How to Decorate Your Home for the 4th of July
Decorating for the Fourth of July, the day the United States celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is a festive way to observe the holiday in your home. Picnics, backyard barbecues and firework displays are typical activities that take place to commemorate the holiday. Red, white and blue are the traditional colors associated with the holiday, and stars and stripes are traditional themes. Both the color scheme and the themes are representative of the American flag. There are many flourishes you can add when decorating in order to represent your individual flare.
Bunting
Red, white and blue bunting adds an air of celebration to your porch, outside structures such as gazebos, or to picnic tables. Bunting can be purchased in solid colors or is often available decorated with stars or in a red, white and blue graphic pattern. To trim your structure or table, begin by measuring the length for the trim from the beginning point to the end point. It is a good idea to work in sections so the bunting material doesn’t become too long or cumbersome. Roll out your bunting to a length that is double the length measured. Drape the first section of the bunting and attach to where you began measuring. Working along the area you measured, let the bunting go slack and drape, bring to a peak and attach along the measured area. Repeat this step in sections that are equal in length until you reach the end of the area you measured. There should be an amount of bunting equal to the beginning point to let hang and drape.
Adhesive Stars
Available at most party stores, or you can make your own with a star template and glossy white vinyl film, adhesive stars quickly add a festive air to your outdoor celebration. Surfaces that can be decorated include a bucket used to ice beverages, the windows of your house, or a set of glass tumblers to add flare to your table.
Table Decorations
Setting the table for your celebration can add a real spark to your party. Place a blue tablecloth on your table. Cut out stars in varying sizes and place them in the table in a random pattern. Purchase red plates and white napkins so that the table reflects the American flag.
Candles
Candles bring an air of elegance to any get together. To jazz up your party table, purchase a selection of red, white and blue pillar candles in various heights and place them in the center of the table. In addition to a centerpiece of pillar candles, votive candles are available in various colors and often come in shapes such as stars. Place the votive candles, intermittently, to the left and the right of the centered pillar candles working your way length wise to the end of the table.
Garland
Available at most party stores, there are many garland options available to decorate your house with for the Fourth of July. Purchase garland in the traditional red, white and blue colors or you may find garland that is star shaped. Hang the garland in your doorways and windows or along your banister.
Flags
Old Glory is without question the star of any Fourth of July celebration. Purchase a bunch of flags in buckets, small Mason jars or other vessels that resemble Americana for your guests to grab and wave during the fireworks display or to take home as souvenirs of the day and your event. Hang the flag from your porch, balcony or on a wall in your home to commemorate the day. Place the buckets or jars containing the bunches of flags for your guests on a table underneath the flag.
Patriotic Picnic Table
Using semigloss red and white paint, paint the slats of your picnic table. Purchase blue paper plates and napkins to complete your flag themed picnic table. In the center of the table create a centerpiece using flag “bouquets” contained in a vase.
Star Wreath
Welcome guests to your home with a patriotic wreath on your front door. To make the wreath you'll need a wire wreath frame, available in a circular frame or a star frame; red, white and blue cardboard construction paper; silver ribbon, and a star shaped hole punch. All items are available at an arts and crafts store. Using a star template trace star shapes on the red, white and blue cardboard in varying sizes. To add extra flare to your stars use the hole punch and trim some of your stars around the boarder. You may also wish to decorate some of the stars with decorative 4th of July-themed paper, glitter or adhesive stars. Use your imagination or even get the kids involved in decorating each individual star. Run the ribbon through the hole punch and attach to the wire frame by tying a bow. To add depth to your wreath you may also attach starts to each other so they overlap.
Flowers
Flowers are always a wonderful way to bring a celebratory air to any gathering. Carnations, available in brilliant reds, bursting blues and pure whites are ideal for either a table centerpiece or placed in large buckets on your patio or around the yard. For a mixed flower arrangement place blue irises, red carnations and baby's breathe in a solid red or blue container. Tie the container with red or silver star garland.
Balloons
Balloons bring a sense of excitement to any gathering. Naturally, red, white and blue should be used as the base colors, but balloons are now available with a variety of patterns including stars and stripes. Use contrasting red, white and blue ribbons to secure the balloons. Place helium balloon bouquets on your patio, around your backyard, attached to planters or porch railings, or use as a table centerpiece.
