How to Decorate for the 4th of July Without Spending a Dime

Yesterday's post was about celebrating Canada Day, but as I am also American, my home is now decorated for the Fourth of July!

My Independence Day table decoration

Are you wanting to add a patriotic touch to your home, but don't want to go shopping or spend a lot of money?  No problem.  Just look at what you already have for inspiration.  Most of us own some items that are red, white and blue. When grouped together, they can instantly add an Independence Day decor to your home.  For example:

Perhaps you already have a wreath decorating your door.   I like to repurpose wreaths so they can be used for more than just one season.  Adding red, white and blue ribbons to an existing wreath for an all-American touch is easy to do.  Making a few changes to mine took less than ten minutes.

Before photo: my wreath for Spring/ Early summer

After photo: I removed some flowers and added ribbons

Do you have a marble collection?  Pick out the red, white and blue ones, put them in the bottom of a pretty glass and use it as your table centerpiece, or as a weight to keep the napkins from blowing away outside.  Red, white and blue curling ribbons nestled in an interesting glass or vase makes a nice little decoration as well.

This handblown glass becomes festive when filled with ribbons

If you have any American flags, large or small, there's no better time to display them! 

I had to wait for a bit of wind to calm before photographing my flag!

Look through your table linens, dishes, candles and serving pieces.  Use whatever red, white and blue items you have - even those that you might not normally use together will look right on Independence Day. I have six star-shaped candles, two red, two white and two blue.  I've used them at Christmas time, but the three colors displayed together can almost be heard cheering “U.S.A.”  

Your garden may provide just what you need.  White lupine, a blue iris and a red peony are the focus of my table centerpiece this year.

These red, white and blue flowers bloomed at just the right time!

Consider using items from other rooms in the house to decorate your table.  My home decor is sort of rustic Western.  I like using a red and blue bandana for a table runner in July.   I once couldn't resist purchasing a discounted pair of cowboy boots. They turned out to be so uncomfortable they have never been worn - but they make a fun flower holder.  These items may not look right in your home - but I bet you have other possessions that would!

The perfect indoor or outdoor decoration!

With luck, the weather during any events you host this weekend will turn out to be beautiful.  If so - just move your centerpiece outdoors!

Have fun!

What is your favorite holiday decoration?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!