Two Easy Star-Spangled Tabletops

If you're like me and are a member of the ultimate procrastinators club, you will love how quickly either of these July 4 tables can be pulled together.

Carnation flag centerpiece Delight your guests with this striking focal piece.You will need two dozen red, two dozen white and one dozen blue carnations purchased from your local florist and an old wooden soda crate or similar container. Place damp florist foam in the box. Cut the carnation stems to the desired height, keeping the stem length consistent. Place the carnations in the foam in rows of red and white, leaving a small rectangle in the upper left corner for the blue carnations. If desired, set star cutouts (I used foam stickers) on top of the blue flowers. This particular project took me about 15 minutes to assemble once I had the supplies in hand.

Rustic tabletop If the flower centerpiece doesn't put stars in your eyes, revolutionize your table in seconds with colorful handkerchiefs.Buy red and blue bandanas at your local crafts store; layer them to create a festive placemat or roll them up, wrap with twine and use as napkins.

Patriotic swag Worthy of a welcome salute, this inexpensive bunting uses dollar-store flags. Remove the flags from their sticks. Iron flags on low heat to flatten. Using small clothespins, pin the flags onto baker's twine or string, and hang for a stars-and-stripes greeting.