If you’re like me, decorating for the 4th of July when hosting a backyard barbeque tends to be minimal. Typically, I stash a handful of small, decorative American flags and a red, white and blue banner or two in my holiday decorations and pull those out year after year. I place the flags in flower pots and call it good. And, let’s be clear — there is nothing wrong with that approach. But this year, I decided to see if I could push the boundaries for decorating for Independence Day and came up with a few 4th of July decorating ideas to share with you.
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4th of July Table Decorations
I love decorating an outdoor table with a beautiful table setting. I think I like it almost more than setting an indoor dining table. An elegant table setting outdoors isn’t quite as expected as it might be when hosting an indoor dinner party. For me, I think that’s what makes the extra effort feel special.
A Summer BBQ Menu Can Still Have Elegant Table Setting
While a 4th of July menu most likely will be burgers, brats and potato salad, it doesn’t mean you must eat off of paper plates at your lawn chairs. Again, there is nothing wrong with a red solo cup and paper plate 4th of July. In fact, I’d venture to guess it’s the way most of America does it! But in my effort to elevate this year’s 4th of July table setting, I’m getting out a few table linens, my dinner plates (and yes, even the chargers). Happy Birthday, America!
Creating a Patriotic Dinner Table
I found this festive red, white and blue table runner and black plastic plate chargers at Hobby Lobby. I like the muted, denim color blue in the table runner. It’s festive, yet simple, and goes well with my wood farm table look. The blue linen napkins add another dose of blue while also offering some texture to the table.
When decorating any table setting, layering of the dishes and linens provides some depth and visual interest. The table runner, charger, plate, napkin are layered bottom to top.
It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without American flags! My small decorative flags still got put to good use here as the table centerpiece. I kept the white floral vases simple since there was already a lot of color happening on this table. I already owned the faux white hydrangeas and regularly use them as table decor at our backyard dinner experiences. So I was able to reuse these in this table setting for The Fourth of July.
4th of July Decorating Ideas Using Food
When considering 4th of July decorating ideas, don’t forget that you can pull in the holiday’s festive colors in your food and drink selections. There are many 4th of July dessert recipes that use blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. When you pair these with white icing on a cupcakes, for example, or vanilla ice cream — well, you have red, white and blue in a dish! Berries mean “summer” and having some of these dishes sit out on tables or inside on kitchen counters feels very Americana.
Setting up a bar for drinks outside? Use Coca-Cola cans arranged together for your ‘red’ touch on the table. Set out blue and white striped plastic straws. Create a red signature drink and garnish with blueberries and fresh mint. Get creative and think about ways to implement summer themes and patriotic colors!
Search Your Home for Red, White and Blue Household Items
You might be surprised what you can find in your own home to supplement your 4th of July decorating theme. Take a look around your space for red, white or blue decorative pieces. I gathered a couple blue painted wooden chairs, a red candle, and a white lantern. Assembling these together alongside a bouquet of red carnations with American flags created another set of 4th of July-themed decorations.
Stage Patriotically-Themed Seating Areas in Your Backyard
Every party needs space for guests to sit and spread out to enjoy the backyard party. Create these special curated areas with touches of red, white and blue. Here, I used one of my favorite white painted side tables. This isn’t an outdoor table which will require me to keep an eye on the weather. But I love the shabby chic look this has against the wood fence in the yard. I added some of my red and white household decor along with a couple new 4th of July purchases. And it turned into a nice little outdoor seating area for the party.
I hope this gives you a few ideas to inspire your 4th of July decorating! And if you’re wanting to implement a themed party on a larger scale, don’t miss our ideas for creating an outdoor party. You can implement themed holiday decorations in with catered food and an outdoor bar and bartender for an event your guests won’t soon forget!