Happy Holidays! Today I have festive patriotic table-setting ideas for your backyard outdoor dinner party.
Your friends and family will love your patriotic backyard party. Let’s get started.
Throwing a Backyard Party
4th of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the US, and with good reason.
It’s the day we celebrate our independence, freedom, and patriotism.
So, it’s the perfect opportunity to share it with family and friends through outdoor entertaining.
My clever and talented friend Midge did just that.
I want to share her creative ideas to inspire you with place settings details for your dinner table this coming holiday or any holiday!
She will show you how she creates a welcoming environment where people can relax and have fun.
See more 4th of July table ideas and even more entertaining ideas here.
Patriotic Picnic Setting
One of the best things about a backyard party is undoubtedly the atmosphere.
Being outside in the warm summer air, surrounded by nature, and having good company creates a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
If you’re going for a relaxed party, set out lawn chairs, picnic blankets, cushions, or pillows for your guests to sit on.
Create a main landing place with your outdoor, picnic, or makeshift palette.
Red, White, and Blue Theme
Starting with a color palette helps unite the look of the event. It ties everything together!
The USA color trio is a good one!
Red, white, and blue are the colors of the American flag and work all summer but are especially appropriate on July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Inject the color scheme into everything you can.
For example, decorate your backyard with American flags and red, white, and blue balloons.
Hang streamers of different colors from the patio umbrella.
Create a banner with red, white, and blue paper.
Include red and blue pillows or blankets tossed on the chairs.
All-American Flowers
As you can see, Midge has an incredible green thumb, and her backyard provides a gorgeous backdrop of flowers. Flowers make a huge impact on a party setting.
If you don’t have them, no worries; you can still create a colorful area on a small scale in other ways.
Introduce a few potted flower varieties on surrounding tables or the encircling grounds.
Include red, blue, and white flowers of different heights around your patio and outdoor furniture.
It’s a perfect way to add a pop of color.
Patriotic Table Setting Ideas
Here are some creative ideas and tips from Midge to help you create the perfect patriotic table setting for your backyard dinner party.
Americana Table Runner
A simple way to set the tone for your beautiful table is to start with a patriotic tablecloth or runner in the colors of the American flag.
You could also opt for a classic stripe or gingham pattern in the middle of the table.
Create your own with this DIY table runner tutorial.
Sew it up in any fabric you choose! Consider a fabric with stars and stripes or a solid color runner with a festive trim.
Use Colorful Tableware
An easy and fun way to add a patriotic touch to your table is to use tableware with reds, blues, and/or patriotic motifs.
Consider using plates with stripes, checks, floral patterns, or stars and stripes. white dinner plates work well, too, combined with all the bright table accessories.
Serve your drinks in simple Mason jars with striped red and blue straws.
Then, tie a novelty ribbon around the jars to finish the look.
Or, if you have red, white, or blue glassware or patriotic-themed cutlery, incorporate them as well.
Midge combines a lovely blue Chinoiserie patterned plate with a bold checkered charger.
She completes the place setting with blue glasses, stemware, and silver flatware.
Oh, and I can’t forget the final touch, those fun red and white gingham cloth napkins with napkin rings. So fun!
Patriotic Centerpieces
Floral arrangements are a perfect complement to your main dining table.
Add one primary bouquet as the focal point at the center of the table.
Or sprinkle small colorful glass vases down the length of the table with floral varieties dressed in red, white, and blue.
Create your own centerpiece with a large glass hurricane or mason jar filled with sand and American flags.
You can incorporate small American flags into the centerpiece or place them in vases around the table.
Midge uses a blue chinoiserie vase filled with small spirited fresh flowers that pack a punch with vibrant patriotic hues.
Get inspired with more pretty red, white, and blue table decor ideas here.
Use Patriotic Lighting
Lighting your table creates a warm and inviting ambiance for your outdoor fete.
Consider hanging red, white, and blue strings of light, outdoor lights, or lanterns to add a glowing touch to your table setting.
Scatter twinkling fairy lights down the table or around the outdoor space.
Incorporate star-shaped decor, such as coasters or place card holders, into your table setting.
Midge scattered star-shaped candle holders filled with white candles around the table.
Remember the Flags
American flags are a lively way to add a patriotic touch to your backyard and table.
Pop them in your centerpieces, or position them in small vases around the patio and table.
Include individual mini flags at each table setting tucked in a napkin or next to the place cards.
It’s the little things!
Food and Drink
Keep on going by carrying a slice of Americana and the color theme throughout all your eats too!
Inject the festive palette right into the food and drinks.
Also, combine them in your tablecloth, napkins, plates, and table decorations.
Include some American-themed snacks, such as flag-shaped cheese and star-shaped crackers.
Serve up classic American cookout dishes such as apple pie, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese.
Consider other traditional outdoor fares, such as burgers, ribs, and steak.
Serve side dishes such as potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.
For drinks, serve beer, wine, and a festive red strawberry gin basil smash.
Offer non-alcoholic beverages such as lemonade and iced tea.
For dessert, stay on theme with blueberry crumble, strawberry-topped cake, and white whipped cream.
And find other tasty Red, White, and Blue holiday desserts here!
Casual Dinner Menu Ideas
Below are the two menus that Miidge recommends for your soiree!
Menu Idea Number One
Ribs
Macaroni & Cheese
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cornbread
Fresh Fruit
Midge slow-cooked the ribs in her Nesco Slow Cooker for 2+ hours on low at 250 degrees, covered with water and two envelopes of Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
She cooked just until tender. Don’t overcook; otherwise, they fall apart while grilling.
Then they grilled the ribs on a Weber charcoal grill smothered with Sweet Baby Ray’s Award Winning Barbecue Sauce.
Her side dish of macaroni & cheese was from Costco.
She usually likes to roast brussels sprouts in the oven or on the stovetop as a side with cornbread & serve with fresh fruit.
Menu Idea Number Two
Grilled Tenderloin
Double Baked Potato
Pasta Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Mixed Green Salad
Party Games and Activities
To add some extra excitement, below are activities for fun outdoor garden party ideas.
Set up lawn games like croquet, cornhole, or frisbee. Set up a net for volleyball or badminton.
Create a DIY photo booth area where your friends can take photos with different party props and backdrops.
If you have a more competitive crowd, plan a water balloon toss or a pie-eating contest.
Then, have a bonfire at night, or simply sit back and enjoy the company of your favorite people.
Plan some pool games, such as volleyball or Marco Polo, if you own a pool.
You can also compose a playlist of good old American classic songs to enjoy all throughout the day and night.
When the planning is done, sit back, relax, and have an amazing summer dinner party and enjoy your table-setting creations. But most of all, enjoy the friends and family you will share it with.
xo,
Cindy
Table Setting Ideas
Looking for more tabletop inspiration? Below are links to other ideas for hosting your friends and family.
More Hosting Ideas
DIY Valentine’s Table Ideas
Lunch Party Table
Friends Spring Lunch
Fourth of July Tables
Black and White Table Decor Ideas
Thanksgiving Table Ideas
Elegant Christmas Tables
Rustic Christmas Table Ideas
Spode Christmas Table
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