The Fourth of July is the pinnacle of summer celebrations.
It's a birthday celebration, which means the day should be filled with fun activities, delicious eats and tons of patriotic spirit. Perhaps you’re throwing an annual shindig in your backyard, hosting a fireworks show or having the pool party to end all pool parties.
In all these cases, you could use some red, white and blue decorations that really set the scene for a day rooted in American pride, and lots of it. While you can certainly buy these pieces, going handmade will look even more special and be a lot more memorable for your guests.
Hang a stars-and-stripes bedecked wreath on your front door to greet partygoers. Create bunting that will make your house the most patriotic one on the block. Or craft table centerpieces that look just like the fireworks you’re admiring in the sky. But if you really want to make your time worthwhile, opt for the crafts that you can keep up long after Independence Day.
And not only do these 4th of July crafts double as decor, but they'll keep kids entertained, too.
Patriotic sign
With the words “Sweet Land of Liberty” beautifully presented in calligraphy, you can’t help but feel a sense of patriotism when seeing this handmade sign.
Get the tutorial at Amy Latta Creations.
Red, white and blue garden stakes
Even your garden can get all gussied up for the 4th of July! Place these stakes in your potted plants or all around your beds.
Get the tutorial at First Day of Home.
American flag craft
Craft your own American flag using a blue bandana, strips of red fabric and pretty white lace.
Get the tutorial at Scratch and Stitch.
Americana bunting
For a fresh take on 4th of July decorations that can stay up through the summer, make this breezy bunting for your front entrance.
Get the tutorial at Boxwood Avenue.
Fireworks wine glasses
Invite some friends over for a few festive co*cktails, and to make it an even more magical summer night, serve them up in some glasses dressed up with bursting fireworks.
Get the tutorial at The Decorated Cookie.
Goodie bags
Are your kids throwing a 4th of July party? Make the bash even more fun by making these decorated goodie bags. Include red, white and blue sweets or small toys.
Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party.
Red, white and blue rosette
Every bit of your house — your front door, porch railing or living room wall, to name a few — could use a few of these spirited rosettes.
Get the tutorial at Jordan’s Easy Entertaining.
Woven placemat
Setting up a 4th of July picnic or a big shindig? Make your table look even better with these handmade placemats.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Fireworks centerpiece
A 4th of July table just isn’t complete without a few zippy centerpieces. These table accents, which are made to look like real fireworks, are just the ticket.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
Patriotic wreath
Greet your party guests in style. Construct stars out of red, white and blue paper, then assemble 'em until they resemble a wreath.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Hurricane candle
Add a bit of extra glow to a fireworks-watching party with these hurricane candles, complete with stars and stripes.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.
Tie-dye napkins
Even your napkins should be fit for the occasion. Draw custom designs on paper towels, then dot them with rubbing alcohol for a tie-dye effect.
Get the tutorial at Tikkido.
Faux firecracker
With vintage scenes and tinsel “sparklers,” these charming faux firecrackers can fill a basket or dot a table.
Get the tutorial at Sadie Seasongoods.
4th of July cake topper
If you’re making a cake for America’s birthday, don’t forget to dress it to the nines with bunting in the country's colors.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Star napkin ring
Make your guests feel like the “stars” that they are by including these patriotic napkin rings at each place setting.
Get the tutorial at Jordan’s Easy Entertaining.
Balloon bunting
Go for the unexpected by swapping fabric stars and stripes bunting for this one made of — yep, you read that right — mini balloons.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Star wand
Nervous about little ones handling sparklers? Instead, hand them these homemade star wands that promise to be just as fun.
Get the tutorial at Hello, Wonderful.
American flag hair bow
In addition to wearing red, white and blue from head to toe, don’t miss dressing up their hair, too!
Get the tutorial at A Girl and a Glue Gun.
Ribbon wreath
Use red, white and blue ribbons to craft this wreath, guaranteed to instantly make your front door a lot more patriotic.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
4th of July headbands
With stars, sparkling fireworks and the letters “USA,” no one will miss the fact that you’re celebrating the 4th of July.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
Keep little ones busy (and happy)
- Art activities for kids of all ages to enjoy
- Fun things to do with bored kids at home
Shelby Deering
ShelbyDeeringis a freelance lifestyle writer living in Madison, Wisconsin. She specializes in writing about home design and decor, wellness and mental health, and other lifestyle topics, contributing to national publications likeGood Housekeeping, AARP The Magazine, USA Today,and more. When she’s not writing, you can find her shopping flea markets and exploring local trails with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
