Firecracking Decorations

Don't skip out on flowers because July 4th is a casual holiday. Outdoor fetes really come alive with beautiful floral arrangements. Order from 1-800-Flowers or visit a local floral district for affordable florals.

How to do your own July 4th flowers:

1. Use any and all of your vases and other containers for a casual and relaxed look
2. To add continuity use the same type and color of flowers for each container. For example, group a vase filled with red roses with a vase of dark blue hydrangeas and a vase of white peonies, stock or calla lilies.
3. Group or cluster vases/containers in odd numbered pairings for a designer look.
4. Vary the heights of the vases for added visual interest.

Paper Lanterns
Another simple way to make an impact with your outdoor decor is to purchase or rent hanging paper lanterns. String rows of them evenly back and forth across the outdoor area (well above guests' heads). When the sun goes down the party will be intimately lit and look stunning from below.