Patriotic Table Decorations

Setting up a Fourth of July dinner table doesn't have to be expensive or hard; here are a few ideas on how to decorate your table for the holiday:

• Get a clear plastic tablecloth. Sprinkle red, white and blue, confetti or glitter on the table then put the tablecloth on top.

• Only have a plain white tablecloth? No problem, roll a couple strips of red and blue crepe paper down the table for a patriotic flair.

• Turn a copy of the U.S. flag into placemats by having them laminated.

• Tie a tablecloth to the legs of the table with big red and blue bows.

• For a fun centerpiece pour red white and blue candies into a large clear vase, and then make an arrangement out of red, white and blue lollipops, twistipops and rock candies on sticks.

• Mix and match plates, even if they are only paper party plates. Get plates with different patterns such as dots, stripes or flowers in red, white and blue. Put a large red spotted plate with a small blue striped plate for a fun look.

• Use small white light swags. Hang them so that they hang down from the table.

• Down the center of the table place interesting glass bottles, vases and other items that are red white and blue.

• Create a red, white and blue flower centerpiece. For striking contrast get a white vase and put only red flowers in it. Then get a blue vase and put only white flowers in it, then in a red vase put only blue flowers. Arrange the three vases in the center of the table.

• Cut stars out of red white and blue paper and string them from the ceiling above the table.

• Place red and blue candles in a white tray. They will look great during the day and at night you can light the candles for another fun effect.

• Use mini flags as toothpicks in appetizers.

• Fill small red and blue buckets with fun Fourth of July objects such as a box of boppers, confetti, candy in patriotic colors, spinning tops, star shaped key chains and glow sticks. Place one bucket at each table setting.