Patriotic colors still hot

It’s natural for Americans to show their patriotic spirit on three holidays during spring and summer Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.

Here are some enjoyable ways to show your patriotic pride from Better Homes and Gardens “Celebrate the Red, White & Blue” (Meredith Books, $9.95 softcover):

Make a grapevine wreath with old music sheets, patriotic ribbons and ball ornaments, musical notes and stars. Stick in a small American flag to tie the whole wreath together.

Highlight a family member’s military accomplishments in a purchased frame. Add colorful old postage stamps around a photo. Make colorful wooden stars in various sizes and colors. Embellish them with patriotic paint, vintage buttons or torn-fabric bows. Use them as accents on windowsills or end tables around your home.

If you like to cross-stitch, embellish place mats and napkins to set a patriotic table. To carry out the theme, purchase flatware with white plastic handles. Using masking tape and paint pens, add red and blue stripes to the handles. To preserve the design, hand-wash the pieces and gently towel dry.

For accent, make star-shaped wool pillows with ribbon and star appliques for accents throughout your home.