Table Setting Ideas for 4th of July with a Basil Tabletop
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!
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.)
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.
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).
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.
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?
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Mi piace molto solo di commentare se ho qualcosa da aggiungere. Naturalmente in disaccordo con un post è più facile perché ho automaticamente qualcosa di nuovo da dire, mentre se sono d’accordo, potrei non avere nulla di nuovo da aggiungere.
Hai fatto il grande lavoro di scrittura e rivelando le caratteristiche benefiche nascoste
Pingback: Cambozola Cheese and Crackers Recipe | reluctantentertainer.com Reluctant Entertainer I Sandy Coughlin - Lifestyle, Entertaining, Food, Recipes, Hospitality and Gardening
I wonder if you got your lights at Target…or online?
Everything looks fun and beautiful
Hi Sandy,
I love the table. I looked at three Michael’s in my area and could not find the blue chargers. I also looked at several Dollar stores for the mugs and could not find them. They are so cute. I did buy the blue Ball jars and used my 40% Michael’s coupon to buy them :)
My questions: where did you get the plates? How about the lights you talk about? I love how you entertain and eat outside. I live in Fl and it is SO hot and we have so many bugs. You don’t have that problem? Thank you so much for all of your ideas.
Every table you set is so beautiful! How honouring to your guests. You have a very creative ability to put together different kinds of table settings resulting in a stunning look. Do you mainly buy plain pieces? Buying colour even in placemats is a challenge for me. I want the type of look you get but don’t know what the principles are to achieve it. Could you share some? Also where/how do you store so manydifferent kinds of tableware.? As stated before I would love to partake in one of your parties. Thanks for so much inspiration.
You always have the most beautiful tablescapes!
Hi Sandy! Just wondering if the Michael’s chargers were a recent purchase? I’m planning a Christmas table with those colors (think “icy”) and I’m wondering if our has the same ones and if I need to race over there?
Also, curious as to your answer to Tammy’s question about whether you serve buffet style with that type of table setting?
Thanks for your inspiration!!!
Hi, Dawn! I just replied below. And yes! I just bought the chargers last week at Michael’s for 99 cents each!
Beautiful table. Just a quick question…when you set a table like that, how do you serve the food? Buffet style or family style?
I serve 2 different ways, especially with outdoor entertaining. 1. Buffet 2. My husband and I serve our guests. For this party, we served the food buffet inside on the dining table! :)
Love the table! My 4th of July celebration here this year will be very rustic and casual as our floors are ripped down to the plywood in preparation for all new floors. I won’t worry about anything spilling!! We hopefully will have weather that is fair enough to be out on the deck.
No party for us. We run a 4th of july fundraiser, selling fireworks for the week starting this friday, so the only entertaining I’ll be doing will be from behind a cash register. :)
Girl, your parties look perfectly imperfect and FUN – I would love to be part of them :) The food and place settings really only take a back seat to the relationships anyway!
Looks beautiful but more importantly-cozy and welcoming!
I love the “real-ness” of your pics and blog… Please don’t change a thing! Thanks for years of inspiration and encouragement!
Hugs– Melinda
Thank you, “Auntie Em!”
Beautiful table setting! :)
Sandy, this is absolutely delightful! The whole table is so inviting. I can imagine using those chargers again at Christmas for a Winter Wonderland theme! You are the Queen of Dining on a Dime!
Debbie, I thought the same thing – perfect for a winter table! :) I try to think of different seasons when I buy something.