Article: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday in Style
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday in Style
It’s no secret that we love a reason to celebrate and what’s a better reason than a birthday? This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday {talk about a big one!} The Fourth has always been a beloved holiday in our family, but there’s something about America’s 250th that feels especially nostalgic, that reminds us of running up and down the beach in the sun, the smell of slightly charred burgers on the grill, and watching fireworks light up the sky from the dock—our hands still sticky with watermelon juice.
These are the images and feelings that linger as we plan our Fourth of July gatherings this year. And though we might be putting in a little more effort into our table this time around, it’s that nostalgia and joy that we are calling back to as we host, and we encourage you to do the same!
With such a big celebration on the horizon, a few equally big words have been everywhere recently.
It’s America’s Semiquincentennial! Celebrate with classic Americana décor!
Semiquincentennial?? Americana?? Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
What is a Semiquincentennial?
A celebration known by many {very long} names, a Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial, or a Quarter Millennium are all terms for a 250th anniversary.
What is Americana?
Americana is an aesthetic characterized by nostalgia and a romanticized version of the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s, a modern version of western style, and a love of weathered red, white, and blue images. The aesthetic often pulls from images of classic American characters such as cowboys, greasers, and Rosie the Riveter. Naturally, Fourth of July décor often pulls from the Americana aesthetic, embracing the festive red, white, and blue color scheme along with iconic references to America’s idealized past.
Setting Your Fourth of July Table
With our Signature White, Strata, and Iris Blue collections, there are almost too many options for creating a festive place setting this Fourth of July. Whether you prefer to lean into bold color or style a more subtle tablescape this year, you really can’t go wrong with our versatile assortment of dinnerware.
We recommend starting with our vibrant red Strata dishes for a bold festive foundation. Mix with fresh and bright dishes from our Signature White Collection for a balanced and timeless effect. The gentle blues of our Iris Blue Collection or Color Block Linens complete the festive feel and are a fun nod to the soft blues of the classic Americana style.
Make sure that, above all, you approach your table with thoughtfulness, noting how your combinations of colors and designs create movement and visual intrigue. Stack your dishes with intention, layering colors that make sense side by side to create a cohesive result.
Don’t forget the details! Just like an outfit, your table is elevated with accessories. Our candle holders are a great way to add height to your table, and transition from stylish to functional as the sun goes down. Add a butter dish, salt and pepper shakers, or a pitcher for batched drinks to your table to complete the look and encourage your guests to engage with the table and each other.
Indoor Fourth of July Gatherings
Whether it’s to avoid the rain or because it’s just too darn hot out, a Fourth of July indoors can be just as magical as one in the sun. Here are a few of our tips and tricks for a fabulous indoor Fourth of July party:
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Consider your space! If you have invited more guests than can fit at your table, or your seating arrangement makes it hard for guests to have conversations, consider moving your table to a different angle in the room or even to another area of your house.
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Décor starts before the guests walk in. Hang a flag on your porch or at your entryway for a patriotic welcome!
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Sprinkle the festive fun throughout your home by switching out your cushion covers with holiday designs and using festive hand towels in your bathrooms.
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Consider choosing a distressed fabric, muted reds and blues, or a plaid pattern for a more nostalgic Americana feel.
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Fill a small vase, glass jar, or even a tall glass with sparklers for an instant DIY décor piece that the kids can use later {with supervision of course!}
Backyard Fourth of July Gatherings
For those bright and sunny afternoons, it’s easy to transition your Fourth of July party from the dining room to the backyard. Most indoor activities can be replicated outdoors, but with a new space always comes new opportunities.
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Use long tables or smaller tables pushed together for easy gatherings. You can even use foldable tables with a tablecloth over the top for lighter lifting! Psst…we love this one.
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On a separate table, you can set up a drink station with buckets of ice and options like chilled lemonade, your guest’s favorite sodas, or a cheeky batched cocktail. It’s a fun way to make your guests feel more involved and take a little off the host’s plate.
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Keep seating comfortable with light flowy materials, cushions for any hard or ground seating, and light blankets for gatherings that venture into the evenings.
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A few simple strings of cafe lights can really transform your outdoor space into a cozy place to gather and celebrate.
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Pro tip: Arrange a few citronella candles discretely around your outdoor space to keep the bugs away!
Fourth of July Beach Parties
We love the years when we get to spend the Fourth on the beach. There is something about the salt and sand that makes our spirits even more festive. For a beachy Fourth of July gathering…
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Keep a beach gathering relaxed and casual with comfortable seating such as large picnic blankets, oversized cushions, or low beach chairs.
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Make sure your blankets are anchored down! The last thing you want is your Fourth of July décor blowing away in the wind. Come prepared with décorative weights or use what you have on hand to keep the corners secure.
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If you can, try and time dinner with the sunset and let nature do the décorating for you!
Fourth Of July Food Ideas
There are few things that bring people together more powerfully and consistently than food. A beautiful tablescape can invite your guests to come together, but it’s the food that allows your guests to linger and connect.
From backyard barbeques to cute canapés, Fourth of July food can take many forms. We’ve put together a southern inspired menu that we personally love, and that is (to no one’s surprise) chock-full of beloved family recipes.
A classic fare
Southern Potato Salad ~ A Southern classic side dish for Fourth of July that proves simplicity can be truly delicious.
Baked Beans ~ A family recipe from Laura and Marcie’s dad, known to the grandkids as “G-daddy”, these baked beans take store-bought baked beans to the next level.
BBQ Chicken ~ Get the grill out and reach for that bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce for a classic summer favorite!
Tomato Cucumber Salad ~ Simply combine fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and peppers with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar for a light recipe to balance out this hearty classic southern fare.
Southern Peach Cobbler ~ Our sweet and easy Peach Cobbler recipe is a traditional and delicious way to round out your Fourth of July dinner and a great way to use up plentiful July peaches in peak season!
A Variation On The Menu
Cuban Sandwiches ~ A deliciously elevated hand-held option, perfect for a Fourth of July spent around the table or in deck chairs.
Grilled Flank Steaks ~ A fresh and hearty main that is elevated enough for a well-thought out Fourth of July dinner party and still has the grill fired up.
Grilled Artichokes with Lemon ~ A fresh take on Fourth of July appetizers, these grilled citrusy artichokes go from prep to table in under an hour!
What to Drink?
Grilled Lemonade - For a fun spin on a summertime favorite, make this delicious grilled lemonade. With its sweet, tart, and complex flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with the kids and the adults!
Watermelon Margarita Recipe ~ Cool Off With Watermelon Margaritas.
The Recipe
4 cups seedless watermelon chunks
¾ cup tequila
1 tbsp triple sec
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (approx. 2 limes)
4 tbsp sugar, divided
6 cups ice, crushed
1 lime cut into 12 pieces, for garnish
Serve in vintage-style coupes or margarita glasses for a nostalgic feel. We love these Vintage Margarita Glasses from Nude Glass.
Tips on picking the best watermelon
We know it may sound a little silly, but a light knock on the watermelon can let you know if it’s perfectly ripe! If it sounds hollow, it’s good to buy!
You can also look out for a more yellowish color around the underside of the watermelon {It means it had more time to ripen in the sunshine ☀️}
Add in The Details
Now that your Fourth of July tablescape is beautifully crafted and your menu is ready to be enjoyed, don’t forget the details! There are so many little moments you can make shine.
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Play a classic lawn game like corn hole or ring toss.
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Move those sparkler decorations outside and have a sparkler send-off station for kids {again, with adult supervision}.
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Play a patriotic trivia game and include a few fun facts about America’s 250-year history. This is a great option for indoor gatherings.
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Have a water balloon toss for a playful afternoon cool-down.
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Treat your guests to the most memorable Fourth of July yet by gifting our God Bless America Ornament as party favors.
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Is it really the Fourth of July without fireworks? Find your local fireworks show and make your way over!
Tips For Last Minute Fourth of July Plans
Has summer gotten away from you and left you with no time to plan for the Fourth? Don’t worry, with a little effort and some creative thinking, you can still host an incredible Independence Day bash.
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If you still have a day or two, don’t wait any longer. Prep everything you can in advance so you aren’t overwhelmed on the day of, and you can focus on hosting and enjoying the day!
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No time to cook? Make it a potluck! Have your guests each bring a dish they love. {Psstt… you can even order takeout. We won’t tell!}
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Focus on functional décor. Sparklers double as décor and an activity. You can also use festive serveware, like our Red Stripe Ruffle Skinny Tray, to add festive flair while your guests eat.
Our final tip is our biggest piece of Fourth of July advice: embrace the messiness of a good summer. Summer isn’t made for perfection. It’s made for watermelon juice dripping down chins and watching fireworks on lawn chairs as the sun goes down. From our family to yours, celebrate this Fourth of July in the best way that you can—in style, together.
