Setting a patriotic tablescape for the Fourth of July should include a few things. Red White and Blue, of course, but it should also include some pizazz. Summer is the season of the coast, so why not bring the calm elements of the coast to a patriotic table setting for the Fourth of July? This coastal Fourth of July tablescape does just that!
The Key to a Stunning Independence Day Tablescape
The key to Fourth of July tablescapes (or Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and other patriotic holidays) lies in incorporating light elements of red, white, and blue throughout the table setting. These colors symbolize patriotism and are synonymous with the celebration of American independence. By infusing the tablescape with these hues, you create a visually cohesive and festive atmosphere that enhances the spirit of the occasion.
Red, white, and blue can be introduced through various elements such as table linens, napkins, and centerpieces. Utilize crisp white tablecloths as the base, for example, allowing them to serve as a clean canvas for the vibrant accents to shine. Adorn the table with red and blue table runners or placemats to add a pop of color and create visual interest.
I decided to adorn my tablescape with red detailed plates, blue chargers, and light blue accented linens as a way to incorporate the hues of the Fourth of July without overloading the eye with tons of color.
Remember, the key is to maintain a balance between the colors, ensuring they complement one another harmoniously. Avoid overwhelming the tablescape with an excess of color, and instead, focus on incorporating light elements of red, white, and blue to evoke a sense of patriotic celebration.
How to Tie in the Coast to Your Place Settings for Fourth of July
To tie in elements of the coast to your red, white, and blue Fourth of July tablescape, you can create a delightful nautical theme that combines patriotic colors with a coastal ambiance. Here are some great ideas on how to achieve this:
- Dinnerware: Opt for dinnerware that incorporates coastal elements. Look for plates and bowls with patterns or designs featuring seashells, coral, sailboats, or waves. Choose white or blue dinnerware with subtle red accents to maintain the patriotic theme.
- Table Linens: Use tablecloths or table runners in shades of blue to represent the ocean. Consider adding white or red striped patterns to evoke a classic coastal look. Alternatively, you can choose table linens with coastal-themed prints like starfish, coral, or lighthouses.
- Centerpieces: Create captivating centerpieces for your party guests that blend red, white, and blue with coastal elements. Place a large glass bowl filled with sand or seashells as the centerpiece, and add small American flags or mini beach umbrellas in the colors of the flag. Intersperse with red and blue votive candles or sea-inspired elements like starfish or driftwood. You could also use fresh florals, like blue and white hydrangeas, as your centerpiece.
- Napkins and Accessories: Fold white napkins in the shape of sailboats or seashells and place them on the plates for an added touch. Use napkin rings with coastal motifs like shells or ropes in red, white, or blue. Coordinate your glassware with coastal-themed designs or opt for plain glasses in patriotic colors.
- Table Decor: Scatter seashells, starfish, or sand dollars along the table as decorative accents. Incorporate coastal-inspired elements like ropes, fishing nets, or miniature sailboats as table decor. You can also use clear glass vases filled with water and floating candles, adding small blue or red accents to tie in with the theme.
- Final Touches: Consider adding subtle hints of beach fragrance with scented candles or essential oils like coconut or sea breeze. Play soft ocean sounds or light instrumental beach-themed music in the background to enhance the coastal atmosphere.
By incorporating these coastal elements into your red, white, and blue Fourth of July tablescape, you’ll create a festive and patriotic ambiance with a refreshing nod to the coast.
Details of this Coastal Fourth of July Tablescape
I started this table with a blue and white tablecloth. You could take this a step further with a red accented table runner for even more patriotic flare.
To make this coastal Fourth of July tablescape shine, I decided to plate the table with my white plates with red coral accents from @potterybarn and paired them with deep blue placemats. This way, the patriotic hues from the dinner plates pop from the setting without overloading the table with an abundance of bold colors from the patriotic decor.
I then paired my favorite bamboo flatware with the plates to add texture and a casual feel I was going for. Finally, I draped my favorite blue striped cloth napkins over the plates to tie it all together. Don’t you just love the coastal-inspired napkin rings?
Easy Patriotic Table Dinnerware
You can shop my beautiful coastal tableware here. They are some of my favorite pieces to use over the summer months as they are so perfect for a variety of summer tablescapes regarding the main coastal theme! You could use them for something like what I’ve shared here or for a red-inspired coastal table, for example, which is the best part!
Coastal July 4th Tablescape Decor
To bring the element of the coast to life on this beautiful tablescape, I decided to make use of some shell shaped plates around the table while also incorporating wicker-wrapped candle holders and other wicker items such as baskets and salt and pepper shakers.
I decided to keep things simple because I really wanted the elements of red white and blue to pop from the table. The simple addition of coastal elements gives it that coastal vibe without going overboard, in my opinion.
Shop Coastal Fourth of July Tableware
- Coral Dinner Plates
- Wicker Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Royal Blue Placemats
- Red Accented Napkins
- Light Blue Striped Tablecloth
- Blue Glassware
- Coastal Napkin Ring
- Seashell Plate
- Bamboo Flatware
- Blue Accented Glassware
- Coral Salad Plates
Patriotic Centerpiece for the Coastal Fourth of July Tablescape
To create a sense of cohesion, consider incorporating floral arrangements featuring red, white, and blue blooms. Arrange them in glass vases or mason jars, placing them strategically as centerpieces or along the table to provide a refreshing touch of natural beauty.
I decided to feature blue hydrangeas with little flags as the perfect centerpiece for this coastal red white and blue table setting, but I think red geraniums and white hydrangeas would also be great fresh flowers to include in your Fourth of July floral centerpiece idea!
As earlier mentioned, you could go in a variety of directions when it comes to the centerpiece for your festive 4th of July table. Flowers are just one of them. I love the idea of adding a bowl of assorted shells to the table as well. Get creative!
Candles are another one of my fun ideas. Candlelight is an excellent way to introduce soft, warm illumination to the tablescape. Opt for white or clear glass candle holders, and choose red, white, and blue candles to match the theme. The gentle flickering of the candles will create a charming and inviting ambiance to red white and blue table settings.
Featured Dish: Shrimp Ceviche
I thought my fabulous shrimp ceviche was a great dinner option to pair with this coastal-inspired tablescape! To make this recipe, you’ll need some shrimp, lime juice, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeños, and cilantro. The key is to make it ahead of time so that the flavors can marinate!
To make the shrimp ceviche, start with precooked shrimp and add them to a large glass or plastic bowl (not metal). Then add in the other ingredients and combine. Cover and stick into the fridge for a few hours before serving for the best flavor!
Click here for the full recipe.
I hope this guide has inspired you to create your own red white and blue coastal Fourth of July tablescape this or next year for your patriotic summer parties. We would love to see what you come up with! Tag @ivoryandnoire on Instagram to be featured.