POLITICS are left at the door when it comes to decorating or entertaining with red, white and blue. Alone, these colors may illicit a visceral response, between red’s fiery emotion and blue and white’s nautical bent. But like a Bombpop from the ice cream truck, together red, white and blue are a classic to call up year-round. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
Consummate color scheme
These ideas for decorating with red, white and blue are from Phoenix-based furniture company Aspen Home (). The brand is carried in Colorado by Woodley’s Fine Furniture.
In an urban setting, red, white and blue motifs work well as simple, graphic elements. Ideas: Coordinate books with red, white and blue construction paper covers. Or paint an old tin star blue for a pop of wall color.
To go country chic, showcase antiques and collectibles in a white bookcase. One trick to creating a beautiful display is using just two colors, like white and blue or white and red.
Kids’ rooms and Americana themes go hand-inhand. Toys can be stored in blue bins or baskets. Walls will smile when adorned with bright red stars. Carry the theme through to upholstery and drapes with a patriotic plaid.
Welcome holiday guests by displaying an American flag as wall art. Keep the theme going with guest accessories such as hats or towels stored in a red basket. And instead of cut flowers, use a potted red Gerber daisy in a blue or white planter.
Patriotism and the pets
Not everyone in the family relishes July Fourth traditions. Because loud noises and flashing lights can cause animals anxiety, consider these safety tips from Denver’s first responders. More at
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Resist the urge to take your pets to fireworks displays.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a quiet area, especially during the next few nights.
Never leave your pet alone in the car. Even with a cracked window, breathing hot air can cause serious, even fatal, health problems.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Fearful pets behave unpredictably.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter. Many vet offices also offer a free microchip scan for lost pets.
Drink it up in style
This weekend’s Cherry Creek Arts Festival includes a culinary demonstration stage where Travis Plakke, bar manager at the swank downtown watering hole Row14, will share this patriotic twist on Sangria, the traditionally Spanish wine punch.
Row14 Sangria
Ingredients
1/2ounce Right Gin, or another botanical gREC_HALF]1/2ounce Aperol (possible substitute: CamparREC_1FOURTH]RECIPELIST]ounce Dimmi (possible substitute: your favorite brandy)
11.5ounces Casal Garcia Rose Vinho VerREC_HALF]1/2ounce fresh lime juice muddled with sugREC_1FOURTH]RECIPELIST]ounce grenadine
Splash ginger ale
blueberries
cucumber slices
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients except the ginger ale and shake with ice.
Add a splash of ginger ale, frozen blueberries and sliced cucumber.
Pour into glass and enjoy, or evenly multiply the ingredients and serve from a pitcher.
