1. Choose a large platter, cutting board, or serving tray as your base. Consider a white or natural wood board to make the colors pop.

2. Gently wash the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Hull the strawberries and slice any larger ones in half or quarters for easier eating.

3. Start by placing your larger items, like bowls of whipped topping or colorful dips, strategically on the board. This creates anchors around which you can build the rest of your display.

4. Arrange the fresh berries in distinct sections or stripes of red and blue. For example, a line of strawberries, followed by blueberries, then raspberries. This visual separation enhances the patriotic theme.

5. Place shortbread cookies and graham crackers in clusters around the fruit. You can stack them or lay them flat. Break some graham crackers into smaller, dippable pieces.

6. Add mini pretzels, either in a small bowl or scattered directly onto the board, filling in gaps and adding a salty contrast to the sweet treats.

7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat.

8. Divide the vanilla frosting into two small bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other, mixing until you achieve your desired shade. Place these colored frostings and the melted white chocolate into small serving bowls on the board.

9. Sprinkle assorted red, white, and blue candies over the board to add extra sparkle and color. If using star cookie cutters, cut star shapes from extra fruit slices or even slices of cheese for a savory-sweet touch. Fill in any remaining empty spaces to make the board look abundant and inviting.