Manage Your Life
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Speak For Yourself: Do you do patriotic party decorations?
editor
Trust me, I am all for
theme parties (and if costumes are involved, even better). But part of what I like about a theme party is choosing the theme; at Fourth of July parties, it is decided before you send the first
invitation. So then the question becomes, do you go all-out stars-and-stripes-and-Uncle-Sam-hats, or just use some combination of red, white or blue party supplies to set the mood. Or do you skip the patriotic thing altogether and just
focus on the food? I scanned the Independence Day-themed items on
Plumparty.com and found plenty of options for all of the above.
So now, the informal poll: Which of these items would guests most likely find on your Fourth of July table:
The literal and cheap: set of three
stars and stripes snack bowls for $4. You won't be using these again (and they wouldn't hold up even if you wanted to).
Paper napkins in a traditional color, but a fresh, versatile pattern. Could be mixed-and-matched with other tableware if you don't use them all up on the Fourth. $7 for 15
A
colorful plastic pitcher that's just off-theme enough to use year-round without inspiring clearance-rack queries. (And it's Jonathan Adler!) $21
For a few more red or white or blue party accessories on Shine, go here:
A beautiful, blue-and-white tablecloth handmade in Ethiopia
Blue and white retro-inspired Bauer Pottery carafes
Blue recycled-newspaper bowl handmade in Brazil
Classic gingham fabric in red or blue
A subtly patriotic hand-woven table runner
Recycled blue-glass-bottle parfaits—perfect for serving ice cream or fizzy drinks
Related: theme parties, serving bowls, plates, pitcher, patriotic decorations, party foul, party favorites, outdoor entertaining, napkins, fourth of july, entertaining, costume parties
-
Posted by Mom of Two Fri Jul 4, 2008 10:12am PDT
We fly the flag, and recognize the ultimate blessing we have of living in this country for whom so many have sacrificed, in numerous ways. If I were having a family get-together today, I would proudly use the red, white and blue colors and patriotic theme.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Fri Jul 4, 2008 2:33pm PDT
I decorated with flags and I have some lil windstocks and other patriotic items. I also decorated for my son who just left today to be stationed in Alaska. He is in the USAF. I keep in prayer all our troops and all their loved ones every day. Fourth Of July has always been a proud day to be an American and celebrate our country's independence. God's best! ANNIE (= Happy 4TH OF July!!!!
Report Abuse
-
Posted by dot48 Sat Jul 5, 2008 8:08am PDT
Total waste of money! I have a sister who decorates for every silly holiday and it's utter nonsense. She's like a little bitty kid. Grow up I tell her.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Kathleen Sat Jul 5, 2008 8:24am PDT
What a privledge to celebrate our FREEDOM to buy or not to buy. Thank God we still have the choice!!! Yes - I bought 4th frills - and I was excited about celebrating our country's Birthday!! God Bless America!!!!
Report Abuse
-
Posted by joan t Sat Jul 5, 2008 8:29am PDT
I decorate with the same red, white, and blue candles and flags, etc.,etc. that I have for years. Just take them out of where I've kept them and reuse them. Why spend more money then you need to, when money is so tight nowadays. Just keep reusing the same stored away decor, when you have to count your pennies. Because when you buy new things-- a dollar here and a dollar there-- it all adds up.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Irishhag Sat Jul 5, 2008 8:34am PDT
I was glad I came across this site, to see how some others decorated for this great celebration, and what did I find??....a bunch of pouty, political, sad, nay-sayers that will ruin any July 4th celebration...IF they were invited anywhere.
ZOE: If you aren't happy with this awesome country, perhaps you might try Mexico. Their government's terrific!
PJ: You definitely need to rethink your thoughts about your son being in Iraq. Congratulations on your raising a wonderful human being that is sacrificing his life to defend the independence and freedom rights for the Iraqi citizens and for our country as well. You might want to raise a flag in his honor and celebrate his efforts you, me, and everyone else. I would be celebrating...not mourning.
And finally V-Grrl: I can certainly appreciate your thought of using what you have and celebrate on! But I also incorporate some fun and festive decorations from the local dollar store which, I might add, I have used for the last 4 years again and again. It's all in the way you use them & store them.
I hope all of you had a great 4th and may the rest of your summer be filled with daily celebrations of all of the great things in your lives!
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Dot Rat Sat Jul 5, 2008 12:39pm PDT
Somehow appropriate that "patriotism" involves buying things.
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Dot Rat Sat Jul 5, 2008 12:41pm PDT
PS all that red/white/blue paper stuff is made in China. Way to go celebrating America!
Report Abuse
-
Posted by BETTY-BOOP Sat Jul 5, 2008 9:55pm PDT
I love the 4th of July. It reminds us of why people died for freedom, and the right to choose, the free will we all have to believe in something, even if it's right or wrong. THat the freedoms we have in America. WE need to keep fighting to stay free, for the children of tomarrow, yes our grandchildren and the children.
My dad died of cancer in 1980, before that he went to war to save me and my mom from those who take our freedoms and dictate to us.
Why doesn'tany one understand, someone died for you, before you were even thought of. Your ancesters came here to the USA, to be free of those who would take the freedoms we have today. You all need to pray and fight opression for the future of our country, the USA.
Thank God, I'm am AMERICAN......................
Report Abuse
-
Posted by Jeannot Sun Jul 6, 2008 4:51am PDT
hate to buy all this "season" stuff. Waste of money. What is important in my house with my clan is what is ON the table, what food is there and lets all enjoy it together , paper towels will do if
we have ribs and we all help with washing the dishes. Lets get real, who needs all the extra hoopla? Oh I forgot Hallmark does.
Report Abuse
