How to Make a Fun Red, White, Blue Tablescape!

My latest red, white, and blue table setting

Here’s my latest red, white and blue tablescape. I plan to use it for Memorial Day on next Monday, May 31, 2021, but this would work just as well for the Fourth of July or Labor Day. In this post I will show you step by step how to create this colorful patriotic table setting. See if you have similar items at home, but if not, for many of the items I have included affiliate links and they should be easily delivered to you in time for the big holiday. Here goes:

Step One:

I LOVE this tablecloth! Stars and stripes forever! It washes like a dream and could easily stand alone as the decoration for the day. It is definitely a keeper as it comes right out of the dryer and needs no ironing, yes!). Here’s the link. So I placed the tablecloth on the table straight on the table. (If the cloth wasn’t quite long enough, I frequently place it on the table on an angle, so it’s more of a decoration than an actual tablecloth.)

Step Two:

Next, I placed oval wicker placemats on the cloth at each place setting. I love making a layered table as I think it’s so rich and textured. Here’s the link for the placemats. These are a wonderful investment as they last FOREVER and even look great all by themselves on lots of other type of tablescapes. They can be dressy or casual, your choice.

Step Three:

Now I layered red rimmed Crate and Barrel plates. They are old. Here is a similar plate. (You could just use white ceramic plates and achieve a very similar effect. But I have to say that I use red table accessories A LOT on my tables. They work for Christmas, all the patriotic holidays and even Valentine’s Day, just saying… )

Step Four:

Here’s where the fun began. I scattered several red votive holders (similar, here) around the table and now that I have four grandsons (under the age of three!) I added the battery-operated votives for safety reasons. I also used red glass tumblers, old (fun ones, here) and alternated red, white and blue bandanas, tied here in a simple knot as napkins.

Step Five:

And then I made this really playful centerpiece! I purchased these gorgeous blue glass bottles and lined them up in a row alternating with the red votives. Isn’t this so pretty? I added daisy blossoms, but you could easily use red carnations, white or red roses, etc. I truly love blue glass as I think it’s such a rich, deep color and looks great with white, yellow, red and so many more settings. I bought a box of twelve bottles and would use the others on any barbecue themed buffet, or in my powder room…

Step Six:

Here I added two pots of ivy to the table. The greenery is a nice complement to the red, white and blue and adds depth to the table setting.

Step Seven:

In this last table photo, I changed the fold of the bandana from a simple knot to a fuller fold. I grabbed the square napkin by the center and then just slid the napkin down my closed hand to create this look. Then I secured it with a little red ribbon “napkin ring”. Doesn’t it all look sooo festive? If it’s cold this Memorial Day (and in Chicago, it usually is), this dining room table setting will be the place to be! Happy Memorial Day!

Here are a few other posts I have done on red, white and blue decorations, food and outfits :Red, white and blue outfits, Grandkid Red, White and Blue Popsicles!, Red, White and Blue Tablescape, Fouth of July tablescape and ideas….Fun Fourth of July Food.

XO

Dr. Julie

PS Some of my readers have asked me the significance of items that have been typed with pink ink.  These are “magical links” because when you click on them, you will be brought right to the site where you can purchase that item if you so choose.  They are officially called “affiliate links” which means when you shop through them, you help support my blog (all at absolutely no additional cost to you) so thank you!   CommentHolidays, Tablescape

I’m Dr. Julie Marshall and I’m so excited to welcome you to my super fun (& full!) life. As a retired dermatologist, I’m passionate about skincare among many other things – especially my family. You’ll find an array of topics, from beauty to travel, fashion to table settings, menus and entertainment ideas. Make yourself at home, you are so welcome here!