July 4th party ideas

July 4th is right around the corner so I thought I would gather up some ideas on how you can throw together a fun festive table with treats and decorations for America’s birthday. Whether it’s a July 4th party, a birthday bash or a backyard BBQ, having a party can be overwhelming, time consuming and expensive. Here a few ideas on how to make your next patriotic party look good and be easy and fun. These ideas include some of my DIY projects and ideas and others are from blogs or websites that I loved. Check them out!

1. Shop your home
Look for anything that could work for July 4th decor. Red, white & blue containers, baskets, jars, and anything with stars on it. Use ribbons, tags, images of flags and stars as added decorations too. They can transform any plain glass jar or basket. Labels are a great way to add some fun to your table too. Make your own or feel free to use the circle labels I created. Click here to download my free labels. To receive these labels and all my free stuff, you just have to subscribe to receive my posts via email. It’s easy, there’s no commitment and plus you get access to lots of free stuff. Click here to sign up. If you’re already a subscriber, you should have received an email with a password to access these fun freebies already.

2. Tablecloths & paper goods
July 4th is all about the BBQ and this red and white checked tablecloth is the perfect iconic backdrop for your table. And paper goods are easy too – anything red, white or blue works and you can find these patriotic colors and patterns everywhere. I found tablecloths at our local grocery store for $2.99 and all the patriotic paper goods at the Dollar store. Sometimes these are better options than the pricey party stores.

3. DIY painted flag wood tray
I painted a long piece of wood to look like a flag and I’m using it here to display cupcakes. I can also use it as artwork, decoration, a centerpiece for candles – it’s a great multi-purpose piece that’s easy to make. Check out my painted wood tray tutorial here.

5. Flags, flags & more flags

This is the single easiest and cheapest party decoration and favor. And I love the mini American flags – you can stick a bunch of them in a jar, decorate your plants with them, make them into banners. Lots of options – and then let guests take them home!

6. Paper rosettes

I did a post last year on how to make these decorations for any occasion. Change up the colors and patterns of the paper for your specific event and they make such pretty party decor. All you need is paper, tape and some fishing line. If you don’t have paper that’s long enough, just tape different papers together and you get the color block look I have here. I actually have a version of these hanging in my dining room all year round. Check out my post on how to make paper rosettes here.

7. FREE patriotic art prints

There’s some great free art out there for all occasions that you can download and print on your own. I found this USA print at bloominghomestead.com. I just love the floral graphic she used for the country. Click here to go to her site and download this awesome print. Display these prints in a frame and you’ve got instant free art! I also found this Stars & Stripes sign at Target for $3. almost free…

8. Confetti poppers

I found this cute idea at designdazzle.com and I made a bunch very quickly and easily. Kids snap the balloon covered roll and confetti flies out of the top. Again, using toilet paper rolls, along with patriotic duct tape, ballons and homemade confetti. I placed them in a cupcake stand and I have an instant centerpiece! Click here to see her tutorial.

12. White chocolate dipped rice krispie treats

These are so stinkin’ easy and delish. I just cut the treats in half, pushed them into wood skewers {you can also use lollipop sticks}, dipped them in white chocolate and added some red and blue colored sprinkles. I used the store-bought rice krispie treats – making things much easier when getting ready for a party!

13. Patriotic drinks with washi flag straws & Fun labels

There are so many drink options that I couldn’t fit them all here. But click here to check out my pinterest page for some yummy drink ideas. Then, find some patriotic washi tape (I got mine at the dollar store) and just wrap them around colorful straws. done. 

Then visit my freebies page to print these fun labels. To get my freebies, you must be a subscriber to my blog. If you’re not yet a subscriber to my blog, it’s easy to do, there’s no commitment and you get access to lots of free stuff. Enter your email address in the box on the right (above the SUBSCRIBE button). Click the SUBSCRIBE button then follow the instructions fully. Be sure to confirm your subscription – and then you’ll have access to all my free stuff! If you’re already a subscriber, you should have received an email with a password to access these fun freebies already.

15. Pennant banner

I also found this at Target for $3. These banners are easy to make but for $3, why?

16. Trivia cards

I learned a few things from these clever cards from yellowblissroad.com! Another free download you can print and cut out as you’d like. They come with a very thorough answer sheet too. Click here to download.

17. Invitations

Create you own with some fun type and clever puns. I designed this invitation for a patriotic themed birthday party. Fun red, white & blue type along with some firework graphics. I added star stickers and washi tape to plain envelopes to jazz them up a little and keep costs down.

I hope these ideas help you to get in the spirit of the holiday and make it easier to throw together a fun celebration. Of course, no July 4th party would be complete without fireworks, sparklers or poppers. It’s a great day to celebrate and whatever you do, be sure to be safe and have a *blast*.