Americana Everything

I have some very core memories of celebrating the Fourth of July as a kid. I grew up in a tiny upstate New York town where the Fourth always revolved around watching the local parade run through the village, followed by some sort of backyard party — sparklers in hand, sitting down for the local fireworks the second it got dark. It was very small town, and it continues to be the only way I think a Fourth of July should be celebrated.

If you’re thinking about hosting a Fourth celebration this year then I think the only way is to go full-on Americana vintage. Partly because the colonial-esque, country vibes are the most distinctly Fourth of July thing I can think of. Partly because vintage gives you the right amount of kitsch without veering into cheesy territory. And partly because it’s exactly suited to what the day (and night) calls for…a picnic spread or a cookout…a table begging to get a little messy. I love the idea of leaning into the nostalgia instead of chasing something too precious. Nothing is worse than a chic Fourth of July.

After all, we’re celebrating 250 years…feels like the right moment to be a little sentimental about it!!

For the Fourth of July I suggest you lean in HARD to the ginghams and the overall picnic vibe. It's not difficult to find a gingham tablecloth out there, but the good ones are made in quality linens with saturated color and the right scale of pattern. For ginghams that look chic and level up what your grandmother was working with, look no further than Heather Taylor Home. She has a number of prints that could work for the occasion, but her tried-and-true Soho Red is the winner for me. Pair it with a larger blue gingham and you've got a perfectly Americana canvas.

I went down an Etsy rabbit hole looking for something vintage, retro, a little kitsch-y — patriotic leaning, but still fun. Enter the Libbey glass with an on-the-nose American flag print. It’s mid-century, post-war cookout in a single set. Bonus that Libbey is an American heritage brand with a very interesting backstory. Use them for cocktails, serve them with fun stirrers, then keep them around for your World Cup viewings.

A little boring, maybe, but a table classic nonetheless. I tried finding styles with stars or some kind of stripe and couldn't find anything that felt nostalgic in the way a Fourth of July table should look. A simple white Sabre set is always a good purchase, and one that will make your table pop with a touch of white to complete the red, white, and blue palette. I also love the hint of silver that comes through in the Bistrot style.

Spongeware everything. Spongeware is distinctly Americana to me and screams country house — as in, you have a place in the Hudson Valley and you're hosting friends for the weekend, all sitting down for dinner after the parade and before fireworks in someone's (impeccably landscaped) backyard. Fun context, spongeware came to America in the 1840s as a British import and was very quickly adopted by the American potteries. It feels very revolutionary with a capital "R”, and therefore very, very appropriate for America's 250th birthday. For any and all spongeware, head to Audrey Gelman's destination for all things Americana, The Six Bells. Or just shop your local antique store. Sage Street Antiques in Sag Harbor is great for spongeware finds.

More spongeware (eBay if you can't get to an antique store). A rattan cake stand…or, pie stand…let’s be honest (another easy Six Bells find). And a Fourth isn't a Fourth without some sparklers or the more family-friendly confetti poppers.

A quick rundown of things I <3 right now.

1. The Julia Dress — Name a better Fourth of July dress. Also loving the Bea Dress.

2. Baby Bubble Short — Why is it so hard to find toddler shorts?! I love these from Mischa and Puff. The summer collection is too cute.

3. Ripple Knob — My whole world right now is hardware and paint selections. Currently very into this new style by Matilda Goad.

4. June Baby — A little hard to get into at first, but I’m loving it now. The Block Island setting is perfect for a summer beach read.

5. Nairobi Leather Sandals — Very cute sandals and very on sale. Someone should snag them.