A Tablescape for the Patriotic “Dog Days of Summer”

Patriotic Ceramic Dogs celebrate Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day

in this summer tablescape.

Welcome to the Lake!!! I’m so glad you could join us for this fun dog tablescape for the Patriotic Holidays of summer.

This Tablescape has been “in the works” since I found a large patriotic ceramic Golden Retriever, online at Homegoods.com. Unfortunately Homegoods online shopping is now a thing of the past, as the Homegoods online store was closed shortly after I purchased the ceramic Golden. Marshalls online store remains open as do a few others in the family of stores. Fortunately the Homegoods box stores remain open – and I’m thankful for that !!!!

If you follow our website, you know that we have been dog parents for many decades but two years ago, we became Golden Retriever “parents” for the first time. Our Simba is a sweetheart, and full of Golden Retriever love and personality. Unfortunately he is also full of the Golden Retriever “I need to taste and devour all things” trait, but we will save those stories for another day. Simba is an English Cream Golden Retriever, so is a much lighter color than the ceramic dog on the table, but every time we see any color of Golden Retriever (light gold, gold, red, and cream) we think of Simba – so the Ceramic Golden seemed like a perfect centerpiece for this Tablescape.

Having found the Patriotic Ceramic Golden Retriever Dog, I decided to feature Simba on our Memorial Day Tablescape this year. I am sharing this tablescape now, because I think it would be a perfect tablescape for the 4th of July as well.

above and below – Simba checks out this Ceramic “breed” of Golden Retriever.

The Simba Dog seemed a little lonely on the table, so I added a Collie-Sheltie ceramic Dog that I own to keep him company. The Collie/Sheltie is an “all seasons” dog so I added a sparkly bowtie to get him ready for the 4th. Our first 3 dogs were from the Collie/Sheltie family so adding him brought back good memories. I would love to have a similarly proportioned husky, and toy poodle (to represent other family dogs) to add to this table (as well as an airedale terrier to represent “Maggie” our friends’ dog) but have been unable to find them.

The Plate Stack

For the plate stack, I started with a placemat – as we had decided on no tablecloth for the holiday weekend. As this is our only inside table, it is much easier to change it back and forth from a game table to a dinner table if we have no tablecloth. I like to use a placemat in these situations as it helps the dishes stand out on the dark Mahogany table.

The placemat is a square vinyl placemat from Homegoods (2023) or Amazon.

The next item in the stack is a navy blue square plastic charger from Amazon. I have been looking for a square navy charger for years – to go with my Stars and Stripes square dishes, and with my sea life dishes and have had difficulty finding one – so I was very happy to find this even though it is a bit thinner than I would like, and not dishwasher safe.

On top of the navy charger, I placed a square red and white striped plate made by Martha Stewart and sold at Dillards in approximately 2010.

Surprisingly, this plate has a little different look when it’s placed showing horizontal stripes rather than vertical ones. I chose to place it horizontally as I like how that coordinates with the horizontal stripes on the flatware.

Finally, on the very top of the plate stack I placed one of the Dog plates by Beth Grove from Certified International. I found these plates in approximately 2022 from eBay or Hobby Lobby.

There were likely 4 different plates in this set, each with a dog of a different breed. However, by the time I found them online, there were only 3 dog breeds left. The other two plates that I have are shown below:

The Dachshund with the “arm floaties” aka “water wings” makes me smile, and

the Chihuahua with the snorkeling gear, makes me laugh!

I was unable to find a pattern name on the plates except “Certified International – Beth Grove” however they are sometimes referred too as Nautical Beach Dogs. A similar set is called “Certified International – Hot Dogs” and is currently available at Amazon (see table details section for links).

Other Items in the Place Setting

Also in each place setting is a Patriotic Banner/swag mug (see below). I purchased these at Homegoods this year! They are labeled “Carnival Cottage – Johanna Parker- Magenta”.

The flatware is by “Annova” and purchased at Amazon. As of 2024 it was still available on Amazon. (see Table Details section). I originally saw this flatware on Susan’s Between Naps on the Porch website. Click on the preceding blue link to see both this flatware, and some other Patriotic table items from Between Naps on the Porch.

The napkin is blue cotton and was likely from Amazon or Homegoods. The napkin ring of ribbon and Ric Rac is from Homegoods from a few years back.

Centerpieces

Aside from the two Ceramic Dogs, other centerpiece items included 3 sets of red, white and blue Ceramic stars from Homegoods from a few years ago. One of the sets I used says “Stars and Stripes” and I also used two sets that said “Red White Blue” the reverse side of these star sets is solid color stars with no saying.

The stars sit on top of a Table Runner purchased at Homegoods this year.

The sugar and creamer set are separated with one item at each end of the table. This sugar and creamer are from the same pattern as the mugs “Carnival Cottage – Johanna Parker- Magenta” and are also from Homegoods.

At the end of the tablescape, opposite from the ceramic dogs are some of my Nora Fleming serving pieces – napkin holder, butter dish and salt and pepper shaker, with Patriotic Minis attached temporarily.

Also in the Dining Room

Memorial Day

I used this tablescape for our Memorial Day Tablescape. We had our friends Susan and Les and their Airedale Terrier here for the holiday, and had a great time boating, watching “The Long Game” and visiting & eating.

At Dinner with Les and Susan.

Maggie and Simba enjoying the Boat

We had a great weekend that included a great Victory for Simba – thanks to Les and Susan’s infinite patience, and Maggie’s excellent example. So please stop back again, as I will be posting an additional post soon about that weekend entitled “Simba’s Boat Bravery and Other Patriotic Holiday Adventures”.

Views From the Window and Yard

I want to share some views from the window and yard from May.

I hope all your Patriotic Holidays are Wonderful This Year!!!!

Tablescape Details and Origins

Ceramic Red, White and Blue Stars – Homegoods

Ceramic Banner/swag mugs, creamer and sugar bowl – “Carnival Cottage – Johanna Parker- Magenta” Homegoods 2023 & 2024

Navy Blue Cloth Napkin – Amazon or Homegoods

Patriotic Ric Rac and Ribbon Napkin Rings – Homegoods – approximately 2021

Star Applique Oval Table Runner – Homegoods 2024

Ribbon and Ric Rac Napkin Rings – Homegoods before 2024

Annova US Flag Flatware – Amazon

Annova US Flag Flatware for toddlers – Amazon – same pattern as above but forks and spoons only, that are sized for toddlers

Stars and Stripes Melamine Square Dinnerware by Martha Stewart – Dillards (approximately 2011)

Stars and Stripes Dinnerware in Melamine or Paper that has a similar look as the above – Amazon

Blue Acrylic Goblets – Amazon or Homegoods – before 2020

Ceramic Patriotic Golden Retriever – Homegoods 2023

Ceramic Collie/Sheltie Amazon before 2021

Patriotic Door Signs – Dollar Tree before 2024

Certified International Patriotic Dog Plates by Beth Grove includes Beach Dogs with Patriotic Apparel and/or Beach Toys – Amazon or eBay before 2023

Similar Patriotic Dog Plates to those above French Bulldog or Beagle – Amazon

Nora Fleming – Butter Dish, salt and pepper, and napkin holder – stripes and dots pattern – retired

Similar Nora Fleming Serving Pieces and Minis – Nora Fleming; retired and current pieces also available at Amazon and eBay

Uncle Sam Ceramic Hat – Homegoods – approximately 2020-2022

Dog Life Jacket – Petco or Petsmart – Seasonal

White Vinyl Placemat – mine is square but that is no longer available anywhere that I can find. The link will take you to a White rectangular vinyl placemat.

Other Posts I hope you will like

If you liked this post, I hope you will check out some of my other Patriotic posts, and dog & dog decor posts…

Minnie and Mickey Mouse & Friends “Float” Along on the 4th of July “Boat Parade” Tablescape!!!

A Regatta Tablescape for Summer, and also for Labor Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, etc.

Two fun Tablescapes for My Puppy’s 1st Birthday – one for Our People Friends and One for Our Dog Friends!!

Celebrate a Canine Christmas with a “Bark-Worthy” Tablescape!!

St. Patrick’s Day has “Gone to the Dogs” for a “Doggone Good” Celebration!

Comments

I treasure your comments and will answer each one (usually in one day, occasionally in 2-3 days). Please feel free to comment on the post and/or to share stories of you pets, and what you do to celebrate and decorate for the holiday or season. Please know I will not share your email address. To comment please scroll down to the bottom of the post for the Comment Section.

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Thanks so much for visiting us at the Lake !!!! Wishing you a wonderful 4th of July!!!