It's Inauguration Day!

Gather friends and family to watch this significant moment in history. Consider decking out your space with a patriotic theme. Click here to view all the patriotic posts on Tastefully Entertaining.

Images above from Tangarang and flickr user di0nne.

An Election Party

I don't know about you but I will be watching the news all evening on November 4th to find out if my candidate has received the majority of votes. If you enjoy politics or are just concerned whether or not your favorite official gets elected, consider throwing an election party. Invite your friends and family for an enjoyable weeknight gathering with plenty of patriotic pride.

- Red, white and blue folded invitation with a customized ballot rsvp card [via]
- Obama and McCain themed cupcakes [via HWTM]
- Red cocktail with red, white and blue patterned umbrellas [via Martha Stewart]
- White pillow box favors can be decorated with this VOTE stamp from Paper Source
- Red and white stripe square plates and blue and white star square plates
- Democrat donkey and Republican elephant cocktail napkins [via Plum Party]

- Patriotic paper bunting (so neat that it's made of paper!) [via Target]

Please encourage everyone you know to get out and vote this November 4th. We have no greater civic duty than casting our vote in public elections. Never forget the men and women who fought so we have this unalienable right. We are privileged to take part in the democratic process.

Blue & Red Casual Dinner Party

Today's blue and red casual dinner party was inspired by this beautiful table setting photo by Rebecca Thuss. I love the multiple glass vases decorated with the red and blue floral design. And these vases really pop against the khaki table runner. For some added elements consider using simple red and blue striped tableware.

For the invitation, consider a classic and lovely red and blue invitation. For dessert, how about a cupcake topped with a strawberry slice and a blueberry - simple, adorable and color coordinated! [image via flickr user vegan ducky] Lastly, for a favor, these blue and red designed favor boxes fit our theme just perfectly.

4th of July Menu

With July 4th only 3 days away, it's time to plan out your holiday menu. For those of you who have yet to select your dishes, my suggestion for an informal, low-key holiday meal is below:

- Creamy Red Potato Salad
- Grilled Marinated Vegetables with Fresh Mozzarella
- North Carolina Pulled-Pork Barbeque Sandwich
- Watermelonade
- Blueberry Hill Cupcakes
- Watermelon, Lemonade and Blueberry Ice Pops

Click through the links for the recipes and instructions for each menu item. Enjoy and Happy July 4th!

July 4th Party Inspiration

The 4th of July is right around the corner. Start your preparations now by making some of these DIY elements for your patriotic-themed party:

- Patriotic fans
- Fabric flatware and napkin holder
- Red, white and blue sand candles
- Patriotic drink umbrellas
- Red, white & blue patterned cans (could hold food, flowers, utensils, etc)
- Flag cookies

Memorial Day Party Decor

Memorial Day is right around the corner so here is some decor inspiration for your upcoming patriotic event. - Red, white and blue paper lanterns
- Red, white and blue parfaits
- Patriotic napkin rings
- Patriotic votives
- Red, white and blue star garland
- Star glasses