The 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. BBQ’s and picnics, concerts and fireworks, and flags everywhere you go. This year, more than any other in recent years, those flags are more important than ever.
Fireworks in my town have been cancelled. So is the patriotic concert I love so much. There are places around the state where these things are still happening but it’s not the fireworks I am craving this year.
It’s the unity. It’s the feeling that on this special day, the whole country, regardless of party, race, religion or anything else that divides us, we are all celebrating our country. Seeing those flags, we are reminded, we are all one nation. We are all Americans. I think we forget that sometimes.
Decorating for Independence Day
I have to admit, most years I have not decorated for the fourth. I put the flag out of course but we were usually out of town for the weekend, barbecuing in the park, or celebrating at the homes of friends. This year, we are having just another couple for dinner so I will do the best I can to make it festive.
I change the decor of our house five times a year, each season and Christmas. So other than a few little things, I have never gone crazy with decorating for a specific day. This year is different though. I just feel the need to do a little more. It just feels necessary right now. So I am adding some little touches that will bring the meaning of this day to my home.
Tiered Trays
A tiered tray is always a fun and easy way to decorate for any holiday as well as every season. Putting together a Fourth of July tray is as easy as can be. A red bowl, a blue cup, a white pot, really, anything will work. Add some patriotic signs, some greenery and you’re done! I’ve put mine together a few different ways to give you some ideas. As of yet, I have not decided which way will win out for me!
Printables
As usual, you just have to have those printables! They just add so much. I have created a few to use myself and I will put them in the library for you to print as well. My favorite, of course, is in keeping with my summer coastal theme.
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Focal Points
Since I have already done my summer decorating, I will concentrate on adding just a few patriotic elements to the focal points of each room. Starting with the entry table, I simply added a patriotic star, a liberty bell above my lantern and a patriotic lighthouse sign inside.
The focal point in the family room is always the mantel. Stringing a banner across the fireplace took very little effort but really brought the patriotic feel to the room.
Adding printables that celebrate the holiday yet stay with the overall coastal theme added a little more.
The adorable little flags next to the God Bless America print were from a tutorial that Julie from My Wee Abode posted on her blog. I used nautical fabric to make mine but the sky is the limit! You can learn how to make your very own on Julie’s blog by clicking on the link DIY Mini Flags.
There are several focal points in the kitchen but because of the large picture window that dominates one wall, your eyes are automatically drawn there. For this reason and for convenience as well, I keep the table set for the two of us. Changing the plates to red, adding a bow to the centerpiece and a simple blue star, is enough.
A few small touches to the coffee bar and a hanger for the back door and the inside is ready for the holiday!
Just had to share my sister’s adorable candle display. I am soooo doing this next year!
We are expecting dinner guests tonight so I really need to bring that patriotic feeling to the outdoors. With the help of Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Big Lots, I can pull that off with very little cost! But first things first. The Flag.
White Chargers, Red Plates, and flowers – check. I was thrilled to find the little patriotic hats to sit atop my cups at the Dollar Tree! Fireworks picks, napkins, and red, white, and blue cutlery came from Walmart. The placemats were a great find on a trip to Big Lots. All in all, I can’t wait to have our friends arrive!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday! I would love to see how you will decorate this year. Please email me with your ideas! If you’re looking for an easy summer meal, I’ve got some great recipes in my post My Favorite Summer Meal. Happy 4th everyone!
So pretty and fun! I hope you have a lovely BBQ this year! 🙂
Thanks so much Barbara! Happy Fourth!
I like using printables for holiday home decor, also. Your patriotic mason jar printable is so sweet!
Thanks so much Allyson! It’s looking like a quiet Fourth here but I’m excited anyways. Hope you have a great one!
Everything looks so nice, I like it all! Thanks so much for linking up with me at #AThemedLinkup 20 for All Things American (red, white, and blue), open until July 25. All party entries shared if social media buttons installed.
Thank you Dee and thanks so much for setting up the Link party! So many great ideas there! I’ll be pinning for days! Happy Fourth!
So many lovely July 4th items, Denise… Of course, I stopped as soon as I saw your nautical mini flags! So cute! And then to be surprised and blessed by the shout out! Thanks so much! So good to have you at Tuesday Turn About!
Thanks again for the great tutorial Julie. Love those little flags! Tuesday Turn About was a lot of fun and so many great ideas to try! I am looking forward to the next one!