4th of July will be here in just a couple of days, and if you're finding yourself in a pinch in terms of décor and ideas, there's still time! Check out the goodies featured in my first roundup of July 4th ideas (which included some great pinwheels, decorations, food & fashion ideas), and then see some of the fun below. A weekend is plenty of time to prepare for a big 4th of July bash!
4th of July Headband
This headband on Etsy serves as good inspiration for a 4th of July headband. This could be easily recreated from felt scraps and some elastic. She made the flowers from layered circles of felt with notches – easy! I'm thinking of whipping one up for my little girl this weekend... now if I could only get her to keep headbands in her hair...
Patriotic Fruit/Cheese Tray
Looking for ways to jazz up your food spread on the 4th? Arrange a fruit tray with watermelon, blueberries, and feta (or another white cheese) like Wenderly.
4th of July Printable
Free printables are the easiest (and cheapest) way to decorate! This is one of the best that I've seen available for the 4th. Download it for free at LandeeSeeLandeeDo.blogspot.com.
4th of July Banner
I love this simple banner idea found on sweetsindeed.com. No sewing necessary! Print out a saying like “Happy 4th” onto colored cardstock (one letter on each separate piece), cut out with triangle shape on bottom, and hang on top of rectangles of red, white, and blue fabric (cut with pinking shears) – voila! You automatically have a rustic 4th of July banner that took little time and money to make. (Try downloading a fancy free font like Royal for the letters)
Star Medallions
There goes that Martha Stewart again, coming up with super-crafty ideas. I love these patriotic star medallions that she makes from cotton fabric and starch. Pretty simple, and a great addition to your 4th of July party décor!
4th of July Drink Parasols
I kind of have an obsession with drink parasols... These 4th of July ones on Martha Stewart are as simple as printing out her free template, taping, and sticking on a toothpick. Think of how pretty your drinks will look (or, if you're like me, think of how great your pictures will be...!). This is a must-do.
Link Parties:
Here comes the 4th! I love the 4th of July; it's usually full of good food, good friends, and good fireworks. Plus (and call me sentimental, if you will), I love the unity that patriotism brings, and knowing that people all over the country are celebrating for the same reason.
Anywhoo, if you're throwing a 4th of July party or are just looking for ways to amp up the patriotism in your household, here's a round-up of some great decorations, printables, and ideas!
4th of July printable and patriotic bunting
You can download this “Land of the Free” image for free thanks to Sugar Tot Designs, but what I REALLY love is the adorable half circle bunting! You can find the tutorial here. Buntings are a great way to use up fabric scraps and add a ton of character to your home.
Red, white & blue streamers
Here's an easy DIY décor idea for your patio: hang some red, white, and blue streamers and white lights. Simple, cheap, and so pretty! (Found on stylemepretty.com)
Printable Pinwheel
These printable pinwheels will spruce up your yard or make great centerpieces. (Found on alphamom.com)
Patriotic fan pinwheel
Need some cupcake toppers? I like these printable pinwheels from MarthaStewart.com.
4th of July fashion
Stumped on what to wear to your 4th of July bash? Take inspiration from this look on Fashionsalade.com. Stripes + polka dots = fabulous.
4th of July dessert: Cupcake kabobs
Finally, nothing says 4th of July quite like a red, white and blue dessert. These cupcake kabobs look equally yummy and festive. Here's the easy tutorial (via themomblog.ocregister.com)
Happy 4th!
Link Parties:
I'm a huge fan of personalized cards. In fact, I usually don't give them unless I've made them myself. This is equal parts me trying to be creative and give something special, and me boycotting the ridiculous price of a hallmark card. I mean, really, $3.99 for something that will be looked at once and thrown away? I know some people hold onto cards as sentiments, but most will get tossed. I don't judge. I recently found a huge stack of cards that I was holding onto for several years and thought, “why in the world do I have these?” and threw them out. Purging is very important when you have a small house with few storage closets.
Wow, I think I am going off on a bit of a tangent.
Anyhoo, with Father's Day on the way, I thought I would whip up some free printable cards that you can give to your husband or dad, and one that your kids can color and customize as well. Enjoy!
“Real Men” Father's Day Card
For the manly man in your life... Download and print this card
“Daddy and Me” Father's Day Card (a craft for your kids)
I thought this would be a fun Father's Day card for kids to make, plus daddy will love to see their creativity! Let your kids color in a picture of themselves with daddy, and then fill in the top 3 reasons why they think he's the best. If you have a 16 month old like myself, you'll most likely have to do most of the work (unless you believe that my daughter is a genius and was able to draw a shirt, pants, and tie on her dad in the picture above; in which case, you are correct). Download and print this card
Link Parties:
- We Are That Family's Works for Me Wednesday
- Type A's Anything Goes Party
- All Thingz Related
- Get Your Craft On Tuesday
- DIY By Design
- Frugal Friday on The Shabby Nest
- Fingerprints on the Fridge: Feature Yourself Friday
- Life Made Lovely Monday
- Craft-o-maniac Monday
- Making Monday Marvelous
- Craft Couture Monday
