Decorating for a July 1 party doesn't mean you have to see red. Create your own colourful motif with hits of blue, green and yellow or stay traditional with a more sophisticated red-and-white theme. Handmade decorations are a great way to save money and keep youngsters busy while you get ready for company.
1 High flying. Flag bunting is an easy way to show off your patriotic pride. Use bunting to decorate a plain wall, hang up between porch posts, or a tree in the backyard. To make: Download and print the Canadian flag (canflag.com/gallery.php? foldercanflag-static). Trim the paper flag and finish the bottom edge with a fishtail cut. Staple each flag to a long ribbon and hang up.
2 Fireworks without the smoke. Bright red-andwhite paper napkin medallions will brighten up your party like daytime fireworks. To make: Fold napkin accordion-style in 1.3centimetre sections. Continue up the length of the napkin. Make sure the first and last folds are in the same direction. Connect sides of the rectangle by fanning out napkin from centre and inserting a piece of ribbon or monofilament (long enough to hang the medallion) between the two open ends then glue sides together.
3 Under cover. Why not keep your Canada Day beverages cool using small paper doily parasols? To make: Download these easy instructions from the Country Living website (countryliving.com/crafts/ projects/summer-crafts). If you don't have any doilies handy, Martha Stewart has both templates and instructions for her version at marthastewart.com/ 269921/drink-parasols that you can download and cut out.
4 Sparkle it up. For a casual gathering, make fun place name favours with personalized packets of sparklers set on top of a paper napkin. Use gingham ribbon to tie in to your redand-white theme.
5 Recycle in red and white. Children will love their own personal goodies stashed in a can covered with red-and-white gift wrap. Inside, place everything they'll need for a Canada Day feast, including a drink, utensils, straw, and packets of condiments. You could also include small toys such as balls or yo-yos.
6 Light up the night. A simple centrepiece starts with tall drinking glasses (or used jars) and votive candles. Half fill a glass with small red beads or coloured sugar to anchor a small white candle. If you don't have beads or coloured sugar, add a couple of drops red food colouring to a half a cup of salt and blend.
7 Cupcakes in a jar. For a simple, festive dessert, serve guests a cupcake treat in a jar (we used small mason jars). Tie a spoon or fork to the jar with a jaunty red-and-white striped ribbon and rosette.
On ice. Fill up red plastic or metal pails with ce to cool party beverages. f you don't have any red ontainers, cover those you ave with red-and-white tea owels or flag-decorated rapping paper.
For more ideas, visit doit101.com/crafts/ canadaday.html.
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