Easy Tabletop Decor for Summer Entertaining

For this tabletop, I chose to use the colors of red, white and blue since 4th of July is right around the corner!

• Start with a plain white tablecloth.  This should be a staple in your entertaining arsenal.
• Add touches of red, white and blue by interchanging colors within your plates, silverware, napkins and serving pieces.
• Easy stripe candles are the perfect way to pay tribute to the Stars and Stripes.
  • Dress up the average votive candle by placing two cylinder vases, one bigger than the other, inside of each other.
  • Fill the inner vase with rice approximately two thirds of the way full and place a votive candle in the center.
  • Place colored rice in layers to make a stripe pattern by alternating colors.

MYO Colored Rice

• In a small bowl (metal works best if you don’t want your bowl to be stained), mix 2 tablespoons of water and 2-5 drops of paste food coloring.  The stronger the color, the more food coloring you should add.  Stir with a metal spoon until the coloring is dissolved in the water.
• Add 1 cup of white rice until the grains have all absorbed the color.  Let the rice sit for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Drain the water and spread the colored rice out on newspaper, several layers thick to absorb any excess liquid, to dry.  Drying over night is usually best.
• Store the rice in a plastic storage container until ready to use or for your next project.

For more information on Mark’s Easy Breezy Summer Entertaining, click here!

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