Find Your Inspiration…
One of my favorite holidays to deck out a table for is Independence Day, and it’s all thanks to my love for the Revolutionary War, the wildest chapter in American history. Back when I was a wide-eyed girl, someone spun me the tale of Georgian Mary Hart, a frontier legend known for her espionage and guts. Sure, parts of her story might be stretched taller than a Georgia pine, and we may never get the full scoop. That’s fine by me! One yarn has her dressing up as a man to snoop on British plans, her six-foot frame making folks think twice before asking questions. Another tale says a Tory, peeking through her log cabin wall, got a surprise splash of boiling soap water from Mary’s ladle after her kid tipped her off. That rascal ended up a prisoner for the local militia!
Mary Hart’s most famous tale began when six Tories stormed her cabin, looking for a Whig leader she’d helped escape. They shot her prized gobbler, so she cooked it and served wine, getting ‘em tipsy. Mary slipped their muskets to her daughter, Sukey, who signaled for help. When one Tory lunged, Mary stood firm, holding them at bay until help arrived. She insisted on justice, not vengeance. In 1912, six skeletons found near her cabin hinted at her legend’s truth.
To a history-loving girl like me, this was the Southern equivalent of cowboy tales for the boys, full of grit and charm!
Select a Color Palette…
There really is no other color palette but this one…
Four Tables…
Let’s be honest, we don’t exactly sit pretty at a set table on July 4th! I drape our kitchen peninsula with a festive vinyl tablecloth, this year opting for a red, white, and blue plaid since our old blue one with white stars finally bit the dust. Then, we dump out a massive low country boil—shrimp, crab legs, sausage, corn, and potatoes—perfect for friends and family to gather around and dig in. I recently discovered some folks in South Carolina call it Frogmore Stew, but that just conjures images of tiny green frogs hopping in my bowl, so I’ll stick with low country boil, thank you very much! I set these tables ahead of time, and we’ve already enjoyed a few nice dinners on them.
I’m excited to pull back the curtain on my behind-the-scenes planning for these four tables. Why four, you wonder? Well, I had two red, white, and blue tablecloths I was itching to use, and that sparked the idea to add a solid red one and a solid blue one. So, four it was!
Here is my behind the scenes peek…
Make it All About the Patterns…
I started with the tablecloths for this table. I had two tablecloths that I wanted to use with red, white, and blue. This one from Amazon that you may have seen on my Memorial Table, which I shared online,
and this new one from Amazon. I absolutely love it!
From there I chose a red one I’ve had for quite some time. It’s been on Christmas tables, Valentine’s tables, and just random tables where I wanted to use red.
Then of course I had to go with blue. I hadn’t used this tablecloth yet so decided it was time!
Just a quick note, y’all: I’m an Amazon affiliate, so I earn a small commission if you buy through my links. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s shopped my links—your support means the world!
Pick Your Stack…
Since I was planning for four tables at once I pulled out these patterns to play around with.
First up, Liberty Blue by Staffordshire released from 1975-1981. You’ll never guess I found 196 pieces at an estate sale. Basically, service for 25 plus all the extras except for the coasters (which I have added a couple of designs since then) and the holy grail, the Declaration of Independence 20” platter (for a mere $899 you can buy one from Replacements. I have seen them on eBay for around $500, which I haven’t added) Lol Let me tell you the story. Our three oldest grands had been asking to go with us to estate sales and this one was located nearby. It had a lot of old collectibles and such from toys to teacups to Liberty Blue. Now if you’ve read any previous blog posts you know I am not the negotiator, but this time I handled negotiations, not that there was much negotiation really. It went like this…
Me: “How much for all of the Liberty Blue pieces?”
Him: “How about $1 for each piece?”
Me: “Well how many pieces are here?”
Him: “Tell you what if you’ll take it all and pack it yourself how about $80?”
Me: “Deal!”
Lucky for me I had 3 helpful grands to assist me in the packing up of all the treasured pieces. They were rewarded for their assist and fed their favorite Mexican for lunch.
Next up was Strawberry Fair by Johnson Brothers. I had my heart set on this pattern at a sale. It was the last stop of the day, so I was nervous it might be gone. But there it was! I’d never seen it in person and fell head over heels. It’s just the sweetest red, circa 1951-1973. Snagged service for 8, plus a serving bowl, for $112. The square salads are my favorite.
I also knew I wanted my Georgia Historical plates from Wedgwood (Belleek makes the newer ones), especially the Mary Hart ones. I’ve got all the Georgia plates in red, with four of the Mary Hart design, and I’m startin’ to collect the blue. There’s a neat story about how these plates came to be, right here,
Since I had transferware covered, I went with my trusty La Porcellana Bianca Firenze plates. They’re sturdy, a bit oversized, so I use them as chargers too.
I also had to include these—aren’t they just fabulous? Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage in blue and red. These are the salad plates. I also used the luncheon plates, which can be used as salads.
When I was new to this tablescaping’ adventure and saw them on a table online, I was hooked. I’d already seen the green, then learned there were more colors—oh my! I didn’t know blue cabbage was like chasing a unicorn. At Scott’s in Atlanta (2nd weekend of the month, y’all, go if you haven’t—it’s pricey but you can find deals!), a dealer laughed and walked away when my husband told him we were looking for blue cabbage plates. We eventually scored some on eBay after a bidding’ war—won’t spill what we paid. 🙂
We also grabbed some Southern Living ones from Dillard’s. Highly recommend them if you love blue (or pink or green) cabbage.
For chargers, I pulled out my Churchill Blue Willow. If you’re hunting for these, here’s a tip search for chop plate or round platter as well as charger. I’ve got 10 and want at least 4 more for big family gatherings. I keep an eye on eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
These white reticulated chargers from Portugal, found at an estate sale, are some of my favorites. No clue who made ‘em—I’ve tried Google Lens and Replacements’ search tool. Learned they’re from Portugal, but the maker’s a mystery. A tablescaping friend on social media got hers at Stein-Mart years ago.
Since I had blue and white covered, I grabbed these red chargers from Pier 1, another estate sale gem! Estate sales are date nights for my husband and me. Yes, I know they’re during the day, but I’m sticking to date nights!
Select the Linens…
For napkins, I rounded up all my blues and reds, settlin’ on these from Mark and Graham.
I also picked these from Mark and Graham!
Here’s a link to them and bonus, they’re currently on sale!!
These red buffalo check napkins from Fancy Nancy Embroidery made the cut too. I’m thinking about ordering some with blue stitching and just a B. What do y’all think?
For the perfect blue, these monogram napkins from Fancy Nancy Embroidery joined the pile. Be sure to give Fancy Nancy a follow and let her know you saw her napkins here!
Time for Glassware & Flatware…
Since I was using my Churchill Blue Willow charger/chop plate/round platter, I knew my Lenox Sky Blossom glasses were the ticket. The blues match just right. These were a sweet gift from a lady I met picking up a Facebook Marketplace buy. She was downsizing, and we got to talking about setting tables. When she asked my favorite color, I said blue, naturally! She grabbed a box and said, “Take these as a gift. I was about to list ‘em, but I want you to have them!” I was over the moon and tried to pay, but she wouldn’t hear of it. Aren’t tablescapers the kindest folks? That’s been my experience, heart and soul. ❤️
I also knew I’d use my George and Martha Washington glasses. Fostoria made these for Avon in 1976, the Bicentennial. I was in first grade, my first year in public school since kindergarten wasn’t part of public school back then. It was a big deal, and apparently so was tableware! I found a couple at an estate sale with candles in them. Turns out, they were sold as goblets or candleholders. Learned something new that day!
I picked another blue goblet I haven’t identified yet. Snagged them at an estate sale when I didn’t need any more blue glasses. Justified it because the shape was different. I know y’all might get tired of hearing I got it an estate sale, but I’d say 75% of my collection came from an estate sale! 🤣
For red goblets, I started with these Biltmore ones from Belk. So pretty and delicate.
I also pulled my Villeroy & Boch Boston red glasses, which I have in nearly every color, found on eBay. V&B doesn’t make this color anymore, so you’ll need to hunt secondhand.
White was next, and these white opaline glasses are my new go-to after finding a great deal on eBay.
I also love my Fenton Hobnail glasses as an option when I want white.
Then I remembered my Bicentennial pitcher and tumbler set from 1976, an estate sale find that had to make the cut!
And these old-fashioned glasses with eagles? Had to use ‘em too!
For flatware, my first pick was this Colonial set by Sakura from eBay. Perfect for Independence Day!
I also wanted to lean into all the color, so my trusty Cathylin Reverie flatware in the right colors got the nod. I did consider other options—for a hot minute!
A Look at Table 1…
I didn’t plan centerpieces when I was pulling things out. Instead, I waited ‘til the table was set to see what would work. A quick tip before I share: I’ve got all sorts of table shapes and sizes, and getting’ tablecloths for each is tough on the wallet and storage. I stick with rectangles—the longer, the better—because I’ve got tricks to make ‘em work. My secret? Pigtails! That’s what I call it. On a round table, I use a rectangular tablecloth, gather a corner, and tie it off with coordinating’ ribbon. For this table, I used red tulle.
Here’s last year’s Independence Day table, tied with a navy ribbon.
And that’s how I make one tablecloth work for all sorts of tables! Now for the first table…
A Look at Table 2…
I set table 2 inside on our breakfast nook table. I’m leavin’ this tablecloth on for the Fourth in case anyone wants to fix a plate and sit, though let’s be real—nobody ever does. And here’s the second table…
Come back tomorrow for the final two tables!
From My Table to Yours,
Melissa
2 Responses
Absolutely adore what you’ve done with the patriotic theme here. Thank you so much for sharing your great eye and talent for shopping! Do you have a link for Fancy Nancy Embroidery? I wasn’t able to find them online. Thanks again!
Thank you so much, Debbie!! You can find Fancy Nancy Embroidery on Facebook. She (Nancy) shares her designs and takes orders through messenger on Facebook. Try there and let me know if you don’t find her and I’ll send you a link.