Setting the Table for Independence Day

By Katherine | June 20, 2025

Are you ready for some fireworks, BBQ, watermelon, and all the red, white, and blue?

I sure am! It also feels like a particularly poignant moment to revisit and reflect on our nation’s founding. While it is our nation’s 249th birthday, marking the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, it is not the 249th celebration. In fact, it did not become commonplace to celebrate Independence Day until after the War of 1812 and not a federal holiday until 1870. Read more here for a quick history of Independence Day celebrations and wonderful images and memories of celebrations past.

Here’s how I’m revisiting and reflecting:

I keep coming back to Sharon McMahon’s message of hope for the American democracy and the way she beautifully weaves stories from America’s past. I just started her book The Small and The Mighty too – so goooood!

The Library of Congress has a wonderfully detailed online exhibition on the American Revolution and creating the United States. It is a great refresher!

While poking around the Library of Congress’s website, I got hooked on this interview and just ordered Allen’s book on the Declaration. I’m fascinated by the way she opens up the Declaration in new ways and gives such insight into the historical perspective.

Finally, I love to watch the HBO miniseries on John Adams this time of year. It’s also available through Amazon Prime right now.

Honestly, I have no idea what we are doing for the 4th of July or if we will even be at home! But over the weekend I had some free time and I was just itching to play with the hydrangeas from my yard.

Setting the table is a creative outlet for me. I find peace and beauty in this simple practice that allows me to beautify my home with flowers, pattern, and texture all in efforts to make meal time more meaningful. It tells my guests and family that they are important to me and that I care about the dining experience.

Yes, it is a small gesture.

Yes, in some ways it is frivolous, but at the heart of setting the table is hospitality, creativity, and civility. At the heart is family, memory, and love. We all need some of that right now!

Et voilà…I give you a red, white, and blue floral tablescape for Independence day!