Antiques,  DIY,  Home Decor

How To Decorate for the Fourth of July (with a BANG!)

Every year I look forward to hosting a big Fourth of July party for my family and friends, but this year I’m ESPECIALLY excited after feeling so cooped up and not being able to see a lot of them! This year MUST go out with a bang! (See what I did there;) ) And of course no party is complete without proper decorations!! I have collected an array of patriotic items over the years. Some obvious, some not so obvious. Today I am going to share how to decorate for the Fourth of July using a mix of patriotic decor that you might just have lying around your already beautiful homes;)

As you guys know, my favorite place to find decor is an antique shop or a yard sale. You find the best and cheapest things there!!! And patriotic decor is no exception:) In these photos, you can see how I have turned several cheap antique items, such as pillows, scales, towels, old thermoses and quilts, into “patriotic” decor!! Stick em next to something blue and all of a sudden it’s patriotic!!!;)

As you go about crafting your decor, think about what patriotic means to you. When I think of patriotism, I think of America which makes me think of home. I live in southern Illinois, and the nearest “big city” is Saint Louis. All of a sudden the old wooden crate that I decorate with almost all year round was another “patriotic” item I had at my disposal!!

Something else I think of when I think of America and its patriots is hard work. As many of you know, my husband is a coal miner. He works very, very hard and works very hard, long hours. Many of you may not know, however, that my father was also a coal miner. As was his father. Every morning my mom would wake up at 4 am to send my dad off to work and would send him off with a delicious lunch and a thermos full of coffee. Suddenly, these cheap antique thermoses are patriotic, too!!

You can also use these as vases if you wanna get creative!!;)
And don’t overlook your junk! Look at all these Fourth of July colors!!!

DSR’S How To Decorate for the Fourth of July Tips:

  • Decorate with red geraniums! You know I’ll sneak flowers in anywhere I can;)
  • Old tins that have at least one of the 3 “patriotic” colors, make great Fourth of July decor! They SCREAM Americana!
  • Cheap antique quilts with 2/3 colors can be draped over any chair or couch and look perfect for the occasion!
  • Three words: blue ball jars. You can put anything in these this time of year, and they look “American”.
  • Antique scales are some of my favorite items to decorate with!! Get an old rusty red one and viola!
  • Of course, if you can find a flag (small, big or in between) stick them, drape them, stuff them, you can’t go wrong there!:) I like to drape them over old windows or peg racks!!!
  • If you wanna get creative, think of things that already have star designs. I once painted the back of old Chinese checkers games in red and turquoise because they have a star design ๐Ÿ™‚
  • And last, but certainly not least, hang flag garlands from old windows or shelves!!!

As always, thanks for stopping by! I hope these How to Decorate for the Fourth of July tips make your party a true showstopper!! If this post helped you feel free to pin the photo below and share it with your friends!:) And if you’re looking at some of these antiques and wondering where the heck you can grab some for yourself, stay tuned for next week’s post;)







16 Comments

  • Kelly

    Jen these are all such great ideas! You have such a gift my friend! I love your red and white check quilt…such a darling way to add pops of patriotic decor!!! Pinning this great post!

  • Tracey L Martin

    Patriotic colors and decor are my weakness. You’ve given me a new perspective as I walk around my home and eye all my favorite red/white/blue vintage items scattered here and there! Bring them all together and VOILA! Thanks, Jenn! (And I loved reading about the generational coal miners in your family!)

    • downshilohroad

      So glad that I was able to help you see the treasures you already had!! and yes, I come from a long line of hard working men

    • Susan

      What a great post. I have a small red white and blue thermos collection. My sister recently gave me a few vintage quilts. One is red and white. I knew immediately I would use it on the couch for 4th of July decorating. I didnโ€™t say a word to her for fear she would take it back LOL. Thanks for sharing all your tips. Such lovely displays.

      • downshilohroad

        Thank you, Susan! I hope it helped you, but it sounds like you’ve already gotten it all figured out!!

  • Joan Petrillo

    I love the way Jenn styles everything. Even the smallest thing pops right out. Iโ€™m learning a lot from her. I DM her certain things for a thumbs up or down and what I could do to fix it. Thanks Jenn.

    • downshilohroad

      Joan, you’re too kind!! You’re more than welcome!! I’m grateful to pass on the information!

  • Pamela

    Super post. I can see a book in your future. We celebrate Canada Day July 1st. Most of your ideas can be used simply by switching your American flags to our Canadian Maple leaf. Our colours are red and white, so much of your adorable decor can switched to accomodate that. I am feeling inspired.
    *Smiles*

    • downshilohroad

      I’m so glad!!!!! You’re too sweet, Pamela!!!:):) You can definitely use all of these tips for Cananda!!

  • Marie

    Thank you so much for the many great decor ideas. These are fantastic and help me so much with my own home. I look forward to lots more.

  • Stacey Grimes

    I love how youโ€™ve brought everything together! And that ticking pillow… Whereโ€™re it from? These ideas are fantastic! Thank you โค๏ธ

    • downshilohroad

      So glad you found these tips helpful, Stacey!:) And the pillow is Lavender and Grace!! I can send you a link!:)