Date:  July 2, 2025  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |  

Event designer Candace Wilson creates a Fourth of July gathering that will make you want to party like it’s 1776

As a teacher at Conway High School, Candace Wilson spent 17 years working with her students to dream up out-of-this-world prom themes and school event décor. “It was really important to me to get the kids involved and do something nice for them,” she says of the experience. Drawn to party planning, she has always enjoyed hosting kids’ birthdays and gatherings, too. “I did over-the-top parties before Pinterest,” she says with a laugh.

Friends and family took notice and began to ask if she’d be willing to plan their events; soon, her side hustle Candace Wilson Creative took off. With backdrops for Instagram-worthy photos becoming popular, she began to focus her attention there, adding in planning and full-service design as she grew. The current owners of Legacy Acres event venue recognized her talent and invited her to come on board as their director of operations. Today, she works with them while continuing to plan events—like this summer soirée—on her own. “I try to put my heart into every event and to make it a reflection of the person being celebrated or the client,” Candace says. Read on for Candace’s ideas to create your own patriotic party this season.

Cheers to America!
Candace’s husband builds all of the backdrops she uses, and she adds paint and décor to convey the theme. “I envisioned this being Americana but with a twist,” she says, pointing to the wallpaper, wicker sconces, and scalloped shelves, which all contribute to the feminine air. “I also try to be as budget-friendly as possible,” she adds, noting that the bar can be re-customized for each occasion and props like the cruiser-style bike and American flag are pieces that can be pulled from around the house to further the theme.

Seeing Stars
“I love anything feminine, and I love color; I’m not the one who is going to come up with a theme that is all neutral,” Candace says. Pastel shades of pink and blue that accompany the traditional USA palette show up in the tableware. Bouquets from florist Three Poppies add to the girlish feel of the gathering. Each arrangement includes shimmer peach roses, blue Queen Anne’s lace, red ranunculi, snapdragons, stock, blue irises, thistle, blue delphinium, and peach carnations. The entire tablescape is set off with light blue linens from Eventology.

“I love anything feminine, and I love color; I’m not the one who is going to come up with a theme that is all neutral.”
—Candace Wilson

Conway’s Legacy Acres serves as the setting for Candace’s all-American gathering.

Cookies from Conway’s SH Cookie Co. feature the same palette of red, white, pink, and blue along with USA-themed slogans and shapes. “Cookies are one of my favorite ways to keep your theme going, plus this bakery’s taste so good!” Candace says.

RECIPE: Star Spangled Spritzer

Toast America’s birthday with this easy-to-assemble cocktail.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup berries, plus additional for garnish

4 lemon slices, plus additional for garnish

2 teaspoons sugar

3 ounces Smirnoff Red, White, and Berry vodka

ice

prosecco or club soda

PREPARE

Place berries, lemons, and sugar inside a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add vodka and ice; shake until well mixed. Fill two glasses with ice and strain the cocktail mixture evenly into each. Top with a splash of prosecco or club soda, and garnish with lemon and berries.