My hometown is squarely in the Revolutionary War history trail so July 4th is a serious holiday around here. The bunting and flags are already lining the main streets and children are scarfing up decorations to customize their wheels for the best decorated bike parades.

This is just one example of how holiday decor extends beyond Christmas. My favorite July 4th centerpiece had geraniums arranged in blue beach pails with star shaped candles (on long sticks) tucked in. Except for the plants- the supplies came from my local craft store.

I'm noticing that as many more women's publications see that crafts  have broad appeal they are doing more craft-inspired table decor ideas. So as always pull those pages out and put them on foamboard or bulletin boards in your store to inspire customers to think of your store as a "party center".

In the July issue of CNA Kathy Peterson has a great article on tabletop decor using paper. Even if you aren't heavily into scrapbooking, it's worth a read to see that folks are really into purchasing craft supplies for when they are entertaining. She offers some clever design ideas as well.

I wonder how we can collect all of these crafting for entertaining ideas. Wouldn't it be fun to have a photo gallery where folks could share ideas?

However you choose to decorate,enjoy the day with family and friends tomorrow--Beth

P.S. On a totally different topic.....

Did anybody see the BBC report yesterday on Libya's Khaddafi presenting a proposal on establishing the United States of Africa? Did you see his shirt? His shirt had photo transferred images of men's faces on them. I'm not sure who they were, I would have thought the unique garment would have merited the question. Clearly, digital crafts have hit the international mainstream!