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?
Rebecca says
I love that cake! Decorating is not my forte, but I can bake, slice, ice, and stack.
BTW: For anyone who uses boxed cakes, they’re down to $0.50/box at Stop and Shop this week, because of this printable coupon: http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=DGAK47D3GEAHI.
Gina B says
What a lovely story! Happy birthday, and I’m so happy this holiday is so special for you.
Tricia says
What a fun day to celebrate for you! Love these ideas – esp the table decor!
Marty Walden says
Love these, Carrie! I’m pinning and sharing on my fb page. Have a great day!
Carrie says
Thanks Marty! That means the world to me.