4th of July table runner

I got the tutorial for this table runner from Anina at http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/2009/05/strippy-runner-tutorial.html.  She was very gracious in providing the tutorial to Sew Mama Sew, and I loved her color choices, too.  I needed a 4th of July theme, though, so here it is.

My sister-in-law and brother-in-law have been hosting for almost 30 years a 4th of July cookout at their house - lots of family and friends descending on their home/yard/pool.  It's always great fun.  This year I thought as a way of thanks I would make them this table runner.  The first pic is the top, the bottom two are the back.  Now, question:  Does one of the fabric look like Dad's ugly tie???  Too late now anyway, but I sure hope not!  The lettering is still in the works - embroidery in red and blue DMC.