How to Celebrate Summer Holidays

Every year on July 1, Canadians come together to celebrate Canada Day–or Fête Du Canada depending on where you’re located. Provinces across the country celebrate with fireworks, parades, concerts, and everything in between so if you want to celebrate en masse, you’re in luck. But there’s nothing more special than celebrating the country you love with a chic, intimate daytime celebration in your own home.

The Tablescape: Pay homage to the Canadian flag’s red and white color scheme with the ultimate summer picnic essential: a gingham tablecloth. A set of scalloped-edge napkins will pair perfectly and adhere to the theme without overwhelming. Keep your glassware simple but beautiful. Serve your signature cocktail in our Caskata glasses and serve your meal on a set of Casafina pale pink plates. Pink may not be in the Canadian flag, but it complements the colors well enough that we’ll allow it.

The Menu: Naturally, you’ll want to pay homage to two Canadian staples: whisky and maple syrup. Wow your guests with a Maple Whisky Lemonade served in our Costa Nova Pitcher. Food-wise, keep things simple and easy-to-eat with our grilled steak and fresh heirloom tomatoes. And, of course, it’s not a summer soiree without dessert: our brown butter snickerdoodles are impossible to beat.

The states’ equivalent of Canada Day, the Fourth of July is a centuries-old celebration of American independence, generally accompanied by barbecues, fireworks, and fanfare. Our take on the tradition is an early evening dinner that ends just in time for the fireworks.

The Tablescape: Americans take their Fourth of July festivities seriously: you’re guaranteed to see at least a few people walking around in t-shirts and bathing suits bearing the flag. Our preferred tablescape is a bit more subtle while still paying tribute to star-spangled banner’s red, white, and blue: this statement tablecloth should do the trick–plus, it’s versatile enough to break out all year. Set the table with our gorgeous, simple white plates, and finish the look with red and blue napkins, held together with blue napkin rings.

The Menu: Lemonade is the quintessential American summer beverage; our concentrate is our personal favorite–both easy to prep and delicious. Food-wise, lean into lobster rolls as the main course, and stock up at the Farmer’s Market beforehand so you can supplement with our beefsteak tomatoes. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a blueberry upside down cake.