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Vive La France: Celebrate Bastille Day in Style

Whether you’re a Francophile or simply a lover of baguettes and rosé, these blue, white, and red accessories are perfect for a festive gathering

By Parker Bowie Larson
Hanging red, white, and blue paper lanterns with star accents, strung outdoors, with green trees in the background.
Red, White & Blue Lantern Garland from Gatherings by Curated Paperie. Photo: Courtesy of Curated Paperie

Bastille Day is a celebration of both the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which was a significant event during the French Revolution, and the Fête de la Fédération, a day honoring the unity among the French people a year later on the same date. The French and Americans have a long shared history of supporting each other in their efforts for independence. France offered military and monetary aid during the Revolutionary War as we fought for our freedom from Great Britain, and one could argue that the success of our endeavor inspired the initial ideals of liberty and republicanism that started France’s own rebellion. Thus, it is no coincidence that both countries celebrate their national holidays in July.

If you’re planning on hosting a party for this upcoming Bastille Day, look to the French flag for inspiration. It’s all about mixing and matching as long as you stick with the color scheme of blue, white, and red, and of course, you can’t go wrong with stripes. From chic floats to graphic table décor, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite items that are sure to make your event a success.

Round rug with geometric design in red, white, and pink sections.
Bauhaus Patchwork Linen Round Placemats. Photo: Courtesy of Misette
Round fabric with geometric blue and white design featuring semi-circles and contrasting colors.
Bauhaus Patchwork Linen Round Placemats. Photo: Courtesy of Misette

1. Bauhaus Patchwork Linen Round Placemats from Misette

Layer your table with these striking, color block linen placemats from Misette.  If you start with a blue patterned tablecloth, choose red and vice versa, or alternate between both colors for a simpler table. 

Blue and white striped handle cutlery set including a knife, fork, spoon, teaspoon, and dessert fork.
White Stripe Flatware in Red or Blue. Photo: Courtesy of Sabre
Set of five stainless steel utensils with red and white striped handles, including a spoon, knife, forks, and teaspoon.
White Stripe Flatware in Red or Blue. Photo: Courtesy of Sabre

2. White Stripe Flatware in Red or Blue by Sabre

Try these adorable red and blue flatware sets by Sabre to add a graphic pop to your table.

Red and white striped lighthouse-shaped lamp on rocks by the sea at sunset.
Ocean Cay Cordless Light. Photo: Courtesy of Zafferano America

3. Ocean Cay Cordless Light by Zafferano America

Line your outdoor walkways or light your table with these cordless lights by Zafferano America. With their nautical theme, you can continue to use them all summer long.

White plate with red and blue rim design on a plain background.
Tricolore Dinner Plate. Photo: Courtesy of Astier de Villate

4. Tricolore Dinner Plate by Astier de Villatte

Celebrate the holiday with these beautiful, Tricolore ceramic plates by Astier de Villatte honoring the colors of the French flag.

Two blue and white striped inflatable lounge chairs on a white background.
Fabric Sunbed Lounger. Photo: Courtesy of FUNBOY

5. Fabric Sunbed Lounger by FUNBOY

It never hurts to also have chic floats in your pool on theme when hosting a party. It not only adds to the ambience but also the fun, and we love these navy stripe fabric sunbed loungers by FUNBOY.

Round table with floral tablecloth, blue glassware, red drinks, and a flower centerpiece, set by the seaside with a hammock nearby.
Sagar Red & Blue Tablecloth. Photo: Courtesy of Pomegranate

6. Sagar Red & Blue Tablecloth by Pomegranate

If you stick with the color scheme of blue, white, and red, you don’t have to decorate in an overtly French way. We recommend starting with a patterned base, like this Sagar Red & Blue tablecloth by Pomegranate as you set your table.    

White cloth napkins with red and blue striped edges, neatly folded and overlapping on a white background.
Normandy White Napkins. Photo: Courtesy of Caravan Home Décor

7. Normandy White Napkins by Caravan Home Décor

Caravan’s tricolor Normandy White linen napkins are a classic go-to for any table setting but they are especially suitable in red, white, and blue when celebrating France’s national holiday. 

Two ceramic mugs with vertical blue and red stripes, each featuring a wide handle, placed side by side on a white background.
Sveva’s Home Red and Blue Ceramic Mugs. Photo: Courtesy of Over the Moon

8. Sveva’s Home Red and Blue Ceramic Mugs from Over the Moon

Show your patriotism and sip your coffee in style with these handmade, ceramic mugs by Sveva Clavarino from Over the Moon. We recommend alternating between the red and blue stripes when setting your table to give it more pizzazz. 

Hanging red, white, and blue paper lanterns with star accents, strung outdoors, with green trees in the background.
Red, White & Blue Lantern Garland from Gatherings by Curated Paperie. Photo: Courtesy of Curated Paperie

9. Red, White & Blue Lantern Garland from Gatherings by Curated Paperie

Make your party extra festive with these fun, accordion lantern garlands from Gatherings by Curated Paperie. Hang them around the perimeter of your event space or over your table to set the tone!