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Respectful ways to display the flag on the Fourth

By Emilie Le Beau, McClatchy-Tribune News Service, Source: MCT News Service

Hosting a Fourth of July party? Think carefully how you want to present the flag to your guests.

 The U.S. flag cannot be flown underneath another country's flag. It cannot be draped on a car or flown in the dark of night. The flag should never touch the ground or dip onto any person or thing.

For parties, the flag cannot be used as a tablecloth. Only bunting of red, white and blue can be arranged on tables.

Star decorations and tableware can help bring a patriotic feel to a party without risking disrespect to the flag. Here are five star-inspired ideas:

STAR ICE POPS: Create a star-shaped dessert with the Tovolo Shooting Star Pop Molds. This set comes with six sticks and a custom mold stand that creates star-shaped popsicles. The mold has a drip guard and each pop can be removed individually. Reusable. $12.95 at Amazon.com or Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

STARS AND STRIPES CORN COB HOLDERS: Devour corn on the cob with festive holders. The Corn Cob Holders in Stars and Stripes Pattern are made with stainless steel prongs and have earthenware handles. Each holder is 4 inches tall. Sold in a set of four, $26.99 at Organize.com. 

STARS DESSERT PLATE: Serve up apple pie and other American favorites on a navy plate decorated with white stars. The Stars Dessert Plate has a heavy paper weight and is 7.25 by 7.25 inches. $2.80 for a package of eight. Available at FineStationery.com.

STAR NAPKINS: See stars with the Multi Stars Blue Beverage Napkin. These three-ply napkins have a deep blue color and bright white stars. Each napkin is 5 by 5 inches folded and can work as either a cocktail or dinner napkin. $4.95 for a package of 20. Available at ShopCocktailnapkins.com.

STAR ICE CUBES: Drop star-shaped ice- cubes into guests' glasses. The Star Ice Cube Tray is made by Lekue and has 11 ice cube molds. The ice cubes can be individually removed. The tray is made with FDA approved flexible rubber. Hand wash recommended. $4.95 each or two for $9.50, BayVillageStore.com.

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(c) 2009, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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