To say that Phoebe Whealdon hosts tremendous dinner parties would be an understatement. Take, for example, the “Titanic” soirée she put together for her gourmet dinner group years ago. She invited five other couples to her Mandeville home, where she and her husband, Jay, recreated the ambiance of the infamous ship’s dining room on its fateful night. Jay had done extensive research to find the exact menu last served on the ship, and then prepared the same meal for their guests. Phoebe requested that every participant dress the part, and her guests fit in perfectly when they arrived in tuxedos and ball gowns.

Phoebe is undoubtedly the “Queen of the Theme” when it comes to party decorating. While many people go all-out to dress up their homes for the usual holidays, such as Christmas and Halloween, Phoebe takes her home decorating to a new level. Her friends and family have come to expect that the Whealdon home will be appropriately adorned during the seasons of Mardi Gras, Easter and even Independence Day. (“But I would decorate whether or not anyone came over or ever saw it!” she insists.) For the latter holiday, Phoebe has compiled quite a collection of serving ware, home décor and baubles of every shape and size. The items were brought together one summer to entertain the aforementioned dinner group in a patriotic setting. The party was such a hit that it has become a recurring engagement every July 4th.

Phoebe set out her Independence Day decorations early this year, so that IN could sneak a peek, and her collection certainly did not disappoint. From the patriotic-themed welcome mat that ushers you through the door to the two precious cats waiting just inside wearing red, white and blue kitty collars, her home exuded the American spirit. The dining room table was set in anticipation of Phoebe’s 4th of July guests, topped with items she has gathered over the years at craft and jewelry shows. There were wine glasses, hand-painted with stars, and even pâté knives and wine charms carrying the patriotic theme. Red, white and blue Mardi Gras beads provided a whimsical centerpiece.

Phoebe’s dearest pieces of all the items are, understandably, the oldest in her collection. They are the settings of china that adorn the table. The pattern gleams in colors of red and gold. The set was given to her by her mother-in-law. “I only use these dishes for the 4th of July party,” says Phoebe.

When it comes time to dress the part for Independence Day, Phoebe will definitely not have trouble finding something appropriate to wear. She has oodles of patriotic-themed sweaters and blouses—and accessories galore! “My red sequined sunglasses are something I found while shopping the streets of Los Angeles with a friend during a break from a Junior League convention,” she points out. (Phoebe is a past president of the Junior League of Greater Covington and remains a member of the Board of Directors.) To top off the look, she relies on her assortment of themed hats and handbags—as well as a collection of red, white and blue nail polish!

Every last detail is remembered in her decorations. When Phoebe ushers her star-spangled guests out the door after this July’s party, they will surely notice the lone photo on her foyer table. It’s a shot of the gourmet dinner club’s last Independence Day gathering, mounted in a sparkly sequined frame. “I’ll take another picture of the group at this year’s party and put it over the old one. Then, I’ll pack it up in a box in the attic with all these decorations,” she grins, “just to take it back down again next year!”