It's nearly the Fourth of July, and so it's time to fully recognize that summer is with us. And for those on Nantucket Island and in Southampton, N.Y., its time to entertain in the manner of the Old World! What does "Old World" entertaining really mean? Well, you can be sure it's not about paper plates and clear plastic cups. Old-fashioned entertaining requires a picnic basket lined with a red-and-white check cloth and napkins as well as sandwiches, fruit and drinks that are kept cold in a thermos.

Oh, for the old-fashioned picnic where the hostess unfolded a linen table cloth and placed it on the grass! Think about all the great artists of the world who have painted French or English picnics of yesterday. If you happen to own one of these pastoral luncheon-by-the-river paintings, hang it above your sofa or your dining room buffet and dream, dream, dream of yesterday.

Oh, yes, there is a today as well, and Palm Beach folks are among the best entertainers in the world. The Palm Beach hostess always puts on her best when it comes to planning a party, whether it involves simple cocktails in the loggia or a big Sunday brunch buffet on the sand. But then, why not? The sunshine is here all year long, and it provides a bright backdrop for those great Lilly Pulitzer color schemes of aqua blue, pink and lime green. As you know, young people – and older folks as well – often throw a Lily Pulitzer colorful sheet over the buffet table, and with a combination of aqua, pink and lime green paper cocktail napkins, begin serving those delicious apple martinis. Oh, Lilly, you are so much loved!

Do you think fine dining at home is gone for the summer? Not on your life! The vintage Waterford crystal goblets still sit serenely on the proper dining table, along with the Battenburg lace tablecloth and those white starched napkins, of course. People still entertain the old-fashioned way, although the traditional small silver ashtrays – their original use gone bye-bye in today's health-conscious world – hold unsalted nuts and cashews.

I love color on a dining table. For the Independence Day holiday, what about masses of bright red carnations? Individually, the carnation is not my favorite, but when many carnations are grouped together, they somehow say "happiness." And if the flowers are placed in a large silver tureen, how glorious they are.

If you are the woman with the white Battenburg cloths and the lush red-carnation centerpiece, you might consider using white napkins that have a blue trim. You could even be more daring with napery of a flag blue-and-white stripe. After all the Fourth of July is an all-American day.

Last year, I agreed to be the grand marshal of the Independence Day parade in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., home of the Greenbrier Hotel – called America's resort and long known for its golf courses and lazy mint- julep-laced afternoons. The décor of The Greenbrier is well known for its bright, vivid colors, colors that I always use in my design work. I guess you can say I'm not timid about combining all the colors of the rainbow into a beautiful drawing room. When it comes to "old-fashioned" decorating, remember that classic skipper blue is one of the colors most often used in these rooms. And in these rooms, you'll surely see some white Canton-ware porcelains displayed in a cabinet or on the top of a sideboard. What a delight these dining rooms can be, with red toile drapery trimmed in a red or with blue toile drapery trimmed in the old-fashioned blue brushed fringe.

Happy Fourth of July to all my Palm Beach readers. Head for the beach, spread out a cloth and have yourself a joyous picnic in the red, white and blue way!

Carleton's Decorating Tip of the Week

End tables don't have to match. Try a round table on one end of the sofa and a square table at the other end – or even a chest. Keep them both the same height if possible.