Banner made from vintage fabrics from ArtToGo.

For years we hosted a huge barbecue in the front garden of our Connecticut house next to the park where the town launches its Fourth of July fireworks display.

We’d provide the main course or two and everyone would bring something–which every year without fail included a delicious a red, white, and blue strawberry and blueberry topped cake.

Invitation Design: Robin Horton Design.

All the neighborhood kids would run around barefooted on the lawn while the adults ate and drank until dark when everyone would sit back and watch the fireworks explode above us. After a few years, we pared down to a smaller more intimate fête with fewer guests, and I just wish I had snapped photos of the tables all set up with flowers from the garden along with any red, white, and blue anything I could round up.

Here are some patriotic party decor finds for your holiday gathering:

I love these little hanging crocheted air plant planters! I can see them suspended from a covered porch or balcony.

Inventive way, above, to recycle and upcycle old red, white, and blue glass plates into garden art.

These distressed metal red, white, and blue stars look great on a fence or wall. You can use velcro buttons to stick them on temporarily.

You could try making these patriotic wine bottle torches yourself, or purchase them from AmbientCharm.

These red and blue patterned paper appetizer cones can hold just about anything. Stick them into small glass votive holders to keep them upright, or just hand them out to your guests filled with your favorite munchy.

Make your own holiday cupcake toppers with these free printables!

Loving these inexpensive beverage dispensers. The striped one is from  World Market and the red one is from Target.

Ceramic berry baskets from Sur la Table could really hold anything–even small flowers.

Or, just load a galvanized pail with berries and it can double as a centerpiece until you dig in! Photo: sheknows.com

Invited to a friend’s party? This stars and stripes neoprene wine tote makes a nice host/hostess gift…

Happy Fourth of July!