Festive Fourth

ndependence Day is next week, and gathering with family and friends is likely on your calendar . If stars and stripes don’t fit in with your décor, you can let your patriotism show with touches of red, white and blue throughout your home and yard.

To help you host the ultimate holiday gathering — or any summertime event — in your backyard and home, here are a few tips and comments from decorating and entertaining experts.

Set the scene

n While decorating with neutrals is rustic and charming, I say spice up those neutrals with color! For example, a wooden Adirondack-style chair has a completely contemporary look in a red finish, and it brings a lively energy to your backyard. — From Manja Swanson, chief creative officer of Lamps Plus

n A great way to add color is to introduce area rugs, seat cushions and accent pillows to your outdoor space. Outdoor area rugs add softness underfoot and create a defined living space on your deck or patio, while accent pillows make outdoor seating more comfortable and inviting.— From Manja Swanson, chief creative officer of Lamps Plus

n Use nontraditional colors to give your backyard a more authentic feel. Instead of red, white and blue for the Fourth of July, you might consider a combination of navy or turquoise as your shade of blue, with white and hot pink accents. Maybe a navy striped tablecloth with pink plates and turquoise chairs. I love having pieces that are functional and beautiful to enhance an event like the new blue glowing torch from Tiki Brand. It is a great way to add even more color and ambience to a party. — Kellie Clements, HGTV “Design Star” fan favorite

n Set up your backyard with designated areas for specific tasks. Have one area designated for serving food, one for lounging or dining, an area for drinks or a self-serve bar, and an area for games, if this suits your event. This setup will keep your guests moving through the yard and prevent any congestion in a specific location. — Kellie Clements, HGTV “Design Star” fan favorite

n An area that many people often overlook at summer parties is the entryway. But, it’s the first thing guests see when they arrive, and it sets the tone for the party. Place a Tiki fire sculpture on each side of your entryway to give your party added ambience and make your guests feel extra special when they arrive. Fill the sculptures with insect-repelling torch fuel to help keep those pesky bugs away. — Kellie Clements, HGTV “Design Star” fan favorite

n Enjoy outdoor living long after the sun goes down with ambient lighting that adds safety and beauty. From evening dinners to late-night cocktails, deck lighting provides sophisticated, understated silhouettes to set the mood . — From Trex Co .

n Decorative lanterns are a great accent to any outdoor space. They provide a warm glow of candlelight and are versatile. Lanterns can be used on table tops, lining the stairs, hanging from trees or even poolside. — From Manja Swanson, chief creative officer of Lamps Plus

n Fountains add a peaceful, relaxing and refreshing accent to the outdoor décor while providing a soothing soundtrack. — From Manja Swanson, chief creative officer of Lamps Plus

Create a comfortable environment

n Make your outdoor living area more comfortable with a variety of furniture pieces. Multiple seating options will create a more inviting atmosphere for guests. Trex Outdoor Furniture — from porch swings and benches to rocking chairs and Adirondacks — is manufactured from more than 90 percent recycled content and is durable, weather-resistant and low maintenance. — From Trex Co .

n Pergolas contribute to the comfort and character of an outdoor retreat, and provide extra shade . — From Trex Co .

n Using a ceiling fan on your porch or patio will help circulate the air and make the space more comfortable and relaxing. Make sure to look for designs that are rated for outdoor or damp location use. — From Manja Swanson, chief creative officer of Lamps Plus

n The ottoman is one of my favorite pieces to use outside or in. I especially like one that is large enough to serve as a coffee table, too. From providing a place to kick up your feet to additional entertaining seating, the ottoman is a great investment. — From Manja Swanson, chief creative officer of Lamps Plus

Make mealtime memorable

n The outdoor meal is one of the more pleasant hallmarks of spring and summer. Although it’s tempting to simply transfer standard indoor dishes out — or worse, resort to Earth-unfriendly disposables — al fresco dining is best served by casual, reusable and outdoor-ready tableware. — From Martha Stewart Living

n Look for dinnerware in hard plastics such as melamine or acrylic, which are virtually unbreakable but also lightweight — perfect for picnics and beachside snacks. Bright, cheery colors get everyone in the spirit of the season, and it’s fun to mix and match patterns and solids. — From Martha Stewart Living

n In addition to the basics — plates, bowls, drinkware, and flatware — don’t forget essential summer accessories such as chip-and-dip sets, dessert cups and spoons for ice cream or fruit and a pitcher for fresh lemonade or ice tea. — From Martha Stewart Living

n Ice down your drinks in a wheelbarrow. Place the wheelbarrow next to a fence post or tree and simply install a bottle opener nearby. Set out a bucket or glass jar for guests to deposit their bottle caps. This adds an inexpensive and memorable element to your party. —Kellie Clements, HGTV “Design Star” fan favorite