10 Timeless, Budget-Friendly 4th of July Decorating Ideas
How is it almost July Fourth? Summer always seems to fly by this time of year! Our neighborhood has their annual party tomorrow, so we’re hosting a little patio barbecue here at home. In preparation for our get together, I wanted to insert some festive vignettes throughout our home. I didn’t buy a single thing for these styling ideas, and I’m willing to bet you have most of these items in your home, too. Click through for 10 timeless, budget-friendly 4th of July decorating ideas! These all evoke that classic, Ralph Lauren, Americana aesthetic (indoors and out)– perfect for the holiday ahead.
1. Style Flags in a Vase or Crock
Never underestimate the simple and effective styling power of a basic flag. You can grab these at any big box home improvement retailer or local shop for less than $5. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color, pattern, and are the easiest festive touch.
2. Add Flags to Window Planter Boxes
When thinking of 4th of July decor, don’t limit yourself to interior spaces. If you have window planter boxes, adding a flag to each box is a classic and charming look. Our storage shed boxes are my favorite this time of year!
3. Install Flag Bunting
This is the first year I’ve installed flag bunting outside on our front porch, and I have to say- I love that it looks like quintessential Fourth of July. If you have a covered porch, definitely consider adding a flag or pleated bunting. I grabbed this one last year from Lowe’s for $15 and never got around to hanging it up. I’m glad I made the time this season.
You can also use bunting indoors! I think the easiest spot to style it is on a console table, entry table, bar or serving cart, or a window. It would also be great for a table that holds food, desserts, or a buffet for your 4th of July party.
4. Lean Into Seasonal Ribbon
Have red, white, or blue ribbon? Tie it at the bottom of a sconce, lamp, candleholder, knob, or use it to add a pop of color to a tablescape. It doesn’t get easier!
5. Add Flags to Planters
Similarly to exterior window boxes, planters are another ideal spot for styling flags. Whether they’re on your front porch, patio, garden, or elsewhere- adding a flag takes a second and instantly results in a festive and impactful look. You know I love terracotta planters, but click here for classic planters for every aesthetic and budget.
6. Style a Festive Tablescape
If you’re hosting, the table is the perfect place to add red, white, and blue seasonal touches. From swapping kitchen linens to styling napkins and arranging tabletop florals, focusing on setting a festive 4th of July table is well worth the effort.
7. Use Seasonal Books As Decor
Do you have any coffee table books that include festive 4th of July imagery? Ralph Lauren’s A Way of Living continues to be my favorite and it features an Americana section. Open books are an excellent way to style a seasonal coffee table- based on the content within (swipe right to see more from this book). Alternatively, you can also style red, white, and blue books or spines on the coffee table or built-in for an impactful and colorful aesthetic. Check out the best interior design books for timeless home inspiration, here.
8. Hang a Seasonal Item from a Hook or Door Handle
Style a classic boat tote, bag, or ribbon from a hook or door handle. You could also hang a festive sweater on a wooden hanger. This would actually be ideal for our floor plan, given we have hanging space in our laundry room, which connects to our powder bath (that guests use during our parties). It’s probably the easiest way to add red, white, or blue using elements you already own.
9. Style Seasonal Pillows & Throws
Swapping textiles seasonally is another effective way to decorate for holidays. I styled a woven American flag pillow on our balcony sofa, and also added striped navy bolsters to our swivel chairs in the living room. Subtle touches go a long way!
10. Arrange Red, White, or Blue Florals
Grab some seasonal florals in a classic Fourth of July color palette. These wispy blue flowers grabbed my attention and I potted them in a classic blue & white bowl on my kitchen cart.
FAQ
Of course- it’s 6 feet wide by 3 feet tall, and this is the exact one.
In addition to kitchen linens, napkins, and serveware, I think desserts are the easiest place to insert festive color. Last year, I made red velvet cupcakes, pictured below. Anything with strawberries or blueberries feels appropriate! I always enjoy making (and eating) the following fan favorites: strawberry sheet cake, strawberry pavlova, and fruit pizza.
Classic Party Finds
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
The majority of these are quick ship and can be here tomorrow, if the holiday also crept up on you. I’m partial to timeless finds you can use for hosting or serving all summer long.
Related
Looking for more summer styling, decorating, and hosting inspiration? I’ll link some of my favorite posts for you below…
- Al Fresco Summer Tablescape
- 25 Tablecloths Perfect for Summer Dinner Parties
- Classic Planters for Every Aesthetic and Budget
- My Outdoor Living Tour
- 25 Most Loved Summer Finds from Amazon
- Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
- Woven Lighting for Summer
- Summer Recipe : Campari Olive Oil Cake
- Summer Vignettes & Prep for House Guests
I hope this post was helpful if you’re hosting or are simply looking to style your home festively for the Fourth! We’ve got our nephew in town for the week, so we’re excited to make fun summer memories. I’m working to get my vintage chairs reupholstered to share with you (hopefully Friday), but we’ll see how much I can get accomplished with a teen this week, ha. Happy 4th of July, friends! Hope you’re having a great summer season so far.