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


