Hi Friends!! The Fourth of July is a time of real celebration under all circumstances! After all, the USA is the only nation that has a birthday! With festive colors and comfort food, it is easy to create tablescapes that will remind us of this most significant national holiday in the United States- the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This year keep health in mind while planning your activities!

Celebrating in Galveston this year, I decided to mix in a bit of a nautical theme and………..to mix some inspirational Fourth of July quotes in the post!

“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.” -Peter Marshall

I really wanted a lot of layers this year and easy cleanup! Thus, I started with quilted shell-shaped place mats (handed down from my mother) and I found these cute fish charger plates at Pier One last year.

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln

Dishtowels turned napkins are not only soft but wash so well. Getting a variety will allow the table to be a fun mix!

“True Patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom, and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

“Freedom is not won on the battlefields. The chance for freedom is won there. The final battle is won or lost in our hearts and minds.” – Helen Gahagan Douglas

Years back I purchased the galvanized dishware from Pottery Barn. You could use baskets as well. I love the paper food liners. There are so many different patterns and designs to choose from. Just google deli paper sheets or paper food liners!

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” –  Abraham Lincoln

Next, to give height and a place to layer the starfish, I just turned one of the eating tins upside down to form a pedestal! I have a large stash of starfish to sprinkle on every Galveston get together.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

I used to go to those little stores on the strand or beach and buy them. Then, I found out you can buy them online in bulk. These are from Etsy. There are many options, just google starfish in bulk!

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One Nation evermore!” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

”America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” -Harry S. Truman

Luckily, hubby John caught a lot of fish for the entire crew. Mixed with grilled corn on the cob and oven roasted potatoes with olive oil and seasoning, no one went hungry.

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy

I have used these cups for so many different things. This year they housed a mayo-less slaw.

“For you have been called to live in freedom. Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13

Finally, I loved these cute little single serving pies! Now most grocery stores carry them, even Walmart, and they are GREAT in all flavors!

“The essence of America — that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea — and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from, but where you are going.” – Condoleezza Rice

I hope you enjoy the day and three cheers to the Red White and Blue! Maybe you build patriotic face masks into your gift bags! Esty has a huge selection. Remember be kind to all, embrace our differences, and thank our for fathers who came from all parts of the Globe. Acting together as “One nation under God” we can all contribute to the good of all.

“America is a tune. It must be sung together.”
—Gerald Stanley Lee

‘Till next week! xo Leslie