Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to interviews with designers Ann Couser Kittredge and Susan Petrie, as published in the original source.

For many hosts, the Fourth of July conjures images of fireworks, barbecues, and an abundance of star-spangled banners. But for those seeking a more refined aesthetic, the traditional red, white, and blue can feel overwhelming. Designers from the New England coast—where summer style is practically a birthright—offer a different approach: understated elegance inspired by seaside towns like Nantucket and the Hamptons.

Rather than draping everything in flags, these stylists suggest drawing from the natural palette of the coast. Blue hydrangeas, red geraniums, and white petunias, arranged in casual clusters, can evoke the holiday without shouting it. “You can’t go wrong with blue hydrangeas in the summer; those big, overflowing snowball blooms are such a quintessential East Coast touch,” says Ann Couser Kittredge, a Maine-based stylist and blogger at Dabbling & Decorating. She pairs them with red geraniums and white petunias for a nod to the Fourth that feels charming, not cliché.

The principle of restraint extends beyond florals. Susan Petrie, founder and principal designer of her eponymous firm in the Hamptons, advises a “less is more” philosophy for outdoor spaces. “The key to this aesthetic is to decorate with a relaxed approach that isn’t stiff,” she explains. “Think free from excess and orientation, and try to go from loud to low-key when working outdoors. Consider your surroundings, and embrace what is around you.” This might mean using muted shades of the patriotic palette, drawing inspiration from existing planters, blooms, and architectural details rather than introducing jarring new elements.

Nautical Motifs and Vintage Charm

For those who want to lean into the coastal theme, nautical elements offer a natural bridge. Lobsters, shells, and marine motifs can appear on painted platters, plates, place cards, and patterned napkins, bringing vibrant color and bold shapes to the table. “Lobster just defines summer in New England, and when it’s paired with classic Americana colors and vintage charm, it becomes something really special,” says Kittredge. “For me, lobster is the ideal way to celebrate the Fourth of July in a way that feels authentic to the northern East Coast, and can easily be styled to feel elevated and festive.”

Vintage pieces are another cornerstone of this aesthetic. Indoors, hosts can embrace natural wood grain, linen, denim, or woven placemats, and introduce blue and red through textiles, ceramics, and glassware. Outdoors, Kittredge suggests placing blooms in vintage vessels—old enamel pitchers, galvanized clam buckets, white ironstone, or milk glass. “The mix of weathered charm and fresh florals adds character and instantly elevates a table, porch vignette, or garden corner,” she notes.

The Unexpected Red Theory

A final tip comes from the “unexpected red theory,” a styling technique that has gained traction for its ability to make a space feel intentional. The idea is to anchor a room or table in a dominant color scheme—here, white and blue—then introduce a single, surprising pop of red. This could be a bowl of fresh fruit, a bouquet of red roses, or a single red accent piece. The contrast draws the eye and adds energy without overwhelming the senses.

For hosts planning a July 4th gathering, these designer insights offer a path to a celebration that feels both festive and refined. By focusing on natural elements, vintage textures, and a restrained color palette, it’s possible to create a setting that honors the holiday while maintaining a sense of coastal calm.