Are you hosting the 4th of July this year, or going to someone else’s cookout/barbecue/potluck/dinner? In either case, add some flowers to your shopping list. You can’t compete with the fireworks, but you can create a table or an atmosphere that offers some excitement and dresses things up just a little bit. We like to keep it casual on the 4th, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appeal to Ah Sam Florist to hook you up with some inspired summer flowers!

You don’t have to go the red, white, and blue route with your floral decor. Instead, keep it light and seasonally bright with sunflowers and snapdragons, a true Afternoon Delight. These would look amazing set against a red and white checker-cloth, or as the centerpiece around which a galaxy of sparklers awaits. Flowers even emulate the look of fireworks!

Make some room on your table (or on your host’s) to plant some 4th of July flowers that will carry the patriotic and festive spirit forward. It’s a day and an evening to celebrate with friends and family, often outdoors. Flowers help set the mood and remind us to enjoy nature while we’re out in it.