easy fourth of july decorating ideas

When I was little I spent a Fourth of July dressed up as Betsy Ross.

I would give my right arm and one of my molars if I could show you a picture.

Trust me.

It was amazing.

We celebrated the Fourth at the Cape and I was in a parade pulling Sally Pitcher in a red wagon and dressed in a long turn-of-the-century styled gray gown with ruffles and a mob cap and an attitude.

At the risk of stating the obvious….

…I’m pretty sure I was waving a flag.

And I spent the parade telling any one who would listen that I invented it.

table setting fourth of July

Maybe it was summers spent on the Cape and celebrating the Fourth at the heart of where it all happened.

Maybe it was the fireworks over the ocean and the bicycle parade and the streamers and the wheelbarrow races and the fifty yard dash.

Or maybe it was the sense of accomplishment I felt with my incredible flag-making skills.

Whatever, however, whyever.

I love the Fourth of July.

And so here’s a few simple, easy, no-stress red, white and blue decorating idea from my mob-cab to you.

burlap table runner

1.  Create a burlap runner

I love this so much that I’m thinking I need to post a detailed tutorial later.

And it only took me about an hour to make this.

In the meantime here’s the Reader’s Digest version:  tie ribbons on the end and add a meadow.

Fourth of July Centerpiece

2.  Use cowboy boots for the centerpiece

Classic Americana.

Add a mason jar to the center of the boot and fill with water.

Then add flowers you cut from your yard or the grocery store.

bandana pillow

3.  Make no-sew bandanna pillows

Start with two bandannas from the dollar store.

Add a pillow to the center.

Tie each end off.

Tuck the ends in and you have a no-sew pillow in about five minutes.

placesetting fourth of July

4.  Create place cards from ribbons

Buy ribbons at the dollar store.

Add the guest’s name to the front or the back.

Finish the place setting by layering dishes on another bandanna used as a placemat.

decorating for the fourth

5.  Design the perfect playlist for the party

Here’s ours:

Tiptoes by Jaime Dee

Sugar by Maroon Five

Do You Want to Build a Snowman from Frozen

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey

Love Story by Taylor Swift

Happy by Pharrell

Hello My Name Is by Matthew West

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Adrienne Adrienne

    Off the top of my head, I would add Blind Melon's No Rain to the play list. Because 1. it's an awesome song and 2. we want no rain during our picnic!

  2. Image for Jenni Farnes Jenni Farnes

    Love Shack...by the B52's....i know, i know...random as all getup, but hey...it gets us moving after gorging on watermelon, baby.

  3. Image for Robin Stephens Robin Stephens

    Beautiful space! I'd add "(I'm A) Yankee Doodle Dandy" by George M. Cohan to the playlist. One of my favorite movies was Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) starring James Cagney as Cohan. Ahhh....what a heartwarming classic....as is your decor!

  4. Image for Shelley Shelley

    Love, love, love the cowboy boots center piece! From one Navy wife to another how about Anchors Away and Born on the 4th of July as playlist adds : )

  5. Image for Gabi Gabi

    These products are just amazing! How I would love to win one of these! I can't cope with some of the extremely hot summer days, yet I hate not being outdoors. This would solve the problem--cooling mist...YES!

  6. Image for Pat Pat

    This would be great for back yard family fun! Great 4th of July decorating ideas- Thank You! God Bless The USA!

  7. Image for Peg Peg

    Being from "Bawstin" and a fellow lover of the Cape, I would add our Red Sox theme "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. Love all you do, Miss Karianne! : )

  8. Image for Jackie Holt Jackie Holt

    I'm Proud To Be An American" by Lee Greenwood Oh my! I would so love to have one of these ..perfect for my backyard...every feature!

  9. Image for April April

    Awesome decorating ideas. The Polar Party would be a great addition to my backyard. I would add "Can't You See" by Marshal Tucker :)

  10. Image for Robin W. Robin W.

    Fabulous post!! And I'm so excited that it is well before the 4th of July so I can plan with some of your fantastic ideas!! Thanks so much for it all!!

      1. Image for CG in AZ CG in AZ

        Hi Robin. Are you old enough to remember Wierd Al Yankovick. He makes parodies of popular songs. Well, if you go to You Tube and look him up you can find "Word Crimes" Watch the original Blurred Lines then Word Crimes. It is hysterical.

  11. Image for Mary Mary

    What a great idea! The mist, the light, the music -- all are needed for a hot summer's night, especially the 4th of July. Of course, I'd add a John Philip Sousa march. "Stars and Stripes Forever" seems fitting!

  12. Image for ileana ileana

    what a great idea! love it - our son and his friends would love it! I would add Boys of Summer to the playlist. and the house that built me. ileana

  13. Image for Stephanie Brown Stephanie Brown

    Oh my ideas are so cute and your friend far from being a Martha or Deen could actually pull some of these off!! Really love those polka dotted utensils too! Can only imagine you as Betsy Ross :) made me heart smile like one summer I went around giving cards saying I would be first girl president!!!:)) keep doing what you are doing sweet gal!!

  14. Image for jennybc jennybc

    I so like like these 4th ideas. Easy Peasy but cute, cute, cute! Can't wait to put these to use. Oh, and the Polar Party for hot Georgia summers...what a treat!

  15. Image for Wendy Wendy

    Hm, playlist song .. so many come to mind. I think "Cheeseburger in Paradise" by Jimmy Buffet would be a fun addition. :-)

  16. Image for Teresa Teresa

    I love the idea of the personal misting at our soccer games and backyard events. I had seen the gigantic misting machines at our Indiana state fair but never knew about the "at home" versions! This would be so great! Cute, cute, cute 4th of July ideas. Thank you!

  17. Image for liz piccione-volger liz piccione-volger

    How about "Summertime" by Jon Bonjovi. Love the pillows!!!! There are so many patterns at Michaels that could be used for these! Wow! Great idea!

  18. Image for Carrie Carrie

    I agree with Kimba! God Bless the USA, by Lee Greenwood. My daughter will begin ROTC Nursing in the fall, so that song really makes tears come to my eyes....

  19. Image for Anna Starner Anna Starner

    I think we need to remember the this and return to what it describes. No better song for the 4th "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly" by Aaron Tippon. Love the video on: https://theboot.com/patriotic-songs/

  20. Image for Janet Janet

    This is brilliant! We seriously need misters in Texas ( as you know). I would put it on my new in progress party patio in our side yard :-). Obviously, Welcome to the Jungle would be the inaugural song since our backyard is a jungle!

  21. Image for CG in AZ CG in AZ

    Hello KariAnne . That Polar Party would be perfect here in AZ. Everyday from now until October. Beautiful party setting. I thought the boots and flowers would be a good subject for Waterlogue. Also, I'd like to say I loved the photo of the Polar Party looking up into the tree. It was beautiful and took me to my happy place.

  22. Image for MaryAnn MaryAnn

    Great giveaway! Definitely would have "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars; "American Pie" by Don McClean and family parties are always good with a little T-Swizzle (Taylor Swift) : )

  23. Image for Kim Banta Kim Banta

    I know this is odd, but I love "Greensleeves!" I am the hottest gal around these Georgia parts! I am ALWAYS looking for ways to be cooler in the heat of the summer, here on Lake Lanier! What a relief this great Mister would be! I'm ordering the towels right away! Thanks for sharing this info with us, KariAnne!

  24. Image for Peggy Peggy

    What a fun give away! I have never seen anything like it! What fun this would be on our patio! And please add some Beach Boys. It's summertime!

  25. Image for Diane Diane

    I'd have to add the current day HS glee club anthem of Uptown Funk to get the teens in my world on their feet. But for me, Born in the USA is a required addition.

  26. Image for Tina@shopmarket51.com Tina@shopmarket51.com

    Such fun ideas. I would love to win. Perfect addition to any home in the hot humid days of the South!

  27. Image for Heather C Heather C

    Lionell Richie's All Night Long The table runner is definitely going to make an appearance at my table this 4th

  28. Image for Tracy Tracy

    This is an awesome give away. We listen to anything when we are outside. Southern rock is good for summer time parties.

  29. Image for Fran C Fran C

    Wow what a great giveaway. Thank you for the chance to win. I would add What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.

  30. Image for Shannon M. Shannon M.

    I would add my all time favorite song What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, for fun I would add Best Day of My Life by American Authors and American Girl by Tom Petty. I love your decorations.

  31. Image for Tonya Schoepf Tonya Schoepf

    Cute outdoor setting and would love the heater we also live in country so would be fun to have July 4th party using some of your ideas'

  32. Image for Christine Irvine Christine Irvine

    What a beautiful setting for celebrating Independence Day! Thanks for all the ideas and the raffle. I would add the song Rock Lobster by the B52s or anything by Toby Mac!

  33. Image for Susan M. Susan M.

    This thing would be the perfect addition at our annual 4th of July party - last year we were 78 people strong! After the initial food and festivities, I'd start the evening off playing "Shut Up and Dance". Awesome giveaway - thanks for the opportunity. My fingers are crossed!

  34. Image for Susan M. Susan M.

    BTW, I've been ruminating on what the heck I was going to come up with for decor this year. Thanks Madam... think I'm going to "borrow" the table runner.

  35. Image for Nicole Nicole

    Jesse's Girl by Rick Springfield. You can not help but sing along. Loudly! My kids are super thrilled that he wrote that song for me to belt out every.time.it.is.on!

  36. Image for Deborah Wilkins Deborah Wilkins

    I, too, share your love of the 4th of July. It's my birthday............ We are an exceptional country. I hope your 4th is terrific, KariAnne! Warm regards. Deborah

  37. Image for Lorie Lorie

    the 4th is my favorite holiday - celebrating our country. My grandfather used to tell us how it was celebrated more than Christmas when he was young, the turn of the century.

  38. Image for Renee Renee

    4th of July is my day to host the family party and I love to decorate almost more than eating. Never get tired of Sweet Home Alabama....

  39. Image for Karri Karri

    What a fun product... Perfect for July 4th... One of my favorites too! If I were adding a song to the playlist it would be: 'In the Summertime' by Mungo Jerry... So summer-timey!!

  40. Image for Patty Soriano Patty Soriano

    CUTE ideas ! I think I might have to add some John Cougar Mellencamp with R.O.C.K. In the USA, but I'd also love to hear Battle Hymn of the Republic. I love patriotic songs ! Great giveaway -- I'm in hot and humid Texas, so this little gem would be perfect for the porch!

  41. Image for Cindy Cindy

    I also love the 4th of July. Love, Love, Love, your beautiful picnic setting! I would add "Where the Stars & stripes & the Eagle Fly"

  42. Image for Nicole B. Nicole B.

    What a great picnic scene, and what a fun giveaway! This would be perfect on my deck for some of those cool Minnesota evenings! I would have "Bust a Move" by Young MC on my playlist! You just can't sit still when this song is on! :)

  43. Image for Kim Hopkins Kim Hopkins

    I too have very fond memories of Fourth of July. One of my favorites is riding my horse (his rump painted with stars and stripes) down main street for the kick-off for the county fair! Song I would add: YA by Usher, great song to dance to. Also add, Cowboy Take Me Away by Dixie Chicks. Was mine & my husbands song. He passed away, but always remids me of him and our ranch :+) USA! USA ! :+)

  44. Image for Lisa Cooper Lisa Cooper

    I lived overseas for a year and was amazed at how patriotic I became. You don't realize how great we have it in America, until you move away and see the other side. I would love to add, Proud to be an American, to your play list.

  45. Image for Marci Marci

    "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" Cohen all the way!! It'd be super fun to have a lip-sync session to submitted songs...set up a stage in your back yard!!!!

  46. Image for Lori H Lori H

    I love your party set-up - cowboy boots for flowers is a great idea!! To the playlist, I would add anything by ZZ Top or Rascal Flatts!

  47. Image for Judy Westmoreland Judy Westmoreland

    Wonderful giveaway. I live in Texas & it is so humid during the summer, that I would love the misting feature. I am crushing on the bandanna pillows!! Red, white and blue my favorite colors. ♥☆♥☆♥☆♥☆♥

  48. Image for Kathleen Kathleen

    Any Beach Boys song for me and Hubs, then just about all the others mentioned, too! And here in Tx, we'd have to have the mister!!! July 4th is always HOT, even in the evening! And just to add even more "noise" Payne we'd borrow one of the *grands'* Karaoke machines ~ how much fun would/could that be!?! I already have two burlap runners to add your ribbon tassels to ~ how patriotic, cute (and easy) they look! So I will copy that "sweet!" idea right away, and think of other holidays that can work for as well! Can't wait to see and hear your DREAM revealed as soon as you're ready! Hugs and love, kj

  49. Image for Lisa Lisa

    Oops, forgot to tell you my playlist favorites - we're kind of into Big Band at my house so we'd be listening to Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey and that whole gang :)

  50. Image for Edwina Edwina

    What a fun giveaway-which makes sense because you always present fun ideas! Thank you for all you do to inspire! I'd add "God Bless the USA"....

  51. Image for Trudi Trudi

    Cute ideas! Thanks! Love the giveaway too! I saw one of these recently and loved it! We could really use something like that here in south FL!

  52. Image for Jan Jan

    Can't believe the 4th is only a month away. Thank you for all the great ideas. Got to get going on these. Happy summer!

  53. Image for Mo Mo

    We have a beautiful deck but with the current weather pattern this year haven't been able to use it much this year. I love your 4th ideas and hopefully by the 4th we can be celebrating right along with you. Happy summertime :)

  54. Image for R R

    I have great memories of camping with my family near a town that went all out for the 4th of July, starting with a pancake breakfast to the fireworks at the end of the day. Thank you for sharing your decorating ideas.

  55. Image for Sandra Vigil Sandra Vigil

    Love the decorations! Decorating for the Fourth of July is so much fun because I truly love the Red, White & Blue....Proud to be an American. I think I would add "Celebrate" by Kool & the Gang.

  56. Image for Darla B Darla B

    Love "Honey I'm Good" for the playlist and love everything you do! Thanks for the giveaway and have a Happy 4th Betsy!

  57. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    Miz karianne, I love anything by Bob Seger...."Runnin' against the wind", oh yeah! Or Willie's, "angel flying too close to the ground". Or maybe a little Fleetwood Mac...."Come softly.."....lol, so many good ones out there!

  58. Image for Erin P Erin P

    Feeling the disco at the moment...maybe Love Hangover by Diana Ross or Ring my bell by Anita Ward. Can't wait for the summer celebrations! Thanks for the opportunity! :)

  59. Image for Ruby Ruby

    Gee, Betsy, one of your best diy posts ever! Don't forget the tutorial, love to see a video of you, oh! and add the mophead!

  60. Image for Sandy R Sandy R

    I love the tree stump stools. I have one I was going to make into a table but I think you just changed my mind. Thanks for the giveaway!

  61. Image for melissa melissa

    Love the outdoor 4th of July celebration!! This holiday is a favorite for our grandkids too! We would add "This Land is My Land" to your playlist.

  62. Image for Cassandra E Cassandra E

    That is the sweetest looking party! I had never heard of a cooling unit like this. Heating yes, cooling no. How awesome is this?

  63. Image for bARBARA bARBARA

    I would love to have this for tailgaiting at Cincinnati Bengals football games. It can get quite hot during pre-season.

  64. Image for Stephanie Stephanie

    This is awesome and would be perfect for my son's graduation party which we are holding on the 4th this year!!! I'd add "Born in the USA" to the music list!!

  65. Image for Joetta Colquette Joetta Colquette

    Love your ideas~ Great ideas and Thanks for the opportunity to win in the sweepstakes :D Joetta Colquette Interior Alaska

  66. Image for Amber Amber

    As I live in Henderson, NV, that would be heaven sent! I love the idea of using a ribbon on the place setting!!!

  67. Image for Heather Heather

    I would add two songs: Johnny Yuma but Johnny Cash and Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith. Johnny Yuma is a personal choice (I have a very clear memory of being at a horse show and as a game, the announcers played songs they thought no one would know. I was probably about 8 years old at the time so you can imagine their utter surprise when I knew the song! I definitely caught them completely off guard, tearing down this hill, around people and horses to get to the announcer's booth! BTW- a huge thank you to my Mom for being as awesome as she is and introducing me to such amazing music as a child.) And 'Red Solo Cup' because seriously, is there a more appropriate party song?! =P Thank you for being awesome like always!

  68. Image for sharon sharon

    "Another Shot of My Baby's Love" hahaha, cannot stay still to this oldie but goodie! thanks for the chance!

  69. Image for Tami F. Tami F.

    What an awesome thing to possibly win for those hot summer days when you're out in the yard needing cool mist and music!! Thanks for the chance!

  70. Image for Christine Christine

    Oh Karianne, this is a super cool give away! Ha I would have to have some old school tunes something by Aretha Franklin and for excitement a Janis Joplin song and too smooth things out 'At Last' by Etna James. Oh I love that song. And if I wanted everyone to feel sad and wish they'd went to,a more happier party, I'd play that song by Alan Jackson 'Remember When' oh that's a sweet bring me to my knees kind of song. Thank you for the 'cool' giveaway, Dear.

  71. Image for DianeM DianeM

    Thanks for sharing all the great 4th of July ideas <3 I am really getting in the mood for summer now! Living here in NJ, where it can get pretty hot & humid, the Polar Party tower would be so nice to have! thanks for the chance to win one :) Smiles, DianeM

  72. Image for Jeannie Jeannie

    Oh, you have to add "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". Great song and it could be the theme song for you and your guy with the twinkling brown eyes. :D

  73. Image for Shirley Shirley

    Well I can't join in this discussion as I am English.. But it is lovely to see Bruce mentioned so much(my favourite! ) & the pride you have in your country. Love this blog!

  74. Image for Chris Steller Chris Steller

    That would be awesome in the Missouri humidity! How about Boogie Woogie Bugle Boys?! You can't help but tap your feet to it and want to dance!

  75. Image for karen@somewhatquirkydesign karen@somewhatquirkydesign

    This would be such a great item to own! I would have to go with Uptown Funk! And if you count blasts from the past and guilty pleasures I secretly LOVE that Um Whop or whatever it is called - the one that the Hanson Brothers sang.

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