I’m linking this week to Cuisine Kathleen‘s “Summer Whimsy” tablescape challenge!
What says summer more than the 4th of July? While this is a photo-intensive post, I hope each of you will be able to get at least one idea for your own nautical-inspired or Independence Day, Flag Day, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day or other patriotic celebration.
(Click on any photo, then click again to enlarge/enhance it.) 
This casual patriotic table for 8 is set on our back deck.
The table begins with a white stretch tablecloth from LinenTablecloth.com. If you’re new to this blog, please allow me to introduce you to one of the most fabulous inventions for casual dining ever!!! These babies just slip right over the table top and down to be secured by the legs. Voila! Done! And what’s best of all…I honestly just scrunch these up and stuff them in a drawer for storage. Pull them out and put them on the table with NO IRONING necessary. A true wonder! They come in a variety of colors in 4-, 5-, and 8′ x 30″ sizes at LinenTablecloth.com.
Square white melamine plates from Target are topped with these mix-and-matched nautical-inspired salad plates from Home Goods, one with a massive ship and the other with a compass. Melamine sure has come a long, long way since I was a child!
I found the fun navy stars & stripes plastic tumblers on the clearance shelves at Target a few years ago. The navy & white striped cotton placemats are from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Contrasting against the navy blue is a solid red napkin from LinenTablecloth.com. The white flatware is from T.J. Maxx.
These red, white and blue stretch chair covers from LinenTablecloth.com are one of the most fun and unexpected elements of the tablescape. Like the tablecloths, they just slip right on and are secured beneath the feet in mere seconds. They, too, can be balled up and stored without worry of telltale wrinkles when you’re ready to use them. (Use them with coordinating or contrasting stretch sashes for a different look!)
The centerpiece is a relatively simple one using a trio of potted red geraniums along with a series of clear glass cylinders for candles and votives. The larger cylinders hold a white LED (for safety!) pillar candle surrounded by a Z Gallerie seashell candle ring. The elevated cylinder votive holders are from Pier 1.
The buffet table on one end of the deck is laden with drinks and desserts for after the main feast.
The buffet line begins with a tower of creamy white starfish plates (Tuesday Morning) offset by a bright red striped cloth for making short order of spills. Patriotic paper cocktail napkins bring a little sizzle.
I found this terrific red chicken wire basket at Home Goods earlier this year. Here it holds assorted breads, but it could be used for a variety of purposes. A heavy blue crockery bowl offers up potato chips while cheery red metal colanders are a fun way to serve up juicy strawberries and blueberries.
My good friend, Monica, recently gifted me with 30+ melamine trays. When I saw these 2, I just about went bonkers with glee. I knew they would be perfect for this setting! The captain’s bell is from Home Goods.
Cupcakes with cherries on top (from the tree George Washington allegedly chopped down?) are displayed on a patriotic ceramic cake stand from Hobby Lobby.
The opposite end of the buffet has lots of goodies. This canoe was used just as a prop for my “All-American Seafood Boil” a couple of years ago. Today it is lined, filled with ice, and used to hold fruit and beverages. An old iron boat pulley hangs casually from the side on the end, its hook nestled among a throng of seashells. Wooden mallets and metal seafood crackers from World Market are displayed beneath a “Steamed Crabs” sign from Home Goods.
Another of the wonderful nautical/patriotic melamine trays from Monica is used here to hold lemonade. The red stars & stripes plastic drinkware was purchased at Target and complements the tumblers used on the dining table.
Here’s the kind of food we’d grill up. That lobster looks like he knows what’s comin’, and I think he’s trying to make a run for it! It’s already too late for the crab! 🙂
It’s nice to have a “living room” setting outdoors for guests to enjoy a cocktail before dinner or to linger after. Our wrought iron furniture is decked out in a variety of comfy red, white & blue pillows. A star-trimmed jute rug “connects” the settee and chairs. A patriotic wind sock softly billows from the overhang.
The side table is covered with a 108″ red tablecloth from LinenTablecloth.com. A fishnet overlay is a nod to the nautical theme.
The wrought iron baker’s rack in a corner of the deck is laden with fun nautical and patriotic elements, mostly from Hobby Lobby. The metal stars are from Old Time Pottery.
Other tablescapes on this site with a nautical, patriotic, and/or seashell theme:
All-American Seafood Boil
Stars & Stripes
Lauren in the Library
Show Me State Dinner
Flamingos in Paradise
Ocean Blue – Starfish & Seashells
Caribbean Queen
Tropicana
Summer Breeze
Old Navy Seafood Cruise
Peacefully Patriotic
A Coke & A Smile – Summer’s Last Hurrah
You’re bound to find lots of great summertime tablescapes if you join me at the following blog parties:
Christine’s Rustic & Refined “Table It!” (starting Monday)
Cuisine Kathleen‘s “Let’s Dish!” (Wednesday after 5:00 p.m. CDT)
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch‘s “Tablescape Thursday” (Thursday after 9:00 a.m. CDT)
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
GASP!! Pinning…pinning…pinning…I’ve got my flip-flops on. LOVE this!!! You are sooo amazingly creative! The only thing missing is the sky full of fireworks. Are those cupcakes faux?
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WOW! I’m ready to drop by for a 4th of July Parteeeeeee!!!! This is really top notch! And so inviting and vivid! Your design is as if I’m there having a good time . . . can I please have some lemonade and a slice of watermelon?
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Alycia – I am in awe. Simply in awe. One of the most beautiful tablescapes I’ve ever seen and I only have one question… did my invitation to your party get lost in the mail? Love this. It’s perfect! Hugs, Holly
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So many things to love in this post Alycia! It is perfectly patriotic and so tied together. Love the buffet table ice- holding boat with chilled fruit and the festive striped runner. The ship motif square melamine plates are just ideal to hold large lobsters and crabs! I like the way you set the napkins off center. The glaasware was made for this tablescape. Those linens are amazing! The red geraniums are the perfect Amaricana flowers in red. I am sure the fireworks are coming once you serve dessert! This tablescape should be on Phyllis Hoffman’s site in its entirety.
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This is so pretty, Alycia, definitely summer. The fruits looks so yummy and refreshing….Christine
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wowzer Alycia….This is wonderful. I wish I had more time to tell you everything I love about this setting…but just pretend I am writing 4 long paragraphs to tell you.. LOL
Really enjoyed this whole theme and your whole deck…
Love, Mona
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Love all the details you put into this setting ! Parties at your house must be wonderful 🙂
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Beautiful, you must be using a professional to take your photos, they are just stunning.Good combination of coastal and the 4th. Colors are stunning.
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I feel like I am at a great coastal resort on the 4th of July..from the fabulous seafood bar to the great summer fruits so beautifully displayed…love all of the coastal/nautical details from the dinnerware to the wonderful displays on the bakers rack…you not only set a great table, you accompany it with mouth watering buffets and over the top festive decorations…you know how to party…then again, you have created many “parties” in your life!…you are amazing Alycia!
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Oh wow, Alycia, I want to come to your house for the 4th. Your deck is the perfect place to hang out for a party, with the comfy seating and great tables!! You’ve thought of everything for the best celebration. Gosh, those stretchy tablecloths and chair covers are wonderful. Thank you for all the fabulous inspiration. xo
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Why do I want to stand up & sing “God Bless America” all of a sudden? I know…it is because I am SOOOO inspired by all this wonderful red/white & blue collection! Honey, you knocked this one out of the ballpark…OUTSTANDING! Just one treat for the eyes after another.
Thanks a million for the link & info on those tablecloths, too.
Truly Beautiful post, Alycia.
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Oh, Alycia, I don’t know where to start!! The entire set-up you have created for this holiday should be a part of a major catalogue somewhere. It is absolutely perfect!! The tablecloth, the chair covers (are they covering folding chairs?!), the tableware (I collect nautical items and I’m drooling!), the vignettes you’ve created all over the deck, the food display—-EVERYTHING is wonderful, inviting, and festive. I just can’t say enough. Bravo!! And have a wonderful party!! Rosie @The Magic Hutch
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Alycia,
I am learning so much from you. I happily admit that my outlook on entertaining has changed since I’ve met you here. Your creative settings are akin to the decorating of a home. When making a home, we want the people who live there to be comforted within a haven. And likewise, anyone who is invited to your home must immediately feel welcomed and relaxed because you set a scene that says, “I want you here. You are important to me.” I think you are a very special blessing to your family and friends. I enjoy every post so much.
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My eyes are bulging from so much eye candy.. You really knocked this out the all American ballpark! I love the red/white seating covers. .. Where on earth did you find them? The the firework napkins are perfect.. Where did you get those. .. I could go on and on and on about this.. But one thing for sure.. When I hit that lottery, Be prepared to be flown to SC to throw my party.. Because only you can make it Boom!!!! :). Until then.. I’ll just be drooling over the computer..lol.. You really make occasions even more special with your decorations.. I love them all..
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Alycia!!! My goodness you pulled out all the stops and I mean all of them! Gosh I don’t know where to begin! The table looks fabulous- I love nautical themes and tied in with the patriotic accents you have the best of the best! I can’t believe the details you put into the food table. All we need is a baseball game on the radio and some cold ones and the party is underway!
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I love all you do Alycia, seriously I really do, but this one is my all time favorite! I mean seriously everything is perfect. Your decor and food, wowza! You did an absolutely beautiful job. I am going to keep the linen table cloth company in mind next time I have a gathering at my house. I really love the look of their products. Thank you for sharing.
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I am such a fan of red white and blue so I love every single thing about your outdoor setting! I’m so tired from the U.S.A. soccer game excitement I can’t think of anything else to say that is cohesive. I’d love to be at a party here…
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Alycia, Be Still My Nautical Heart! You are ready to set sail into a fantastic Independence Day celebration from your plates, star glasses and patriotic deck setting! I have never seen your table and chair covers, what a wonderful product and marvel to not have to worry about wrinkles and to slip and stretch on in place.Your chairs create such a fun patriotic statement standing at attention in their Red, White & Blue! Fun, fun, fun!
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This is amazing! I love all of your details. The chair covers are so darn pretty. Such a feast for the eyes and mouth…LOL. You have certainly pulled off this wonderful theme with great finesse……I have some catching up to do with some of your other posts. I have been under the weather
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Wow wow wow Alycia! This is an all American Amazing Scene! Can I come over please please? How much fun and detailed and clever it all is, the way you tied the sea shells into the red white and blue is so clever, and your plates and all the decorative accessories are just stunning! You realize I NEED all of this stuff don’t you? I wish you lived next door so I could borrow 🙂 I will definitely be getting one of those stretchy cloths, too fabulous! Love the red white and blue chairs especially!
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Oh, my goodness, girl! You really outdid yourself on this one! I remember that you sold most of your tablescape decor when you retired and now are accumulating again. I’m putting you on notice. Next time you retire, put me down for this tablescape decor – and don’t forget to throw in the baker’s rack items, too. My truck and I will be heading your way. I have NO nautical theme decor, so I might as well start with the best, right?! BTW, I don’t know who got to eat the food, but they are blessed people. It all looks awesome!
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This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. ~Lyndon B. Johnson
Happy 4th Dear Friend! Everything so amazing, as usual… stealed the cheese and crackers idea and the fruit over ice – I keep coming here and I’ll transform my daughter’s Confirmation into a Royal Wedding ahahahahah
Love and wishes of a Safe, Happy and Glorious Day to you and your loved ones,
Teresa
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OMG Alycia, I am loving this tablecloth for outdoors. Nothing worse then that thing blowing allover when trying to enjoy the outdoors. Love the glasses from Target and those plates so pretty. All your touches are beautiful with those pretty pillows too.
Cynthia
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Wow, what a sweet friend to gift you those trays…and using that canoe on your table is genius! I love all the details and touches you did. Especially the small little sea life sitting there oh so boldly on the small grill. That is too damn cute!
Definitely standing up and saluting this table. Now you know I left those brown rusty colored metalware to you in my will, so you can bequeath me that Longitude box…Wonderful piece!
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Wow…you are set for any patriotic holiday, Alycia…awesome!
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Love the stretchy table and chair covers. For a spread like you are planning, we need to wear clothing that is equally stretchy! I love the nautical touches and the red, white, and blue looks so great on your awesome deck. Dianne
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This is amazing, Alycia! I now have had an introduction to the stretch tablecloth, and will have to be on the lookout for one–how cool is that?? And those nautical dishes–I love them. I love your white wrought-iron seats, and that baker’s rack with all the pretty nautical elements–it’s perfect!
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Well of course, I love it all Alycia! I “need” to check out that table linen site!
Good luck with your project. I don’t think I have a book in me, but surely an album…categorized of course, might be doable. After all, Grandma Moses was older than I am when she began painting…right?:-)
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Wonderfully festive! Makes me ready for the Fourth!
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All you need for this 4th of July tablescape is the fireworks. The red, white, and blue is so special.
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Nobody could ever doubt your patriotism!! What a fun display of all thing nautical and patriotic!! Makes me want to light a sparkler and join the celebration. what is so fun about your posts is that you never stop with just the table, you manage to decorate the whole surrounding area, I’m thinking it may go half way down the block if you had your way!!
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Alycia, You can never have too many photos for me! Every one has some inspiration. Red, white and blue is one of my favorite color schemes so this post is especially appealing to me. And you are right about the melamine! It’s really gorgeous now! Thanks for all the beauty and ideas. Linda
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Wowee! You really went all out! I haven’t even thought about 4th of July yet! This is all fabulous, no detail overlooked. I don’t know where to begin! This must have taken forever! It is outstanding, for sure!
Thanks for joining in the Summer Whimsy Party! I’d say more, but I am stunned! 🙂
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Wow! What a great deck, looks like it could accommodate a huge group! Those stretch tablecloths and chair covers are fabulous! I’ll be thinking of those the next time I’m slaving over the ironing board with 100% cotton tablecloths!
I think you must have every cute/pretty patriotic item imaginable, such a nice collection! I enjoyed seeing all the nice photos!
Katherine
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What a great party! So patriotic!
– Alma, The Tablescaper
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Alycia, Thanks for all the great ideas. You have given me the inspiration to go work on my outdoor buffet counter. I have been slowly setting out red white and blue items but couldn’t get motivated to get started. Your attention to detail is amazing and the slipcovers look awesome. Your are right melamine has come a long way!
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Unbelievable! Every detail has been thought out,from the colors to the pretty Target glasses to the chair covers…EVERYTHING! Anyone who’s at your party and doesn’t have a blast must be comatose. Very nicely done and sooooo inspiring!
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Alycia, my house is ready but the deck is another thing. Love all of the deck. The chair and table covers are on my wish list. Thanks for the awesome ideals.
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Your table is amazing as always! Love the Red White and Blue with all the fabulous details. I’ve never seen the linens before, but they sure are classy.
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Alycia, what a wonderful table and I love how you have your deck decorated! You are so creative…it would be an honor to be invited to one of your parties! Everything is so perfect for the 4th and those stretch tablecloths look great! I have one question about them, do they create any problems where folks sit…just wondering if knees will fit okay under the table. I love your Steamed Crabs sign, love this whole setting! This surely has me in the mood for the 4th!
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No problems so far! The fabric on the tablecloths is so pliable that knees and legs just easily work their way into comfort. The chairs have a little open space in the front.
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Awesome! I love how it looks!
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Wow! Your deck is party central! Cut the watermelon and set off the fire works. There are sooo many great details, I don’t know where to look next. LOVE the seating area with the patriotic pillows. I’m pinning and pinning. Thanks for all the inspiration!
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Alycia, what a great setting!!! There are so many elements I’m pinning for our July party. You have thought of everything! Thanks for the inspiration!!
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This is a very inspiring tablescape! Your deck is absolutely beautiful and my favorite part is the stretch linens. The red, white and blue of the nautical plates is perfect for your 4th celebration. Have a wonderful week!
Pam
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Would you please pass me one of those napkins so I may wipe the drool off of my computer?? For heaven’s sake, girl, this is simply outstanding. I don’t even know where to begin on this. But I will say this – I have signed up for emails so I don’t miss a single future post. Even though I added you on my blog reader list, I suppose Blogger has a beef with WordPress as to when it lets posts come through, so I’ve fixed that! I somehow missed this until going back to Kathleen’s links.
Those tablecloths and chair covers are amazing – must look into those! The utensils, the nautical plates, the food display – not to mention the fabulous photos – the list is endless for each and every detail here. It’s just beautiful. I bet your guests love coming to your home for each and every celebration you put on, and I’m sure Ramon is proud of your mad skills as a hostess.
These parties with tablescapes used to elude me, even though I have lots of dishes, but I am so inspired by everyone’s tables. It’s just amazing. And playing house with dishes is a very fun thing to do! You, my friend, have made the biggest bang for a patriotic celebration. Bravo!
Rita
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Wow! This is certainly done up in style. I love everything about this red, white, and blue tribute. I bet you even have fireworks planned to end the evening. Love the nautical theme throughout as well. Save a set for me, I’m on my way over………
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OK, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, and I had somehow missed these stretch table and chair covers. What a fabulous idea! (You may recall that I hate to iron) I am going to go check these out. Alycia, everything is red, white, and blue gorgeous! I wish I lived close to you, so I could hire you to “do” my next party. What an arsenal of wonderful accessories you have. I love those nautical salad plates, and that canoe filled with ice is such a great idea. All of your serving pieces are perfect for your setting, and I want a friend who will gift me with a bunch of serving trays. I can’t believe you even have red striped cushions for your patio chairs! Excellent party atmosphere. Have a good weekend. laurie
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Alycia, you are amazing; you think of everything! Leave it to you to find red , white and blue chair covers for all the chairs. Your nautical plates are awesome. I have to admit though, I’m a little envious of all those melamine trays you were given. I have about a dozen that I’ve collected over the years and they are all floral. Whenever I host a casual buffet or cookout with my women friends, I have each lady pick out a tray to use so she doesn’t have to balance a plate on her lap.
Thanks, Alycia, for stopping by my blog and leaving your lovely comment. I really appreciate it.
Randee
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This is the second time I’ve gone through all these photos and I’m still in amazement at the attention to detail in this tablesetting. You truly are the queen.
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This is a fabulous post of out door setting.You would have really spent lot of time arranging these things.End of it,it has come out so beautifully for the occasion.A perfect summer and holiday table.I wish i am there to taste your yummy preparation.Thank you to visit me and to leave your long comment which i always enjoy going through.Here we get all kind of fruits in season.some comes from other countries as well.The cherries are grown here in hilly places es.My husband is fond of gardening and he is into Bonsai too.He maintains our garden.Have a lovely week.love and hugs sujatha…:):)
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What a wonderful table…I cannot say enough about it! Those nautical themed plates, the tumblers, the chair covers….I could go on and on. Love it all…your décor is perfect.
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HOO-RAY for the Red, White & Blue AND your TABLESCAPE!! WOW!! Five Stars!!!!! franki
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LOVE everything Alycia! I wish I was there to celebrate too!
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Wow, Alycia! You pulled out all the stops for this 4th of July table! I want the entire backyard! I’ve been toying with the idea of a shrimp boil this summer and you are getting my creative juices flowing! I really like these chair and table covers because there’s less chance of getting tangled up with the feet! Very clever! I know you’ve shown us some of your storage spaces, but I still don’t know where you put it all.
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OMG Alycia…wish I could go to your house for the 4th. of July celeb, cause your deck setting and food is simply AWESOME!!! I love the dishes, they’re elegant, not the cutsy type and along with the other layer, you pulled it out so uniquely patriotic! The chair covers and linens are fabulous too. You outdid yourself my friend, but then again, you always do!!! Happy 4th. of July, indeed!
Have a great week ahead.
FABBY
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Love the entire set up. Your backyard looks so inviting, the table and buffet devine. An inspiration for a summes worth of gatherings.
Hugs, Dawna
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Goodness gracious!! This is quite amazing!! You have thought of everything, I want to come to this party! The entire setting is elegant and inviting, and just beautiful!! How nice of your friend to give you those trays, you sure put them to good use! I can tell this took a lot of work, hope you enjoyed this and caught that lobster before he escaped! This should really be in a home magazine!! Nice work, my friend!!
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Love the red, white and blue chair covers, I remember when I used to collect wind socks, think I even still have a weather beaten lady bug hanging tin the basement .
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Coastal meets Forth of July, how can it get any better? Your marvelous sense of humor with the crab and the lobster, how cute is that? Wooden fish and a sailboat? Adorable! Red, white, and blue chair covers, nautical plates, stars and stripes tumblers, and pots of geraniums. Wow! And them there is the buffet table, oh my goodness just look at all of that wonderful food. This is definitely the place to be to celebrate that Fourth of July.
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