The past few months have been crazy busy for my family. Between lacrosse and proms, birthdays and illnesses, all of my project efforts have been focused on bathroom renovations. Now I’m finally getting to relax at the lake but never had the time knock a few things off my idea list for the patriotic holidays summer brings us. The Fourth of July is a big deal in our little summer community. As is a Fourth of July party. So, before I totally give up on decorating and festive foods, I’m going to share a few fun things to save the day. If you’re running last minute like me, maybe you’ll find some inspiration too. And yes, this post includes affiliate links (but remember, that doesn’t mean it costs you anything more).
Door Decor
My dollar store flag wreath and wooden flag are both at use back at home. For a long time, I have wanted to make a giant version of the wooden flag on the flip side of my believe sign that I use at Christmas time. I have a garage and space to store things like that. We don’t have the storage at the lake, which makes me love these canvas porch banners.
The price is right too, both for under $15! Just unroll and hang.
This pair is currently on sale for only $12.58 plus an additional 5% off (at time of post):
Bonus, I’d put this set up around Memorial Day and leave it up thru Independence Day!
Another option is these flag banners proudly displayed.
Yard and Party Decor
We have a bin of supplies at the lake, but much of it has seen better days. Especially the paper party decorations. It’s time to replace some this year.
Red, white, and blue are always classic. This set of 12 fans in 3 sizes is one of my favorites. At Valentine’s or Christmas the red and white fans could be used. I’d use the blue and white ones for a birthday party or other parties.
But, I do like the obviously patriotic ones with their stars and stripes too:
Bunting and Banners
High on my project to-do list had been to make a banner for the fireplace. Alas, it still hasn’t happened. But, at $9.99 this one is worth grabbing until I do make my own.
For the same price, I also like this two-pack option:
Clothing
This is the one area for the Fourth of July party I’m actually ahead on! For Memorial Day I wore this fun dress. So incredibly soft and comfortable with pockets!
The print I have is currently unavailable, but this link will take you to the same style dress with some other great patriotic print options.
Jokingly, I told the girls I almost ordered them matching dresses for the Fourth of July. Imagine my surprise when my 15 and 17-year-old daughters said they would wear them!
Jumping back online, I immediately ordered them so we would have them for the Fourth.
One in stars and stripes:
The other is stripes and stars:
I don’t actually know which girl is where which. Since they are now the same size, many people have been mistaking them for twins so this should be a lot of fun! If my niece would wear dresses I would have gotten these darling mommy and me dresses!
Food and More
There are so many fun options to add a patriotic flair to your barbeque (because let’s face it, that’s pretty much what most Fourth of July parties are, lol).
I often snag solid colored paper plates, cups, and napkins when I find them on clearance. That way I can mix and match for whatever event is going on. Since I didn’t bring any of that with me, for the ease of not having to run around, I like the option of having everything coordinating in one package:
Festive and easy clean-up for your Fourth of July party.
It’s always fun to make simple foods festive naturally. We like to mix lemonade with sprite (and vodka for the adults!) then toss in some frozen blueberries and strawberries. Frozen fruit keeps the drink cold without watering it down but still gives it a fun flavor.
Tasha likes to make a gluten-free vanilla cake. Top it with whip cream and decorate it like a flag with fresh strawberries and blueberries.
O-Man is dying to use star-shaped cookie cutters on watermelon!
There are so many ways to add to a fun and festive Fourth of July party, last minute or not!
What are some of your favorite ways to show your colors and celebrate on Independence Day?
