10 Great Simple and Chic Fourth of July Entertaining Ideas

Here in New Orleans, we always have a reason to celebrate and entertain. With the fourth of July on Monday, I have some great simple but stylish ways to give your celebration a unique flare.


Sun Supplies Station
With the harsh summer heat and intense rays of the sun in full effect, it's important your Fourth of July guests remain hydrated and UV-protected. Keep outdoor essentials nearby with a supply station stylishly stocked with rolled towels, sun block and ice-cold water.

Designer Plastic Plates
No table? No Problem! Add instant serving space to your poolside party with color-coordinated place settings on plastic trays. With so many designer options available these days it's hard to tell the difference between plastic, metal and ceramic. Give each shatterproof ensemble a designer upgrade by mixing in a single flower stem and a cloth napkin.

Patriotic Picnic
Add a little romance to your Independence Day with a red, white and blue picnic. For a true designer look introduce a mixture of patterns and textures through floor pillows, toss pillows and blankets. To delineate a portion of your picnic area as a serving space, layer a contrasting bath mat or small area rug in the center, and then utilize the surrounding space for lounging.

Red, White, and Blue Refreshments
Think of cold beverages as a decorating opportunity. Chill berry-flavored bottled juices or sodas in metal tubs filled with ice; you'll not only keep guests cool but also sneak in a few extra red, white and blue touches to carry the party's patriotic theme.

Sparkling Favors
Instantly turn sparklers into placeholders or party favors with ribbon and paper tags. Once the sparklers are removed from their packaging, bunch them up, then tie them together with red, white and blue ribbon. Before tying and curling the ribbon ends with scissors, slide a hole-punched paper tag through one of the strands with your guests' names proudly on display.

Tasty Popsicles
Popsicles are a perfect treat for an outdoor summer soiree. Make your own Fourth-of-July-style Popsicles by pouring red or blue fruit juices into Popsicle freezer trays. To ensure they taste fresh and are fully frozen, pop the trays into the freezer one night prior to entertaining.

American Flag Napkins
Customize solid red, white or blue cloth napkins with iron-on American flag patches. Turn the patch and the napkin upside down on a flat surface, and then use a hot iron to apply heat directly to the napkin to activate the patch's adhesive.

Modern Patriotism
Who says Fourth of July decorating has to be all stars and stripes? Give your Independence Day decor a modern update by introducing red, white and blue through modern graphic patterns.

Mixing Patterns
Add layers to your Fourth of July tablescape by mixing patterns in patriotic colors. To keep the different prints from looking too busy, be sure to introduce one large-, one medium- and one small-scale print through linens and serve ware.

Festive Cake sparklers
Make a spectacle of your dessert presentation with cake sparklers. Keep in mind that safety is first; only use if your outdoor entertaining takes place in a wide-open area.