Most people’s idea of decorating for the Fourth is buying a $12 pack of paper plates and calling it themed.

Farmhouse decorating has a test that most seasonal décor fails. The test is: does this look like it belongs here,

Red, white, and blue is harder than it looks. Three colors that belong on a flag don’t automatically belong on

Nobody ever looked at a balcony and thought: this is plenty of space. You’ve got a railing, a wall, maybe

Somewhere along the way, outdoor entertaining became about the checklist. Red tablecloth: check. Mini flags: check. Bag of red, white,

The problem isn’t patriotism. It’s proportion. Every July, front porches across America get attacked with the same kit of parts:

Every year, somewhere around June 28th, Americans panic-decorate. They grab every starred-and-striped item within a ten-mile radius and cram it

Your front door is the only part of your house that has to introduce you to strangers. It does it

Most people decorate for Independence Day like they’re being graded on enthusiasm alone. They buy the plastic tablecloth with the