Favorite 4th of July Ideas

The Fourth of July is incredibly important to my family.  As much as I shy away decorating for every dang holiday (Groundhog Day bunting, anyone?) the Fourth is a huge day of celebration of LIFE for us.  For the life of my daughter.  Because just about five years ago on that day, our little firecracker was born and fought incredible odds to be here.  Watching fireworks from her hospital room while our hearts were grieving is simply an image I’ll never forget, and now when we see fireworks we know it represents the spark that pushed through to bring our daughter back home to us.

It’s okay if you channel your inner Katy Perry at this point.  “Baby you’re a fiiiiire-worrrrrk, c’mon show them what you’re worth…”

I’m hesitant to go too crazy decor wise when it comes to the Fourth, but I found a few simple and pretty 4th of July ideas I know you’ll love.  These are the type of home decor items you can keep up all summer long because they’re fresh, breezy, and heart-thumpingly patriotic.  All can be DIY’ed yourself, too, so they’re easy on the budget.  Which one is your favorite?  There’s so many to love!

Patriotic Decor Ideas

Frame It: Neutral Toned Patriotic Decor with a Vintage Vibe

Source: The Golden Sycamore

Red, White and You: Add a few sharp red accessories to a white room to make it look oh-so-fresh.

Source: House Beautiful

Fourth of July Party Tablescapes & Party Ideas

Show your Stripes: Simple party decor teamed up with striped straws is highly fun and festive.

Source: For the Love of…

Dollar Store Divine: Sand in a jar.  Pom pom on a stick.  Put them together and you’ve got fireworks at your table!

Source: Martha Stewart (via The Gardening Cook)

Bundle It: Create bundles of plates and silverware to make eating outside easy for your guests

Source: In My Own Style

Red, White, and Blue Bandanas: they cost about $1 each, so go ahead and make reusable napkins!

Source: Two Shades of Pink

Bottled Up: It’s mighty hot in July around here, these printable water bottle labels will come in handy for labeling your hydration

Source: Mom 4 Real

Creative Fun with Flags

Budget-wise Bunting: a simple idea, use inexpensive flags and navy trim for an easy flag bunting in just minutes.

Source: Making Lemonade

Foam Board Flag: Doesn’t this look heavy and hard to make?  Nope, just use foam board for a faux pallet wood flag!

Source: Saved by Love Creations

Vintage-esque Bunting: Twine and ticking combine for another simple flag bunting idea

Source: saltwater-kids

Festive Food

I’d never have the patience to make this gorgeous 4th of July layer cake, but it sure is purdy:

Source: Askanam

These are more my style: firecracker cupcakes; the kids can help with the decorating!

Source: Party Bluprints

Double Dipped: chocolate, sprinkles, and ice cream– life is GOOD.

Source: Noble Pig

Fourth of July.  Indeed a special holiday around here.  Which idea was your favorite?  And how much do you hate me for getting Katy Perry stuck in your head?