Ms. Sandy Storm is dominating the news cycle right now, but politics will soon come screaming back and the presidential election will be here before you know it. If you've decided to host a party that night (or even just surround your own self with festive gear), here's some vintage inspiration. These decorations will turn your home of the brave into an poll-worthy place. Psst: they'll even do double-duty next 4th of July.
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Every 4th of July, the classic colors of the flag take center stage. Turns out the patriotic red, white and blue, or variations of the shades, work well all year round in the design world. Here are some sophisticated, subtle takes on red, white, and blue which can be used to create a quietly patriotic look, without a flag in sight. More

The noise of fireworks might freak me out each & every year, but oh, I do love the sight. When the sky drips with gold, my heart flutters, and the world is a bit more magical. In keeping with my philosophy of Seasonal (Not Holiday) Decoration, I've rounded up my favorite works of art featuring fireworks.. More

Don't feel like braving the heat today for the parades and fireworks? Stay cool and flip through some patriotic summery scenes we've collected from decades past. More

American folk art used to have a bad rap, labeled primitive or naive compared to other fine art. Traditional woven rugs, carvings, and quilts - once valued in families and small communities for their utility - are now recognized by the larger world as a legitimate bottom up approach to beautiful design. Created by self-taught artists, they have their own patterns and expressed traditions, unique to region and individual maker. Think Navajo rugs, or the vibrant quilts of Gees Bend, and you know what I mean.
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Growing up, our small town had an annual Fourth of July parade complete with a marching band and in the evenings we usually gathered with our neighbors for food and song. So I've always associated the holiday with music, especially traditional American songs. The problem is I only seem to know the first few lines of most of them and then I resort to humming. If you, too, need to brush up, I've put together some crib notes, links to lyrics and a link to one of my favorite performances of each song.
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Fireworks displays come around just once a year (except for whenever the Giants win, or the Golden Gate Bridge turns 75, or whenever your rowdy neighbors feel like it), but the fun of fireworks can continue in your garden all summer long, and even into the fall. Firework-esque flowers are festive, much quieter than actual fireworks, and don't freak out your dogs… More

What better day to review the official U.S. code of etiquette for displaying the American flag than the 4th of July? Grab a sparkler, class is in session. More

What better time than the 4th of July to update our list of home furnishings manufactured in the United States! Since we last looked at the list, we've made some trips to High Point Market and the Hickory Chair Showroom - both North Carolina stalwarts - and we've heard from our community of readers about companies we left off the list.

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If you're planning on turning to the skies to catch some 4th of July fireworks, here's some tips for taking frame-worthy photos. Whether you're an expert with your point and shoot or a novice with a DSLR, there are a few easy things you can do with either to get quality pictures. More