Updated on: Sep 21, 2024
Memorial Day and Independence Day are fun days full of barbecues, pool parties, fireworks, and good times celebrating the land of the free. What better way to celebrate than by throwing an unforgettable, all-American party? Are you out of creative ideas for patriotic party decorations? We have you covered. This list includes both cheap, creative DIY décor ideas for your crafty side, as well as some pre-made decoration suggestions easily available at your local party supply store. It’s time to celebrate your country by busting out the fireworks and American flags and enjoying some food, family, and summer fun. We hope you'll use our 4th of July and Memorial Day decorations ideas to plan your celebration!
Top 10 Patriotic Party Decorations
1. Balloons
These are a summer party necessity. Before your guests come, fill up a number of red, white, and blue balloons (you can also find them here) and attach them to chairs, door frames, or fences. If you would like, you can fill them with helium for a more buoyant look. If you’re feeling fancy, one fun idea is to arrange the balloons into the shape of the American flag. You can do this on a wall or fence.
You could also use balloons to create a garland. This will be eye-catching and festive, sure to blow your guests away! This is a perfect option if you don't have a wall or fence to attach balloons to because all you need is a structure or post on each end of the garland.
Don’t forget to set some balloons aside for… drum roll please… a water balloon fight! A good old-fashioned water balloon fight is a great way to get guests engaged, cooled down, and having fun; regardless of their age. Many party stores sell special water balloon kits for filling the balloons up quickly and easily. This can be time-consuming to set up, so make sure to plan ahead.
2. Tablecloths
This may seem like a basic suggestion, but a little goes a long way when it comes to creating a festive feel. You can find patriotic tablecloths at any party supply store. However, why settle for plastic tablecloths when you could get a beautifully designed fabric one? You can find many that will match your 4th of July and Memorial Day party themes. Most party stores also sell confetti, which is a fun addition to sprinkle on outdoor tables.
3. Streamers
They really do make a party feel like a party. You can opt for traditional streamers, or you can make your own out of plastic cups. Beginning at the top of the cup, snip through the rim. Then, in one continuous strand, cut a ¼ inch wide section all the way around the cup until you reach the bottom. You should end up with one curly, plastic ribbon.
You can then hang this in many various ways throughout your party location. If you will be using red, white, or blue plastic cups at the party, this can be a nice, cohesive touch.
4. Garlands
You can definitely get these patriotic garlands. But if you have extra time, you can make your own garlands. These can be made out of craft supplies, cups, or other things around the house. If you are creative, you can find something that will work. One popular garland is made out of red Solo cups attached to twine or a strand of string lights.
All you have to do is poke, or cut, a hole in the cup and string the twine or lights through. This type of garland will match the general red, white, and blue aesthetic of the 4th of July party.
If you are creating your own streamers out of a cup already, this will perfectly match that as well. If you’d rather opt for something a bit more classy, you can make garlands out of red, white, and blue ribbons tied to a piece of twine. Another idea is to attach patriotic-painted clothespins to a long string for hanging pictures of party guests. If you are willing to be creative, the possibilities are endless.
5. Yard Decorations
These appear at all of the best outdoor parties. Many stores sell seasonal outdoor decorations, and in the summer, it is all about the stars and stripes. You can find decorations perfect for your party, such as painted wooden stars for your lawn. You could also opt to make your own out of popsicle sticks. All you have to do is paint them red, white and blue.
Another lawn decoration staple is pinwheels. Red, white and blue pinwheels are available at nearly every party supply store around July 4, and they’re a super fun addition to any lawn. Kids love them too. You can give out pinwheels to kiddos as a party favor as well.
Another idea we love is to "decorate" the lawn with festive yard games. You could purchase or design cornhole boards to look like a flag, which will make your outdoor space look even more party-ready! Your guests are sure to enjoy this fun game. Consider painting wood blocks red, white, and blue, and they will be perfect for an epic game of giant Jenga! The ideas are endless, but no matter what you choose, your guests are sure to enjoy it!
6. Miniature American Flags
Of course, you can’t forget this patriotic decorations staple. Miniature American Flags work great as garlands, table decorations, lawn decorations, and party favors. You may want to buy more than you think you will use, just in case.
7. Patriotic Centerpieces
This is one area where you can bring out your inner creativity. You can get these centerpieces from Etsy. If you have enough time, craft your own centerpiece for tables. There are thousands of suggestions online, and putting many different red, white, and blue items (flowers, pinwheels, ribbons, beads, rocks, etc.) in a container can make a wonderful centerpiece.
However, it’s the arranging that makes your centerpiece a masterpiece: check here for inspiration. Use mason jars, flower pots, miniature buckets, or even small baskets to perfect the look. As always, be creative and have fun!
Art projects are a great way to interact with your guests! Consider having your guests make the centerpieces and they can take their creations home with them! Buy some red, white, and blue paint and have your guests paint mason jars, a favor they will love. Or, have them paint flower pots and plant a flower in it. The options are endless, and are sure to create a memorable party for you and your guests!
8. Lighting
This is arguably the most important part of an evening outdoor party. The possibilities are endless, so this is just a shortlist of some of our favorite ideas:
- Flameless candles
- Paper bag luminaries
- Mason jars covered in red, white, and blue tissue paper
- String bulb lights covered in red, white, and blue yarn (Be sure the bulbs do not get hot when they are turned on. This could be a major fire hazard!)
- Traditional string lights