A Thai infused July 4th

My inspiration this time? America!
This year July 4th was going to be served up a little differently, and I knew just who to call to act as "Chef in the Kitchen." With the help of my brother, Adam we created a Fourth of July celebration that served Thai food in American colors.

First things first- the perfect menu: Basil rolls.... simple tossed salad with ginger dressing... shrimp Thai basil with jasmine rice...green tea ice cream!

I knew the food was in good hands so now comes my part......Creating a table setting filled with red, white, and blue! My newly purchased plates and bowls from Anthropologie were the perfect place to start.

Two picnic tables pushed together and a long blue & white strip table runner created the one long table effect i wanted.  Two navy umbrellas (one in the center of each table) provided just enough shade for a warm and sunny July evening. For lighting, I created mason jar lanterns and hung them in differing levels within each umbrella.

This was definitely a change form the typical ribs and potato salad July 4th. This Thai inspired 4th brought with it table conversations more about chopsticks than anything. Guests began to challenge each other with chopstick usage and even discussed proper chopstick etiquette.