Party Patriotically With a Red, White + Blue Backyard Bash

Summer parties are about spending time outdoors, relaxing with friends and family and enjoying delicious bites and seasonal sips. And if you're hosting a Fourth of July bash, it's sure to include plenty of red, white and blue, too. From classic Americana decor and eye-catching place settings to lighting ideas that will brighten up the night even after your local fireworks display, these easy and affordable tips will help you get your patio ready for the ultimate patriotic party.

Americana colors + a few nautical nods = a winning setting for any summer soiree. For a traditional look that feels fresh, set your table with a mix of new and old items while keeping the focus on the tried-and-true: red, white and blue.

Add a charming finishing touch to each place setting with vintage Blue Willow salad plates. Don’t own any of these handsome hand-me-downs? Check local estate and garage sales and thrift shops. Easily the most popular transferware pattern around, Blue Willow has been in constant production for more than 200 years, making it easy to pick up on the cheap.

Give your table a playful touch by mixing in a summery vintage find or family souvenir, like this mini brass boat that’s actually an old sailing trophy.

Swap disposable paper napkins for reusable and budget-friendly bandanas. Check your local dollar or craft store — they’re typically $1 each — or save even more by buying them in bulk online.

Keep with the red, white and blue theme and stack plates in the patriotic palette for a pitch-perfect look. Complete each place setting with earthy woven grass placemats and chargers.

An umbrella over an outdoor dining table is great for providing shade but it also presents a problem: where to put the centerpiece. Skip a single arrangement and instead surround the pole with an assortment of containers filled with flowers. No need to buy expensive vases; use what you have — like an old blue canning jar — then fill with summer blooms and greenery clipped from your backyard.

Pull together an outdoor sofa and chairs to create a cozy spot for guests to gather before and after the meal.

Lanterns do double-duty to carry the red, white and blue theme while also providing soft mood lighting after the sun sets. Fill with remote-control battery-operated candles for fuss-free flames that you can extinguish with the push of a button.

Weather permitting, bring indoor striped or patterned toss pillows and throws outdoors and pile them high to create a layered look.

Fill an old watering can with an assortment of grocery store or backyard blooms for an easy-to-craft decoration.

Free yourself from mixologist duties by whipping up a big batch of white wine sangria or lemonade before guests arrive. Whether you choose the cocktail or mocktail route, mix in lots of fresh blueberries and strawberry slices for added flavor and to keep with the party’s signature shades.