Make Your Holiday A Bang!

Here are some great Patriotic decorating tips from our decorator Shelley Herod of Designing Women.

Most people spend hours decorating for the winter holidays; however, Memorial Day and Fourth of July are celebrated summer events.  More family and friends gather for the July Fourth holiday than any other, so this is a fabulous reason to introduce that patriotic décor into your home that you normally might not.

Whether you are entertaining guests or just displaying your  spirit, you want to create a big bang! Curb appeal is the first thing your guests and passersby will notice. The most obvious is to proudly fly the stars and stripes where everyone can see your patriotism. Many garden retailers will sell planters filled with red, white, and blue arrangements; these are excellent for flanking the front door. You can add an extra touch with a simple American ribbon tied around the container, or a few small flags on dowel rods waving in each. Blue hydrangeas are one of my personal favorites. They will add that touch of blue to the landscape, and you can clip several and use them in a vase or mason jar over a red and white tablecloth.

There is no need to go overboard decorating for this season like we do for the winter holidays; this holiday décor is simple and causal. Several touches of red, white, and blue throughout the house such as throw pillows, picture frames, candles, hand towels, or a piece of art will show your American pride. American scented candles will entice your nose — apple pie, blueberry muffin and watermelon are just a few of the seasonal aromas that fit into the July motif.

Your table at your cookout will be the main focal point at your celebration. The table setting can be very simple but still make a statement. Alternate red and blue place mats and top them with white plates. If you desire a buffet style, stack red, white, and blue dinnerware and accent with stars and stripes in the tablecloth and napkins. Another option is to use red and blue bandanas as napkins or tie them around containers holding the cutlery.

Of course the centerpiece cannot be ignored — this will bring your entire table together. Use flowers clipped from your yard if their colors are appropriate. Or fill a container with baby’s breath and red carnations; tie a blue ribbon around it and have unlit sparklers accenting it. These can be used later on as the evening grows darker. Simple white candles in clear glass votives scattered around the table are not only inexpensive, but they look even better as the night goes on.

Your food is also another source for a centerpiece. Fruit kabobs made into an arrangement is very striking and serves two purposes: décor and dinner. A hurricane container layered with raspberries, strawberries and blueberries also looks fresh and festive.

Since the Fourth of July is all about celebrating America’s freedom, remember those men and women who have served or are serving our country. A display of family members’ photos that are part of the military and any tokens or heirlooms that you might have is a wonderful way to show respect and celebrate. It also will create a conversation piece.

Vibrant patriotic colors, family memorabilia, Americana accents, and of course fireworks will make your celebration a day to remember.

Shelley Herod is the owner and designer for Designing Women, LLC from Woodstock, Georgia. She has been a local designer for the past 20 years. She graduated from Butler University  with a degree in merchandising and design. Shelley is a certified home stager and recently was selected by Executive Who’s Who. She is the veteran interior designer to the Junior Service League of Woodstock Christmas Home Tour, where she has been active for the past 10 years. She also works with wedding and special event venues as design coordinator to make dreams become reality. Designing Women is an active member of the The Atlanta Bridal Connection. Shelley can be reached at (770) 235-5640 or on her Facebook page: Designing Women.

Original Article written in 2014