Easy 4th of July Outdoor Decorations

You’ll be celebrating Independence Day in style with these super easy DIY fourth of July outdoor decor ideas. It has lots of simple ways to make red, white and blue patriotic decor that looks great and won’t break your budget.

The Fourth of July just is made for having a get-together.

It’s summer and the weather is good and everyone is in the mood for a cookout.

That’s why I love hosting Independence Day parties.

They’re outdoors (less mess to clean up in the house!), very casual (no dressing up!) and it’s okay to do a lot of the cooking after your guests have arrived (less stress ahead of time!)

Other than the rain dance to keep it from raining, my 4th of July get-together is pretty much the least stressful holiday party I hold. Although now that I think about it…doesn’t a rain dance bring rain rather than keep it away? Maybe that’s why there always seems to be a downpour right when I start up the grill 🙂

To keep it easy, I also like to stick to really simple outdoor decorating ideas.

So I thought I’d share my easy fourth of July outdoor decor ideas just in case you are looking for some inspiration.

1 | Hang red, white, and blue tealights

Add patriotic colors to your garden by hanging red*, white* and blue flame-less tealights* in round candle holders* from tree branches.

They look so pretty at night that I usually end up leaving them there all summer.

2 | Use Blue and White Vases

Another easy way to decorate for the 4th of July is to use blue and white ginger jars* on your tables.

I love to use them as indoor decor, but they also work really well as an outdoor centerpiece.

Since they’re ceramic, you don’t have to worry about them if they get rained on.

And if you put them on top of a red table cloth, you have instant patriotic decor.

3 | Provide Shade With Red, White and Blue Umbrellas

Red, white and blue patio umbrellas are both functional and pretty. They provide shade and go with the patriotic color scheme.

If you already own the umbrellas, you can buy umbrella covers* in the colors you want without spending a lot of money (just make sure to count how many ribs your umbrella has so you get the right size).

Or if you’re in the market for new umbrellas, these ones* even have little lights underneath them. Which is very useful after dark!

4 | Make Your Own Patriotic Bunting

If you’re looking for a traditional way to add some patriotic spirit to your 4th of July outdoor decor, try making your own bunting.

The best part of doing it yourself own is that you get to choose the fabrics, which makes for a very custom look! Find the step-by-step instructions at createandbabble.com.

Of course, if you don’t have the time to make them, you can always go for one of the store-bought versions*. Which are usually not very expensive and just as easy to hang.

5 | Create a red, white and blue Wreath

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas!

Adding a patriotic wreath to your door (like this DIY version from thescrapshoppeblog.com) is the perfect way to welcome your guests on the 4th of July!

Of course, you don’t have to make the wreath yourself. There are lots of store-bought versions available as well.

And you don’t have to limit yourself to just the front door.

I love to hang one on the privacy screen in my backyard. That way it’s part of the decor for my outdoor festivities.

6 | Add flags to planters

Adding American flags to your planters and hanging baskets is a super easy way to add some outdoor 4th of July decor to your backyard.

Or if you don’t have containers, try sticking a few flags around your mailbox or along your walkway to give your home some patriotic spirit.

7 | Plant red, white and blue containers

To take this one step further, you can plant the containers with red, white and blue flowers.

I like to use blue and white containers to go with my blue and white ginger jar centerpiece.

And then add flags because I always like that little bit extra.

If you need some ideas for what to plant, read these patriotic flower combinations.

8 | Paint Lawn Stars

These lawn stars are a really fun and easy way to add to your 4th of July outdoor decor.

And don’t worry, they won’t hurt your lawn. They’re painted with spray paint that is intended to be used on grass, so it will wear off after a few days.

For all the details on how to make them, read our step-by-step instructions for painting lawn stars.

9 | Create flag vases

You can also use flags to create centerpieces by putting a couple of these small American flags* in a blue wine bottle.

A blue (or red) tablecloth with some red, white and blue candles adds a little more ambiance.

10 | Make patriotic candle holders

Because the 4th of July is often an evening event, I like to use a lot of candles to add ambiance outside.

And it’s super easy to create red, white and blue candles that are inexpensive and look great.

These DIY mason jar candle holders from addicted2diy.com are super cute and look very festive at night.

These DIY red, white and blue candle holders are a great way to add some patriotic decor to your party.

They are really fun to make, inexpensive and easy to do…a great craft project to do with kids!

Get the full tutorial for making these patriotic candle holders.

Another way to make your own red, white and blue candle holders is to use colored sand and dress them up with some faux pearls.

For these ones, I filled stemless wine glasses about one-quarter full with the red*, white* and blue sand*.

Then added some faux pearls* and a candle.

The same thing works with stemmed candle holders.

Or for a more elegant look, use white sand with the pearls and blue candles.

I love how they look when it gets dark. So pretty!

For more details on how to make them, read this DIY candle holder tutorial.

Or for even more ideas, see our list of 4th of July candle holders.

11 | Create All-In-One Place Settings

I’m all about party decorations that are also functional. Which is why I love these mason jar cutlery caddies.

Filling a mason jar mug* with a red, white and blue napkin* and some cutlery makes it easy for your guests to pick up everything they need for your outdoor 4th of July cookout.

Putting the tableware out on an American Flag serving tray* adds to the decor and makes it easy for you to transport everything outside.

12 | Use Food As Decor

I know food isn’t usually thought of as decor.

But if you the use red, white and blue colors, it acts like decor. (Another functional and decorative example.)

Especially if the food is something that is usually set out ahead of time, like appetizers and desserts.

This patriotic charcuterie board is a perfect example. It’s a great appetizer to put out while you’re grilling. And it looks pretty, too!

Making some mini cupcakes and arranging them in a flag pattern is another easy way to add to your decor.

Even better? These mini cheesecakes are actually really easy to make.

For more dessert ideas, see our list of red, white and blue desserts.

Or if you’re looking for an adult treat that goes with the decor, these red, white and blue jello shots are just the thing.

Get the patriotic jello shots recipe.

Hopefully, you have found a few easy outdoor decor ideas that you can use for your 4th of July party. I know I’ll be doing a few of these!

Other 4th of July ideas

• 4th of July party ideas
• Easy patriotic 4th of July table decorations
• Best 4th of July menu for a cookout

Or browse all of our July 4th ideas.

Have comments or questions about our easy Fourth of July outdoor decor ideas? Tell us in the section below.