As Independence Day approaches, it seemed high time to set a table in red, white, and… navy—with a generous helping of humour. These whimsical plates from West Elm feature delightfully dapper animals dressed in their Revolutionary best.

 

 

They’re the perfect mix of festivity and fun, especially for a Canadian just here for the party (and the cherry desserts, of course).

 

 

The animal characters bring a smile to everyone’s face. There’s a fox with a Betsy Ross vibe…

 

 

…a solemn bison in military dress…

 

 

…a scholarly deer…

 

 

…and a stern-looking eagle who wouldn’t be out of place on currency….

 

 

Are they historically accurate? Absolutely not. But they are absolutely entertaining.

About the Dapper Animal Series

West Elm’s Dapper Animals series is the whimsical brainchild of artist Rachel Kozlowski. Known for her playful yet refined aesthetic, Rachel combines classical portraiture with anthropomorphic flair, dressing wild animals in period costume. Over the years, West Elm has released multiple themed sets—from Revolutionary-era patriots and Renaissance nobility to seaside vacationers and Christmas revellers—each collection featuring different animals in delightfully human guises. They’ve become a collector’s delight, sparking smiles and conversations around the table with every seasonal debut.

The Decorative Elements

To keep the palette playful and fresh, I paired the plates with navy dinner plates and red Arabella tumblers from Juliska (sadly, discontinued but sometimes available on eBay).

 

 

Rattan placemats add texture, and the crisp white and soft indigo tablecloth sets a cool base for all the colour to shine.

 

 

A few red-striped napkins amp up the Americana, and a simple lantern in the centre gives a bit of height without stealing the spotlight.

 

 

The Cherry Crumb Bars

The real star of the show? The Cherry Crumb Bars. Buttery, sweet, and bursting with flavour, they rest casually on a scalloped white cake stand, surrounded by fresh cherries as a cheeky nod to George Washington and that infamous cherry tree (which, let’s be honest, he probably never chopped down—but it makes for a good story).

 

 

Everything on this table is meant to invite laughter, conversation, and second helpings. It’s casual enough for a backyard gathering, yet charming enough to make guests feel like you’ve gone the extra mile. Just don’t be surprised if they start assigning personalities to their plates before the meal begins.

 

 

Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July or simply enjoying a summer afternoon, this table reminds us that style and whimsy don’t have to be mutually exclusive. And a cherry dessert is always a good idea.