American emblems, colors in the spotlight

By Carleton Varney

American emblems, colors in the spotlight

By Carleton Varney

Special to the Daily News

Each Fourth of July, I’m reminded how much I truly love America. I welcome the chance to join the rest of the nation in celebrating our independence, now and for generations to come. I am a great believer in waving our flag and decorating with the colors of our nation.

Along with the flag colors, I enjoy seeing furniture and accessories that celebrate our national bird, the bald eagle. I’m sure you have seen an emblem of an eagle installed over a door or on a fireplace mantel. Have you seen the base of a mahogany table featuring a golden eagle? Or an antique mirror with a golden eagle atop the frame? Many are the eagles I have used in my commercial and residential decorating projects. When depicted on home accessories, they often hold in their claws the American flag.

If you’re planning to host a celebration on Monday — or if you want to get a head start on next year’s holiday — think of the many Americana accessories on the market that would offer a patriotic message of freedom and pride. A set of vintage china with an American eagle detail on the service plate, cups and saucers would be a terrific accent on the dining table.

For a more informal gathering, home-furnishing stores today offer lots of items emblazoned with the colors of American flag, from place mats to paper napkins. There also are many American flag fabrics that can be used as runners for the center of your Fourth of July dinner table or the luncheon table outside where your guests will enjoy their barbecue.

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On a more somber note — This Fourth of July is tugging at my heart. I had been scheduled to put on my Uncle Sam costume and lead the Independence Day parade in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., the home of The Greenbrier resort and a favorite summer destination for many Palm Beachers. My company, Dorothy Draper & Co., has for many years been the resort’s official decorating firm, a professional relationship I treasure.

As you might know, White Sulphur Springs was among the areas devastated by last week’s terrible floods. The Greenbrier was damaged and is temporarily closed, and its upcoming golf tournament, The Greenbrier Classic, was canceled after the resort’s course and other recreational facilities were flooded. The Independence Day parade also has been canceled.

Yet many families in the area suffered greater losses in terms of lives and property. More than 20 people across the state died as a result of the flooding.

My heart goes out to those affected by the tragedy. The Greenbrier’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign is helping those who need assistance with food and cash donations, working in partnership with the local Rhema Christian Center. Those who wish to donate or learn more can visit TheRhemaLife.com.

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