescapes. This red, white and blue color scheme will have you looking forward to celebrating the best of what summer entertaining has to to offer.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. My blog my contain other affiliate link as well for your convenience. For more information please see my disclosure page.
Pinterest Challenge
It’s time for our May Pinterest Challenge, so get ready for some good ole flag waving. We have lots of patriotic ideas on how to display and decorate with the American flag.
If this is your first time to join us for a Pinterest challenge, this is how it works. Our host Cindy over at County Road 407, selects a photo for us to recreate, and each participant puts their own spin on the photo according to our individual style of decorating.
The best part is seeing how everyone interprets the image, and we always have an interesting variety. Be sure to click through all the links at the end of the post.
If you’re stopping by from my friend Laura of Decor to Adore, and welcome to Thistle Key Lane. I’m loving Laura’s colorful shelf display. How about you?
If you want a look at last year’s Pinterest challenge for May, click on my post, Patio Style With Blue And White Accents.
Our photo inspiration this month is from Cindy over at Edith and Evelyn. Cindy’s post is a beautiful round up of patriotic decor ideas, so be sure to click through to her post for details.
This month we are changing the rules a little. Instead of recreating the inspiration photo, we’re free to decorate as we wish, as long as we include an American flag. How fun is that?!
Easy Summer Patriotic Tablescapes
As with most of our Pinterest challenges, I make a point of using what I have on hand. Sometimes the exception is fresh flowers, but this time the new addition is woven paper chargers with fringe. Hey what can a I say, this girl is living it up!
You may notice that I’m not decorating with a lot of red. Both tablescapes are heavy on the navy and white, but they still have a patriotic feel with mini flags and little hints of red.
Vintage Lantern Tablescape
My first task in creating an easy summer patriotic tablescape, is rounding up things that I can work into a red, white and blue theme. Here’s a list of what I’m using to create the a vintage lantern table setting, and as you will see, most are just everyday items.
- vintage lantern
- mini American flags
- vase for the flags
- blue and white pot with plant
- red and blue books
- round bread board
- candles
Lanterns are kind of like cloches, because you can display all kinds of items inside. It’s a way of turning an ordinary object into something that looks extra special.
Each place setting consists of a navy paper charger with fringe, a flour sack kitchen towel as a napkin and vintage silverware. Simple jute string holds the silverware together, adding to the casual flare of the table.
You know how I love to mix things up, so I’m using three different patterns of flour sack towels.
Each place is set with classic white dishes and small blue transferware plates, adding another layer of color. When mixing and matching, I don’t worry that much if all the colors are the exactly same. To me if it’s blue, it works.
Summer Coastal Tablescape
For a spur of the moment tablescape I’m gathering up things that will have a summer coastal or nautical feel.
- mini American flags
- green plant
- blue bucket
- square bread board
- vintage bottles
- rope
- candles
Make a quick centerpiece using a plant in a bucket, then add rope unwinding around it. It’s light and summery, don’t you think?
My favorite part of this tablescape is the vintage bottle with mini flags. I also really like how easy it is using bottles as candle holders, but one of these days, I’ll invest in real candle stick holders. I promise!
Adding to that summery feel are cute buffalo checked napkins. Again the blue color is a little different, but I don’t mind.
When creating your tablescape don’t forget that food can be part of the decoration too. How easy it is to replace the plant, and add a big beautiful bowl of salad with lots of healthy greens and colorful fruit.
We’re big bread eaters around here, so I usually have rolls or biscuits on the table. I just think decorating with food makes the table more inviting.
A Few Fun Facts about The American Flag
Our American Flag has 50 stars representing the 50 states, and there are 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies, seven red and six white.
The symbolic meaning of colors of the American Flag.
- white symbolizes purity and innocence
- red represents hardiness and valor
- blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Nick names for the American flag includes, Old Glory, Stars and Stripes, and the Star-Spangled Banner.
The American flag should only be displayed from dawn until dusk unless it is properly illuminated at night.
When displaying the American flag horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, which is to the observer’s left. The American flag etiquette information is from military.com.
Shop The Look
- navy round placemats
- buffalo checked kitchen towels
- small American flags 12 count
- antique style black lantern set
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with my favorite seasonal inspiration!
Up next on our Pinterest challenge is Niky of The House On Silverado sharing more fabulous ideas on patriotic decor.
Thanks so much for stopping by today for my easy summer patriotic tablescapes. I hope you’ll use some of these ideas this summer while entertaining or celebrating something special. Please enjoy all the links below, and don’t forget to pin images you want to try this summer.
Cheers!
Our Pinterest Challenge Continues…
Michelle, I just love your photography. It calms me! You had me at the lantern. Love it! Love all of it!
I am now following you via feedly (my Bloglovin account failed me and after publicly shaming them ;0) for a year I went to feedly! Happy Day friend! xo laura
Thank you Laura! I love taking my time with photography, and so happy to hear that you are enjoying it! Hugs!
What a lovely tablescape. I loved the fun flag facts too!
Thank you Laura! I’m always looking for ways to enjoy celebrating with a pretty table.
Well you know I love old books and yours are fantabulous! Looks like I need MORE! Putting them in the lantern is over-the-top beautiful. And those plates, and placemats and bottles – gah! Can it get any cuter than that? Hope it’s all set so cute when I just show up one day and knock on the door. If you did that to me, I’d hate it but would still let you in. Just sayin. Guess I have to start driving the streets trying to find you first. 🙂 Thanks for being in our group. pinned
Of course you can drop by! I work best under pressure and will have the table set in no time! Fun Pinterest Challenge, you know how much I love these and appreciate being included!
Michelle,
Your table setting is just perfect for a patriotic theme. I loved the red and blue books. So creative!
Thank you Rachel! I love mixing in these vintage books whenever I can. 😊
Love your pretty patriotic table. Putting the books in the lantern is genius. Happy Holiday
Thank you Marty! Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Michelle, I love how you’ve set your table withe the fun swirly Navy placemats!! They look like swirling pinwheels (or fireworks!!). I love that you used different hand towels as napkins ~ I like to do that when my towels are brand new. They just look so pretty that way!! And the touch of books are nice inside the lantern. <3 Very pretty table!!!
Happy Memorial Day to you,
Barb 🙂
The first thing I thought when I spotted the placemats was floppy hats with fringe LOL! Thank you for the sweet comments Barb!
You’re most welcome! Have a great day!! 💕
Books standing up in a lantern-that is brilliant styling, Michelle! And loved the mismatched napkins. Every single bit is beautiful, & smart to use blue & white as the base. Great post!
Thank you so much Lora! We’re going to have fun sitting around this table!
I love your tablescape ideas Michelle! Those blue fringed chargers are so fun and pair perfectly with the other elements you used! So pretty for summer dining 🙂
Thanks Cindy! I think the fringe placemats will be kinda fun for festive occasions. 😊
Michelle, as usual, you captured the pretty essence of our patriotic holidays. I love how you used the lantern with books inside. The flags and place settings are great.
Thank you Carol! I think this lantern is a real keeper. I keeping finding new fun ways to use it!
Michelle, it is always a treat to visit your beautiful blog! I love your table and all of your beautiful details! Using books in the lantern and flour sack kitchen towels are such creative ideas. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Thank you for your kind words Lynne! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Gorgeous Michelle! I just love the nautical vibe you’ve created. I’ve yet to meet a lantern that I didn’t love and yours is so pretty with the books inside. Thanks for the inspiration and have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Thank you for the sweet comments Denise! I’m finding all kinds of fun uses for this old lantern. Have a great holiday weekend!
I loved taking in every little detail. Very pretty tablescapes! (here via The Cottage Market)
Hi Allyson, I’m so happy you stopped by for a visit! Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Love your tablescapes, Michelle! Genius idea to fill the lantern with books too – so pretty! Pinned!
Thank you Jayne for pinning! I just love using these vintage items with my tablescapes!
This table is lovely, Michelle!! I love that you used vintage books inside the lantern…how pretty!! Red, white and blue is classic summer nostalgia. So fun!! Pinned!!
Thank you Rachel! I’m ready to gear up with more red, white and blue for summer.