America's Party-Perfect Pattern

Martha Stewart Living, July 2007

Everyone knows what to do with bandannas. You drape them babushka-style over your head on painting day, tie them around the dog's neck, and spot them in old Westerns. But none of these applications captures the bandanna's beauty. Look closely at its bitty stars and wavy flourishes, flashy as fireworks, and you'll see the spark of an all-American party.

Invitation Card

Classic bandanna motifs are the inspiration behind this lively redo of plain stationery. Rubber stamps in a slew of shapes -- stars, floral patterns, and other doodads -- do most of the work. For dots, use a regular black-ink pen and/or a white-paint one.

Luminarias

These paper-bag luminarias channel the bandanna via their flowery cutouts and two-tone color scheme.

Table Runner

Rugged and practical, bandannas seem almost patriotic, so this table runner is fitting for the Fourth of July.

Drink Covers

Summer sips entice everybody -- even insects. These covers, prettified with bandanna-style paisleys, can keep them out.

Food Flags

Plant banners in your burgers -- and anything else you're bringing to the picnic table -- and your party foods can support the bigger bandanna theme.

Strawberry "Bandanna" Tart

Reviews (12)

  • psbuwalda
    24 Jun, 2011

    Where did you find the bandana stamps?

  • joeliz
    27 Jul, 2010

    Why not just photo copy the bandana print, it works nicely. I just did it. make sure your bandana is smooth on the photo copy machine.

  • mimimia
    30 Jun, 2009

    I love bandanas...this would look fantastic on my table. I also love the idea of using bandanas as napkins!

  • TootyFoody
    30 Jun, 2009

    Great idea Martha! See more at sagegoingongreen.blogspot.com

  • MSLO_Admin3
    2 Jun, 2009

    Find our favorite summer drink recipes here:
    http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/summer-drinks

  • abitofbec24
    1 Jun, 2009

    That is really cool!

  • MrsJacks
    1 Jun, 2009

    I want the drink recipe too!

  • sandyelliott
    1 Jun, 2009

    Recipe for that drink, please!

  • Shorn
    29 Jun, 2008

    Target has red, white and blue bags. They are in the grocery section (even in the stores that are not Super Targets).

  • trekkiemom
    26 Jun, 2008

    Go to a party store for the bags, or a Michaels.

  • terivanhecke
    26 Jun, 2008

    Where would I find red bags?

  • erikwithak
    26 Jun, 2008

    How pretty! Wouldn't these be great for a kid's cowboy party! Anything with a rodeo theme! Or even cowpoke thank you cards! Great ideas!