I love summer and I love a great birthday celebration. So as the sunshine heats the air and days are long as can be, I leap into the planning of a festive setting to celebrate the Fourth of July. This year, our family is showing its patriotism in our backyard. As fireworks light up the summer sky with explosive eye candy, I want the celebratory environment that I create to be equally as impactful.

The red, white, and blue palette, of course, takes care of itself. But I’m always playing with new ways to reinterpret what’s classic and traditional. After all, a Fourth of July table is not necessarily a time to show restraint. Every piece should support both the theme and scheme. For this table, I partnered with one of my favorite monogramming emporiums, Mark and Graham who provided special festive accessories to enhance my tablescape and décor.

The tablescape was anchored by my white painted garden furniture and a statement red-and-pink floral pattern tablecloth from Pomegranate that drapes the table surface. Keeping with the theory that a strong pattern equals a strong start I then begin layering. Here, that includes wicker placemats, two coordinating blue-and-white plates and a red plate that shines with a star-shaped place card created by Maggie Glisan, when it comes to the centerpiece, I had two thoughts: something live and something edible. Mark and Graham graphic gingham pitchers serve as vases for hydrangeas and a striped cake by Brooke Mickelson both check those boxes stylishly. Mark and Graham also monogrammed their bursting with charm firework napkins, embroidered with my initials. Wooden beaded napkin rings I found in a local shop secure them with festive flair.

I always advise that when setting an outdoor table, don’t stop with the table. Consider its surroundings, too, for balance in your backyard. Giant blue and white ginger jars live on our patio and complemented the all-American scheme perfectly. Their blue-and-white glaze adds a moment of pretty and tradition.

Nearby at our sitting area, I tied the coffee table to the dining table look by adding a smaller cloth from Pomegranate of the same pink-and-red pattern. By the way, don’t shy away from other colors that mingle well with the expected red, white, and blue. Additional tones are what give depth and interest to a predetermined palette. For this setting, not only did I invite subtle pink into the party, I also brought in the natural tones of wicker and caning. On the coffee table, for instance, Mark and Graham’s leather-handled wicker tray corrals dessert plates for frosted star-shaped cookies and star-topped skewers that alternate blueberries and raspberries. A monogrammed ice bucket and canister add to the decorative statement.

Finally, don’t forget that all of the decorative layerings shouldn’t come only from tabletop and interior design flair. Fashion is key, too, to play up the occasion. I am in love with this easy blue-and-white gingham belted dress from Draper James to wear for this summer event, I even got the dogs involved and I found the real life of the party to be Minnie, who sports a bandana with stars.

Happy Fourth of July! As you watch the fireworks dance in the sky, do it from a place that shows spirit for the red, white, and blue.