Create a Stunning Red, White, and Blue Memorial Day Table Setting

Quick, easy, and inexpensive is my motto for a stunning Memorial Day table setting.

I wanted to create a red, white and blue patriotic tablescape that I didn’t need to invest much time and energy.

Or much money.

After all, it isn’t a holiday that one tends to accumulate lots of decorations for.

Ya know what I mean?

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” and didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1971?

I didn’t!

So I “shopped” my house and came up with a SUPER CUTE and SUPER SIMPLE tablescape for Memorial Day.

And the best part ~ it’s SO easy for you to recreate for the 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, or any occasion with a patriotic theme!

How to Create a Stunning Memorial Day Table Setting

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When it comes to patriotic themes, red, white, and blue are essential.

For this Memorial Day tablescape, I’ll be using these colors in a variety of creative ways.

Let’s dive in!

1. Setting the Stage with Red, White, and Blue

First things first, let’s talk table coverings.

I decided to use something a bit unconventional—a flag scarf I got from Old Navy years ago.

It’s vibrant and adds the perfect patriotic touch to my small kitchen table.

If you don’t have a flag scarf, no worries! A red and white, or blue and white, striped tablecloth will work just as well.

2. Layering the Place Settings

Next up are the place settings.

Overhead view of Memorial Day place setting.

White Chargers and Red Plates

I started with white chargers that I found at a secondhand store. They have a lovely little detail that adds a touch of elegance.

On top of the chargers, I placed red plates with cute dot details.

They’re from the Pioneer Woman collection at Walmart, and they’re perfect for this patriotic theme tablescape.

Memorial Day Flatware

To complement the plates, I used casual red-handled flatware that I picked up on Facebook Marketplace.

Red and white flatware next to red and white dishes.

They add a nice pop of color and keep the look cohesive.

Glasses or Mason Jars?

For the drinkware on this stunning Memorial Day table setting, I opted for blue hobnail glasses, which are great for soda, water, or lemonade.

If you don’t have blue glasses, mason jars are a fantastic alternative. They’re easy to find and give a patriotic feel to the table.

Simple Napkin Treatment

For the napkins, I chose dark blue denim ones for a casual and soft feel.

I folded them into thirds, then in half, and tied them with strips of bandana-print fabric.

Simple Memorial Day table setting napkin with fabric tie.

Ribbon works just as well if you have it on hand.

This simple treatment adds a fun, patriotic touch to each place setting.

3. Creating a Simple Patriotic Centerpiece

The centerpiece is where I got creative.

(It’s SUPER EASY and CHEAP!)

My kitchen table is small, and with the place settings, there wasn’t much space left for a centerpiece. Which meant I needed to keep it small and confined.

I didn’t wanna use flowers or candles,

So often we depend on flowers as the centerpiece. But they can be a little pricy ~ and I was “shopping” my house for everything.

I didn’t have a flower bouquet lying around ~ haha!

I also wanted to do something a little different.

So I decided to use a ceramic blue truck I’d found at an estate sale.

(If you have kids or grandkids ~ “shop” their toy trucks. See if they have a red, blue, metal, or white one that would work. I know they’d be thrilled to see their toy as part of the Memorial Day table setting.)