It's July already. We can't believe it either.

With the "4th" just around the corner, do you find yourself desperate for an easy party idea to show off a little red, white, and blue?

Voila. This project from our July 07 issue is a quick way to tap those patriotic colors for festive outdoor decor—but without the holiday kitsch.

Do it: Combine a tablecloth, table runner, napkins, and lantern glow for an abstract interpretation of stars and stripes:

1. First, cover your table with a blue tablecloth.

2. Lay a white runner down the length of the table.

3. Fold and iron red napkins to make them about the same width as your table runner; lay them down to use as placemats, tucking each top edge just under the runner.

4. To finish the setting, float red blooms in clear bowls and add a row of lanterns to set the table aglow.   

More 4th of July ideas from our archives here.