By Tara Bench | Photography by Cedric Angeles
We always want to throw a party for the Fourth of July, but never like working hard on a hot summer day. So don't! Fire up the grill and put together a meal using ingredients you have on hand (check our Every Day essentials list) plus a few last-minute groceries.
tips + how-tos
How to Set the Scene
1. Gather old blue cans or vases—or pick up an assortment at a craft store—and fill with white and red flowers.
2. Use navy-blue and red bandanas as table runners or liners for breadbaskets.
3. Using a star-shaped hole punch (available at craft stores), cut stars out of strips of heavy white paper and tape around red napkins.