It's time to decorate for the 4th of July—here's what to buy
It is, after all, a party in the USA.
Credit:
Beistle / GoFloats
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Are you ready to party like it’s 1776? No, I don’t mean by sitting, assembled, in an old-timey conference room and ratifying a world-altering declaration. I’m thinking something more like gathering alongside your friends, family, and maybe even colleagues to chow down, hang out, and celebrate the Fourth of July in style.
As more and more Americans become vaccinated, it’s time to make up for lost time. As we approach the so-called “new normal,” perhaps this July will mark the first barbecue you’ve hosted in over a year. Or maybe it is just a day to sit with your family, floating in the pool, and running through the sprinkler. However you celebrate, you’ll need some Fourth of July decorations to really go all out this year—here are some top-rated options we love.
1. This welcome sign that sets the mood at the front door
A warm welcome is central to the American spirit.
Start your celebration off with a warm welcome. Come neighbors, come uncles and aunts, come friends, come that one coworker you messaged a lot during quarantine but haven’t actually seen in person yet. Invite your favorite people into your home with this American flag-themed sign, which has a 4.5-star rating from more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon. This sweet sign is evergreen, and you can hang it on the door, on a porch railing, or inside your home year-round.
Get the Amscan Americana Fourth of July Party "Welcome" Hanging Vertical Sign from Amazon for $9.49
2. These playful temporary tattoos
Turn yourself into patriotic decor.
We can’t think of many pieces of decor that double as an activity. That said, these temporary tattoos manage to do just that. They have more than 4,000 reviews and a 4.9-star rating on Etsy. Reviewers rave about how much fun (and sparkle) these accessories bring to their celebrations with fun for the whole family.
Get the Fourth of July Temporary Tattoos from Etsy for $11.99
3. This striking, handmade American Eagle wreath
It’s sure to stand out.
This breathtaking, handmade paper wreath is tasteful, proud, and patriotic. Acting as a visual centerpiece as well as a great conversation opener, it’s hard to resist the allure of such a staggering statement piece. Plus, what’s more patriotic than supporting American craftsmen as they pursue their artistic dreams?
This seller also crafts slight variations on this wreath, including eagle wreaths with the U.S. Veteran logo as the centerpiece. We can’t imagine a more special gift for a loved one who has served, nor can we think of many more fitting days to give it on.
Get the American Eagle Wreath from Etsy for $42.50
4. This festive blanket more than 1,000 Amazon reviews
The perfect thing to watch fireworks on.
There isn’t a lot that a good blanket can’t do: protect from the chill of the evening, provide a comfy place to sit out on the grass while watching fireworks, decorate the foot of a bed, or even just make us feel cozy as we drift off after a full day of family and celebration. This machine-washable blanket does all of the above and all with the spirit of the season.
With a whopping 1,000 Amazon reviewers and a 4.7-star rating, this soft, plush blanket gets rave reviews for its durability and large size. Buy it for a picnic, to honor a friend who has recently become an American citizen, or to remind yourself of the land of the free.
Get the Catalonia American National Flag Print Cable Knit Throws from Amazon for $23.99
5. This serving tray that honors the day
Serving up patriotism.
When I see this tray, I imagine it filled with a fresh pitcher of icy lemonade and stacks of cups precariously piled as eager hands grab for refreshment. Yes, please. But even if the cups are perilously placed, there’s no need to worry that you might drop this cute, seasonal tray thanks to the built-in handles, as well as heightened edges to ensure nothing slides off. Skip the spills and chow down (with as few trips to the kitchen as possible) with this highly-rated tray.
Get the Amscan Patriotic American Flag Serving Tray from Amazon for $21.99
6. These rustic felt festoons
For a more understated look.
This Independence Day, take a gander at these cute, felt garlands. Besides being minimalist yet celebratory, we love the idea of this no-fuss option. Hang one, or many, of these patriotic rounds in your home. This Etsy seller allows color customizations, too, so for those of us with limited space and not much experience creating festive spaces, pick a few different color combos to brighten up any holiday season.
Get the Farmhouse Fourth of July Decor from Etsy starting at $12
7. This burlap wreath that reviewers are obsessed with
Simple but still a statement.
This classic wreath is sturdy, unabashed, and a great addition to your front door. At 20 inches long, it’s an eye-grabbing piece to let your neighbors know that you’re proud to be an American. Just like the United States, this wreath is built to last and reviewers say it’s of very high quality and is apparently even better in person.
Get the August Grove American Flag 20" Burlap Wreath from Wayfair for $69.99
8. A patriotic gnome
I didn’t gnome about this trend before, but apparently, it’s a popular one.
Those decorative gnomes actually originated from Scandanavian folklore wherein house gnomes would help perform certain household tasks, look over the home, and bring good fortune to those it lived with. It makes sense, then, that you might want this hairy cutie helping to celebrate under your roof.
This Fourth of July gnome, in particular, has plenty of reviewers raving about the quality with one person writing, “Another precious gnome for my collection! This seller makes the best quality gnomes with so much detail—never disappointed!”
Get the Patriotic Gnome from Etsy for $35
9. Adorable and sturdy paper plates
A fabulous touch to your buffet table.
These paper plates are a great touch to any barbecue. They are thick enough to hold your Independence Day feast but still manage to look stylish. Place these plates and maybe some blue napkins atop a red tablecloth and create your own flag-inspired spread. Plus, you can use these highly-rated plates to give yourself a break from the dishes so you can actually enjoy ice cream, grilling, and sitting in the grass watching fireworks.
Get the Star Shaped Plates from Etsy for $6.99
10. This cornhole set that is fun for the whole family
There’s nothing like a little friendly competition.
This cornhole set has just over 3,800 reviews with a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Perfect for Independence Day get-togethers, tailgating parties, and family gatherings year-round, this classic yard game promises to entertain. Even if you're not the one hosting the party, consider bringing these along in the included travel case. Some reviewers did mention that, because these are high-quality boards, they can also feel pretty heavy.
Get the GoSports Classic Cornhole Set from Amazon for $64.55
11. Red, white, and blue balloons
It is a birthday party, after all.
Add some flair to the party with these colorful balloons. With 20 of each color (red, white, blue, and clear with confetti), you’ll have enough to fill the house or surround the yard with. The confetti balloons are an especially nice touch and feel like a daytime homage to the fireworks you’re sure to see later. The seller recommends rubbing the confetti balloons on cloth or hair to create some static to make sure those confetti pieces inside don’t just settle at the bottom of the balloon.
Get Tatuo Confetti Balloons from Amazon for $14.39
12. These colorful straws with more than 7,500 reviews
These straws definitely don’t suck.
It’s the details that really make a Fourth of July memory. Consider grabbing some of these celebratory straws that feature stars popping out of the cup. You’ll be happy to know that these bad boys are made from biodegradable paper. With a near-perfect rating from more than 7,500 reviews, reviewers commend the seller’s quick shipping and that they hold up in a drink despite being made of paper.
Get the Fourth of July Straws from Etsy for $8.75
13. This vibrant wreath that appears to be made of flowers
They look like the real deal.
We’re getting a farmhouse vibe from this wreath (although, if we’re being honest, it would probably look great anywhere you put it). Even if you’re settled in the city, adorn your doors with this glorious tribute to the red, white, and blue colors that represent our country. This highly-rated wreath is made of very realistic fake flowers, so you can use it over and over for years to come.
Get the Patriotic Wreath from Etsy for $124
14. These cute flag toothpicks
Because no detail is too small.
Hamburgers piled high with patties, pickles, cheese, onions, and any condiment your heart desires. It’s a glorious thing. That is until its structural integrity fails and your testament to American hunger has become more of an homage to Italy’s famous leaning tower. Avoid this predicament with the decorative and practical support that these toothpicks promise, which have more than 1,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating.
Get the Beistle US Flag Picks, 50 Pack from Amazon for $2.59
15. These placemats that are practical and befitting of the day
Break bread together, but be sure to catch the crumbs.
Americana at its finest. We all know that the dinner table is really the heart of the home, where we gather together to share our day and thoughts. Your dining table deserves to be dressed accordingly. Consider these braided placemats a practical and stylish addition to your dining room for the Fourth. One reviewer says that they expect that these placemats will last a long time—which is always a good sign for a newly purchased patriotic piece.
Get the Celebrate Americana Together Braided Placemat from Kohl’s for $4.99
16. These fun patriotic sprinkles
Such a simple addition to make a standout treat.
If you ask us, it isn’t really a backyard party until someone brings out the ice cream. Make dessert time a little more fun with these striking decorative sprinkles. Amazon reviewers have used this upgraded everything, including cupcakes, cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and chocolate-dipped pretzels with these inspiring sprinkles.
Get the Fancy Sprinkles from Amazon for $12
17. This throw pillow that’s suitable for the outdoors
Now that’s a good boy.
Only three presidents have lived in the White House without the support of a First Pet, most of which were dogs. It feels fair to say that the canine companion is rather important to the American self-image. Even if you don’t have a furry friend as we go into the summer, consider adopting this top-rated indoor/outdoor pillow for some support. While this pillow is a winner any time of the year, it still manages to make the Fourth of July feel a little more celebratory.
Get the Plow & Hearth Patriotic Pooch Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow from Wayfair for $39.95
18. This sign that you can make your own
Truly rustic vibes.
With three different size options, this personalized patriotic farmhouse sign that features your family’s name This lightly distressed piece looks authentic, old-timey, and just right for July Fourth. This is a nice twist on the common and very classic red, white, and blue declarations of patriotism. Reviewers applaud the craftsmanship of this sign and say it’s something you’ll want to keep up for the entire year.
Get the Personalized Truck and Fireworks Patriotic Americana Sign from Etsy starting at $65
19. These cute decorative wooden blocks
Finally, some firecrackers that won’t upset the dogs.
While fireworks are legal in most states, it’s possible that fireworks are the kind of thing you just want to leave to the pros. A quieter way to bring the dazzling effects of fireworks into your home is with these wooden blocks that embody their spirit. With a 4.9-star rating on Etsy, these rustic touches are a perfect addition to your Independence Day display.
Get the Firecrackers Americana Decor from Etsy starting at $12.99
20. The most patriotic pool float on the market
Ride on the back of this eagle into a day full of relaxation.
After the burgers and beer, the game of cornhole, and playing with sparklers with your little cousins, you might be feeling a little tired but not yet ready to call it a day. Take a break and put your legs up in this festive pool float featuring a bald eagle. This tube is a good size for adults and children alike, and several reviewers applaud the float’s large size and its durability after hours of use. This tube can be inflated by pump, mouth, or apparently by a hair dryer to make things easy.
Get the GoFloats American Screaming Eagle Pool Float from Amazon for $19.99
