Our Editor's Favorite 4th of July Decorations for 2023
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With Independence Day nearly a month away, it's time to start thinking about 4th of July decorating ideas, so we hunted around the Internet for on-theme decor you can either buy or make yourself. So if you're good with a glue gun, you may want to put your credit card away and craft your own festive decorations. Otherwise, peep our list of ready-made alternatives that you can have delivered ready to display.
So if you are hosting the soirée this year, you'll need some inspiration. Luckily, we have 40 ideas to kick-start your decorating journey. From a plush throw pillow with scalloped edges and red, white, and blue stripes to a delicious-smelling bouquet of fresh blooms, there are a lot of good options to consider. Trust us; these decorations are so adorable you'll set the perfect scene for a festive fête.
The best part? With Memorial Day freshly over, a lot of our top picks are still on sale! So there's no need to spend more than you're willing on decorations you'll display for only a few days. Don't wait too long, though. These deals won't be on offer for long. Not to mention, they probably won't be on the digital shelves for long, either! We're not the only ones gearing up for the Fourth! As far as we're concerned, it's never too early to outfit your home in red, white, and blue.
Scalloped Pillow
If you're looking for a way to add a festive touch to your space without leaning too much into the theme, go with a pair of scalloped-edge throw pillows donning a red, white, and blue pattern. If your living area is neutral enough, you can leave these out well past summer.
Scalloped Pillow
$68.00
anthropologie.com
AnthropologieHealing Tears Bouquet
The easiest way to add a touch of on-theme decor is with a fresh bouquet that smells as beautiful as it looks. If you're hosting a Fourth of July cookout, consider buying a few of these and using them as centerpieces.
Healing Tears Bouquet
$49.99
1800flowers.com
1-800FlowersHausse Reflective American Flag Pinwheels
Adorn your front lawn or walkway with rows of sparkly pinwheels to lead guests into your party. This pack includes 10. These may be a little cliche, but they get the celebratory point across!
Hausse Reflective American Flag Pinwheels
$15.99
amazon.com
AmazonTop Hat Vase
For only a few more days, MacKenzie-Childs is having a sweeping summer sale, so if you're looking for maximalist decor for the Fourth of July, this adorable vase shaped like a top hat will do the trick. Fill it with flowers, miniature flags, or anything else that feels charming and festive.
Top Hat Vase
$84.00
mackenzie-childs.com
MacKenzie-ChildsDecorate Your Flowers
Low-effort and high-reward, these sweet flower baskets are a sophisticated alternative to crafts that may take hours to assemble. All you need is a basket, fresh hydrangeas, and a few miniature American flags.
Upgrade the Fence
If you have a bunch of mini flags from past Independence Day celebrations, don't throw them out! Instead, remove the poles, sew (or glue) the flags together, and use them as a garland around your fence, front door, or porch.
Make Your Own Flag
jenny reimold
https://jennyreimold.com/blog-...
Stars and Stripes Pennant Banner
However, if you're short on time, go ahead and buy the garland pre-made. This one, which is on sale for 50% off at Crate & Barrel, is a good go-to for anyone without a few hours to spare.
Stars and Stripes Pennant Banner
$9.97
crateandbarrel.com
Crate & BarrelKeep It Simple
Another good idea that's easy to execute in a matter of minutes? This glass container decor from White and Woodgrain. All you need is a glass jar or pitcher, a few American flags, and the stems of your choice.
Get Crafty With Mason Jars
If you have a few Mason jars leftover from the previous decoration, fill them with sand, paste a double-sided American flat against the wall, and plop a tiny candle on the bottom. Just make sure the candle features a faux flame because the real thing could be a fire hazard.
400 LED Patriotic Firework Lights
If you live in an area where real fireworks are off-limits, opt for the LED version instead. This set of two operates on a timer with eight light modes that can make them flash and fade.
400 LED Patriotic Firework Lights
$25.99
amazon.com
AmazonLiberty Outdoor Burlap Collection Wreath
Greet guests with an intricately folded burlap version of Old Glory. This 16-inch wreath is sturdy enough to hang indoors or out.
Liberty Outdoor Burlap Collection Wreath
$33.50
potterybarn.com
Pottery BarnStars & Stripes Circle Flag
Decorate in true colonial fashion using a circular flag studded with stars and stripes. It could look crisp and modern too if you pair it with other clean-lined decorations.
Stars & Stripes Circle Flag
$69.00
Pottery Barn
Pottery BarnArrange Backyard Flowers
Fresh-cut flowers can get expensive, fast, especially when you need enough for a large tablescape. Try this centerpiece idea instead: Fill galvanized vases with low-key wildflowers in vivid red, white, and blue hues, filling the holes with leafy greens, as Sugar & Charm did here. Even better if you can forage around and find them in your own backyard.
Deck Out Your Snacks
To elevate your Fourth of July festivities, take note of this pretty red, white, and blue spread from Cheetah Is the New Black. Some fresh berries, a charcuterie board, a floral cake, and bottles of rosé against a garden backdrop will set the scene for something a little dressier.
American Flag Paper Fans
You can't have too many paper fans, especially when they come in this many patriotic patterns. Arrange them over a drinks or desert station for maximum effect.
American Flag Paper Fans
$14.99
amazon.com
AmazonOutdoor Net Food Cover
A picnic in the park is an affordable, fun way to gather your friends for the Fourth of July, and you can keep it festive with just a few functional accessories. Enter: this outdoor net table cover. It's summery, stylish, and highly effective at keeping those pesky pests off your masterpiece of a picnic spread.
Outdoor Net Food Cover
$28.00
food52.com
Food52Americana Wreath
Subtle and pretty, hang this Fourth of July-themed wreath on your front door for a festive welcome.
Americana Wreath
$109.95
williams-sonoma.com
Williams SonomaHang Some Flags
Tom Scherer spruced up some empty walls in a stairwell by hanging a series of American flags. Try this in a guest bathroom, foyer, hallway, or really any small space that guests will be using during your shindig.
Star-Spangled Biodegradable Straws
Not only are these straws totally festive for the Fourth, they're also biodegradable—ideal for replacing eco-unfriendly plastic.
Star-Spangled Biodegradable Straws
$10.95
amazon.com
AmazonHang a Red, White, and Blue Quilt
Take note of this entryway designed by Anthony Baratta if you need some inspiration for understated, timeless, and approachable Americana decor. The color schemes and prints are perfect for a Fourth of July mood without being overtly theme-y. If you don't have an heirloom quilt of your own, try hanging one like this.
Red, White, and Blue Place Settings
Although it was originally designed for Presidents' Day, this red, white, and blue tablescape offers a sophisticated take on the America the Beautiful theme.
Repaint Outdoor Furniture
You'll probably want to celebrate outside, so make sure your patio sets a festive scene. This porch designed by Tom Scherer is full of elevated decorating ideas. If you don't already have some red outdoor cushions ready to swap in, just add a couple of throw pillows or paint an old piece of furniture red.
Fly a Mini Flag
Keep things simple and add a small American flag to your setup for a nod to the holiday without spending too much or going over-the-top with decorations, as Anthony Barrata did here on this gondola.
Frame a Flag
An American flag above the Arts & Crafts bedframe in this room designed by Alexandra Angle reads as modern art thanks to the frame, surrounding decor, and prominent placement.
Patriotic Photo Booth Props
Who doesn't love a good selfie? These photo booth props ensure your guests will be taking pictures all night long. Now all you need is a good hashtag.
Patriotic Photo Booth Props
$9.72
amazon.com
AmazonNautical Snack Picks
Even finger food deserves some flair. Adorn hors d'oeuvres with these printable flags, and the appetizers will kick off the party in style. Get the tutorial at Hostess With the Mostess.
Use a Fun Tablecloth
Throw a cute red-and-white tablecloth over your outdoor dining table and then add some blue via seat cushions. Then bring in some greenery with a blue pitcher to hold flowers, as Libby Cameron did here.
Light Some Candles
Whether it's a pool deck or a dock, set the scene for romance in your party space with large outdoor candles, blue pillows, a picnic setup, and throw blankets for nighttime firework-viewing comfort. We're digging the large hurricanes on this deck designed by Andrea Goldman.
Spruce Up the Guest Room
This bedroom designed by Cameron Libby is ready for the Fourth of July all year long. If you'll be hosting houseguests for the long weekend, spruce it up with a festive bedskirt or throw pillows and fresh flowers.
Festive Kite Banner
These red-white-and-blue mini kites evoke the perfect sunny day, no matter the weekend weather forecast. Get the tutorial at Brit + Co.
Florals & Fruits
Want to look patriotic without spending a ton of money? All you need is red, white, and blue flowers, fruits, and cocktails! See more at Sugar and Charm.
Lollipop Bouquet
Remember when being sent to the kids table was a bad thing? This sugar-sweet centerpiece will never wilt, and it'll score instant points with any little ones (and kids at heart) in attendance. Get the tutorial at Gluesticks.
Star String Lights
If you just can't get enough string lights, try these little star lights that shine in patriotic colors.
Star String Lights
$14.99
amazon.com
AmazonPatriotic Bunting
Simple bunting in red, white, and blue will turn any porch into a Fourth of July celebration to remember.
Patriotic Bunting
$52.12
grandinroad.com
Grandin RoadFestive 4th of July Party Favors
Add firecrackers and poppers to jars with red, white, and blue confetti. Top with a flag, and you've got party favors that double as decor. See more at Sugar and Charm.
Firecracker Floral Arrangements
This easy DIY will help you turn any bouquet of flowers into a firecracker. Most impressive party decor ever? Definitely. Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Firework Dessert Toppers
A no-bake dessert means less time in the kitchen and more fun decorating. Add ribbon and these printable cutouts for the perfect 3D pop. Get the tutorial at Anders Ruff.
Bunting Banners
This metallic garland's shimmering finish is the perfect background for all your Instagrams, of course. Get the tutorial at Damask Love.
Bold Pineapple Centerpiece
The summer's hottest fruit gets a spirited new look with paint and sparklers. Get the tutorial at Freutcake.
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