table setting ideas

I love hosting a dinner party because it offers a chance to celebrate an occasion–at home–with extra panache. Table setting ideas, like with this birthday party I hosted this past weekend, come by weaving in a holiday spin to the tabletop. Perfect for the 4th of July, too!

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I’ve been thinking about the people who came, and the love that flows around the table. When the night is over, I love to reflect on the night with my husband, and it brings a smile and a warm glow in my heart for our lovely friends. (A quick iPhone shot below.)

table setting ideas

I’m thankful that on RE my parties are real, authentic, not staged, and that is why the photos are not perfect. Sometimes I never get a chance to get the “perfect” picture of the food, which irritates me later. As the host, I don’t want to be obnoxious with my camera, too, and be running around taking pictures when I should be sitting at the head of the table with my husband and enjoying our friends.

It’s a catch/catch situation for me, as a food/party blogger, wanting to capture memories without interfering with the ambience.

table setting ideas

Inspired by the fresh herbs of the season, I bought 2 basil plants from Trader Joe’s (our basil is not fully grown yet). Filled my new (from Target) Ball “blue” canning jars with water, and fresh basil (mm-m-m-m, it smelled so delicious).

table setting ideas

And added white flowers and daisies from our yard.

I used my 2 natural colored “drop cloths” as tablecloths.

These blue charges were 99 cents at Michaels.

New Dollar Tree canning mugs with handles for the water glasses.

And Dollar Tree gingham napkins.

table setting ideas

The feeling of the table was so fresh and natural.

Our guests brought freshly prepared salads and we served salmon and crunchy bread.

Our alfresco dinner was delightful, with patio lights, delicious food, and music in the background, but the conversation by far is always my favorite part of the night.

What kind of party will you be hosting for the 4th of July this year?