This week we’re combing through the Remodelista archives for some of our all-time favorite summer stories. Here’s one:

Here’s a DIY tablecloth for Fourth of July that’s so easy that truly anyone—from kindergarteners to the arts-and-crafts-averse—can make it. Perhaps best of all? It’s blessedly understated, which means it can have a life well after the fireworks are over.

You don’t need any tools (just a couple new pencils, a box, fabric, and some paint) to make this blueberries-inspired DIY tablecloth. Why blueberries? Aside from the apple, is there a more American fruit? Besides, “July is prime time for this seasonal fruit. Why not give it the 15 minutes of fame it deserves?” says David Stark, our go-to expert for event design and the mastermind behind this clever project.

Below, the three-step instructions for crafting this exceedingly easy DIY. Note: While David and his team opted to make a tablecloth, you can just as easily fashion placemats, a picnic blanket, or a butcher-paper runner using the same method.

Photography by Corrie Hogg and Susie Montagna for David Stark Design.

The Materials

• Acrylic paint, in brown and two shades of blue
• Fabric or paper
• Pencils with new erasers
• Small paint brush
• Small box or box lid

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

The Results

For more July 4th decoration ideas, see:

• DIY: A Flag-Inspired Fourth of July Tablecloth by David Stark
• Fourth of July: 10 Ideas for a Party with Patriotic Flair
• 10 Favorites: Festive Bunting for the Fourth of July

N.B.: This story is an update; the original post ran on June 30, 2020, and is reappearing here as part of our Summer from the Archive issue.