Red White and Blue: Celebrate the 4th of July in Style

Basic, but necessary, no one wants to attend a barbecue on a debris or pollen- covered patio. Give your outdoor furniture, outdoor pillows and cushions a scrub with a soft bristle brush, warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Make sure your outdoor chairs are in working order for patio season by doing a sit test. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Sit in a chair to ensure it holds a person’s weight. If the furniture needs more than a cleanup or a quick repair, it might be time to buy new pieces.

A quick and easy way to add 4th of July spirit to your furniture is to mix in a few red, white and blue pillows. Plus, if you invest in solid-colored pillows they can be used throughout the season. If you’re looking for more of an Americana-feel, add an American flag pillow on your favorite outdoor egg chair, sofa or chaise lounge. There’s nothing better than practical decorations. These outdoor pillows offer a soft place to recline or rest your head. Check out Lowe's 4th of July deals for special savings.

Nothing feels more spirited than red, white and blue garlands or banners waving in the wind at your 4th of July barbeque. A wreath, pre-made and ready-to-hang, is easy to mount on your front and back door or your garden gate. Hang garland or American flag-colored stars on your porch railings, around your pool or patio and on your dining table. These patriotic decorating touches are easy to store and can be used year after year. Banners, a bunting flag and a well-placed 4th of July sign can go a long way.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to clean your grill up for the big day. Make sure the grill exterior and the grates are clean. Removing the grates, soaking them and then scrubbing them down with dish soap usually does the trick to remove dirt and grease. But if you’re dealing with burnt-on messes or rust on grill grates, it might be time to replace them. The good news is it’s easy to find replacement grates for your grill. Check your propane levels a few days prior to the party. You don’t want to fire up the grill only to find out the tank is empty.

Mix some red, white and blue blooming annuals into your planters. It’s a beautiful, subtle way to incorporate patriotic decorating for the 4th of July into your landscape. Try geraniums, impatiens or begonias for red annuals. Choose from Blue Daze Evolvulus or blue lobelia for blue flowers. Round out the patriotic trifecta with white hydrangeas, begonia, impatiens and verbena. Annual plants and flowers make your garden beds feel full of life and help complement your overall patio design.

Create ambience after the sun goes down with several strands of string lights. If you don’t have an outlet handy, don’t worry. Choose solar-powered versions that don’t need electricity. Strands of bistro string lights have a classic look. Their bulbs and warm glow transform your patio into the chicest hang-out spot in the neighborhood.