Patriotic panache - Decorating in red, white and blue

It's natural for Americans to show their patriotic spirit on three holidays during spring and summer -- Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.

Many Americans fly the country's flag every day and look for opportunities to show their true colors. There are many ways to celebrate the flag and to celebrate freedom -- from decorations in homes to clothing trims to patriotic desserts.

Showcase your family's pride in members who served in the country's military over the years. Make an album to show off patriotic photographs, postcards, stamps, letters and honors. It's a good way to corral those special pieces of memorabilia in one location and to make sure the family history filters to following generations.

Here are some enjoyable ways to show your patriotic pride: Make a grapevine wreath with old music sheets, patriotic ribbons and ball ornaments, musical notes and stars. Stick a small American flag in the scene to tie the whole wreath together.

Highlight a family member's military accomplishments in a purchased frame. Add colorful old postage stamps around a photo. Make colorful wooden stars in various sizes and colors. Embellish them with paint, vintage buttons or torn-fabric bows. Use them as accents on windowsills or end tables around your home.

Decorate an evergreen tree with Old Glory details, such as crocheted stars and small American flags.

If you like to cross-stitch, embellish place mats and napkins to set a patriotic table. To carry out the theme, purchase flatware with white plastic handles. Using masking tape and paint pens, add red and blue stripes to the handles. To preserve the design, hand-wash the pieces and gently towel dry.

For accent, make star-shaped wool pillows with ribbon and star appliques for accents throughout your home.

For holiday gatherings, pull out the red, white and blue stops and make all-American menus. Pork ribs, sweet corn and apple pie fill the bill nicely. Or, choose picnic chicken, potato salad, layered gelatin salad in appropriate colors, and a tart trimmed with blueberries, raspberries or strawberries and cookie dough stars.

If you're invited to a potluck picnic, take an all-American apple pie, or pledge your allegiance with a cake decorated flag-style with raspberries or strawberries and blueberries. Using patriotic colors, trim vests, sweatshirts and baseball caps to show your pride. Make beads and pride pins to wear on your clothing.