Fourth Of July Decorating Ideas

Lucas Allen

With the weather warming up and summer almost in full swing, it's time to start thinking about your Fourth of July plans. First and foremost: Whether you'll be gathering with family, meeting up with a few friends, or throwing a big Independence Day bash, remember to comply with Covid-19 regulations for a safe and responsible 4th of July party. And now for the fun part... You're going to need some awesome party decorations and on-theme design ideas, even if it'll just be you and your household. From festive balloons to star-spangled garlands, wreaths, piñatas, and more, here's everything you need to impress at your 4th of July party this year, along with plenty of stylish and clever decorating tips from designers and tastemakers.

fourth of july floral arrangements

Zan Passante

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Arrange 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.

BUY NOW WH Metal Flower Vases, $25

fourth of july party

Cheetah Is the New Black

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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.

BUY NOW Mosser Glass Cake Stand, $65

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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.

Food52

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Outdoor Net Food Cover

A picnic in the park is an affordable, fun way to gather your friends for the 4th 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 Fourth of July picnic spread.

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Shipping Info

Letter balloons are always a chic party decoration idea, and these plain silver "USA" balloons are the perfect addition.

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Americana Wreath

Subtle and pretty, hang this Fourth of July-themed wreath on your front door for a festive welcome.

american flag decor

WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ

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Hang 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 to during your shindig.

BUY NOW Large American Flag, $22

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Star-Spangled Biodegradable Straws

Not only are these straws totally festive for the Fourth, they're also biodegradable—ideal for replacing eco-unfriendly plastic.

fourth of july decorating in entrway

James Merrell

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Hang 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 4th of July mood without being overtly theme-y. If you don't have an heirloom quilt of your own, try hanging one like this.

BUY NOW Americana Quilt, $145

Patriotic Party

Abby Jiu

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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.

See more at Inspired By This.

fourth of july decorating

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

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Repaint Outdoor Furniture

You'll probably want to be celebrating outside, so make sure your patio sets a celebratory scene. This porch designed by Tom Scherer is full of elevated decorating ideas. If you don't already have some red outdoor-proof cushions ready to swap out, just add a couple of throw pillows or paint an old piece of furniture red.

BUY NOW Red Rocking Chair, $199

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Patriotic Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers

If you're decorating cupcakes for the occasion, add a fun topper like these little pinwheels. Kids and adults alike will love them.

fourth of july party decor

James Merrell

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Install a 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 with this gondola.

BUY NOW American Stick Flags 8" x 12", $18

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Firework Copper Wire LED Lights

You may not be able to set off your own fireworks, but these string lights will make it look like they're going off right in your backyard.

patriotic bedroom with framed american flag

Lucas Allen

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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.

BUY NOW American Flag Print, $429

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Patriotic Photo Booth Props

Who doesn't love a good selfie? These photo booth props ensure that your guests will be taking pictures all night long. Now all you need is a good hashtag.

4th of July Party Toothpics

Hostess With the Mostess

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Nautical Snack Picks

Even the finger food deserves its own 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.

red and blue patio

James Merrell

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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.

BUY NOW Embroidered Tablecloth, $258

dock with blue decor

Michael Robinson

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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 set up, and throw blankets for nighttime firework-viewing comfort. We're digging the large hurricanes on this deck designed by Andrea Goldman.

BUY NOW Large Hurricanes, $32

bedroom with red and white blue

James Merrell

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Spruce Up the Guest Room

This bedroom designed by Cameron Libby is ready for the 4th of July all year long. If you'll be hosting houseguests for the long weekend, spruce it up with a festive skirt or throw pillows and fresh flowers.

BUY NOW Red Printed Bed Skirt, $72

4th of July Decorations

Brit + Co

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Festive Kite Banner

These mini kites evoke the perfect sunny day, no matter the weekend weather forecast.

Get the tutorial at Brit + Co.

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Red, White & Blue Tassel Garland

Garlands are always a good idea, and you can't go wrong with simple tassels that you can string up just about anywhere.

Food, Dish, Cuisine, Ingredient, Strawberry, Brunch, Dessert, Strawberries, Fruit, Plant,

Courtesy of Sugar and Charm

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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.

BUY NOW Mini American Flags, $7, amazon.com

4th of July Decorations Lollipop Centerpiece

Gluesticks

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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.

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Gold Star Paper Plates

You could get the traditional American flag plates,or you could up the design ante with these stylish gold star plates. Layer them atop a red-and-white striped tablecloth to complete the scene.