Are you ready for the 4th of July? Or are you feeling like it just snuck up on you like ever holiday seems to? Get ready for some fun in the sun, with some beach reads, red white and blue wardrobe additions and entertaining basics that will carry over from year to year. Because after all, this classic color combo is going nowhere fast.

Photo courtesy of Assouline

Photographer Claiborn Swanson Frank's new book American Beauty by Assouline  captures accomplished women in their natural habitats.  With a distinctly American point of view, her photographs tell their design stories with a mix of glamour grounded in realness. 

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Melamine plates are a great basic to have on hand for summer entertaining. Schooner Melamine Plates from West Elm has old school summer idyl charm.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Serve seafood on this cute stripey fish platter by designer John Newdigate for West Elm.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Make sure your holiday guests don't leave rings on your Oomph tables! Nautical Paper Coasters, set of 12 C. Wonder.

Photo courtesy of J. Faukner

Send cute thank you notes for your hostess gifts like these Nautical Lifesaver Thank you's from J. Faukner.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Need a cheap and cheerful hostess gift to give in a pinch? Try this Anchor Decorative Plate from C. Wonder. The classic anchor and striped border are ship shape.

Photo courtesy of Clare Vivier

Having just visited her all-white Silverlake shop, I was instantly taken with this Clare Vivier racing stripe pochette. A great carry-along or addition to a stuffed market tote.

 Photo courtesy of Rikshaw Designs

Block printed in India, Rickshaw Designs Classic Kurta goes from beachside to barside.

 Photo courtesy of J. Crew

Take to the waves in style with this crisp navy and white Anchor Bathing Suit from J. Crew.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew

Guys, here are some J. Crew stylin' shorts to wear to Docktails, a new expression I learned for dockside cocktails. Yup, you heard it here.

 Photo courtesy of MZ Wallace

Tote it all with MZ Wallace's manageable stripey red and white tote.