These simple ideas for outdoor patriotic decorations will have you in the mood for summer! Nine simple projects that you can do in a weekend! Come along with me as I show you around, just in time for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July!
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Do You Feel Patriotic?
These last few years have been tough. The face of our nation seems to be changing, and to be honest I don’t like it. We seem more divided than ever. Suddenly everyone seems to be out to get their feelings hurt. Differences can no longer be celebrated, it used to be our differences made us interesting. Now, we are all supposed to agree with one another and think exactly alike…what a dull world this would be if we all saw it exactly the same way.
All that said, I feel more patriotic than ever. I still believe that we can turn this around, I believe that we can still remain a free nation. I am hopeful anyway! Through prayer and people speaking common sense I think we can still be the land of the free and the home of the brave. One Nation Under God!
Here are nine simple ideas for adding a little red white and blue cheer to your home!
Hang a Flag
This one is pretty simple! We used heavy magnets to temporarily hang this flag on the outside of our barn. I love the look of a flag on a red barn. This particular flag is well made and would probably hold up outside. It is a 5×8 flag and I think we need one just a bit bigger. Also, there seems to be too much blue around the stars. I am on the lookout for a different one. The price is really good, but the big size is sold out.
Handkerchief Pillow Covers
This is one of my favorite projects. These were so simple to make and I have used them year after year. The full tutorial is here. It’s as easy as stitching along two handkerchiefs and then adding ribbons for ties.
Set an Outdoor Table with Lanterns
We love to spend time outside. My kids ask to eat outdoors even when it’s chilly and windy! We got these tables at Lowes. Pretty basic but they serve us well. I haven’t sanded the stamping off of them and didn’t even notice it until I saw it in the pictures. I used things I had on hand and then added some lanterns from Walmart. The lanterns are super cute and pretty inexpensive, they make great outdoor patriotic decorations!
No-Sew Red White and Blue Napkins
These were so easy to make. I found this yardage of fabric a couple of years ago at Walmart on clearance. I just loved it and bought it, not knowing what I would make. I decided napkins would be perfect. I didn’t want to spend the time to stitch napkins, so I just used pinking shears to cut the fabric into 18×14 rectangles. The pinking shears will keep it from fraying too badly. Since I am using them outdoors, a little fraying won’t bother me.
Add Bunting
Bunting adds such festive touch to any holiday. I made two different kinds several years ago, and I use them every year. The one on the porch was made with scraps of fabric cut into strips and then tied onto a piece of twine.
The bunting on the table was a little more time consuming, but I just love it. I sewed triangles of fabric and then stitched them onto a burlap ribbon. I have one hanging in my younger boys’ room and it has held up well for many years.
Paint a Rug or Doormat
This one is a bit of a fail for me. I bought a plain rug from Hobby Lobby several months ago. It was on sale and I was planning to make a rug that said “Just so you know there is like a lot of kids in here”. I have a cutting machine, but I don’t know how to use it very well. That seemed like a lot of words, so I decided to make a patriotic front door mat.
Honestly, I don’t love it and it was kind of a time-consuming project. I usually like to at least feel like I am saving money or that I am getting a really unique item in the end with a DIY, but I don’t think I really did on this one! Here’s how I did it in case you want to try to do better!
Chalkboards
I don’t know if chalkboards are really still a thing for farmhouse decor, I don’t really care either! I love chalkboard art and it’s so fun to change out the design with the seasons. I actually have a chalkboard wall in my dining room. You can see that here.
The verse of this song sums up my prayer for our nation!
This chalkboard was made with a piece of plywood, some 1×4’s and chalkboard paint.
Patriotic Paper Medallions or Rosettes
You can find a million tutorials for these on YouTube. I made these years and years ago from heavy cardstock. They have held up surprisingly well! I haven’t always used them as outdoor patriotic decorations, I likely won’t keep them out here, the sun and rain won’t be kind to them!
Sew a Simple Red White and Blue Sundress
Why not wear your decor? I made these dresses for my girls last year. Here is the full tutorial. You can make them in adult sizes too!
Please Pin and Share with Your Friends!
As an expert in outdoor patriotic decorations, I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating a festive atmosphere for summer events such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. I understand the importance of showcasing our love for our country, especially during these challenging times when our nation seems more divided than ever.
One of the simplest and most iconic ways to add a patriotic touch to your home is by hanging a flag. Whether it's on the exterior of your barn or displayed proudly in your front yard, a flag instantly adds a sense of patriotism and pride. I recommend using heavy magnets to temporarily hang the flag, ensuring it stays secure against any wind.
Another creative project that I highly recommend is making handkerchief pillow covers. This project is not only simple but also cost-effective, as you can reuse them year after year. By stitching along two handkerchiefs and adding ribbons for ties, you can easily create charming and patriotic pillow covers.
When it comes to setting an outdoor table, consider using lanterns as decorations. They not only provide ambient lighting but also add a touch of charm to your outdoor space. You can find affordable lanterns at Walmart, making them a great addition to your outdoor patriotic decor.
For those who enjoy DIY projects but don't want to spend too much time sewing, making no-sew red, white, and blue napkins is a fantastic option. Simply cut fabric into 18x14 rectangles using pinking shears to prevent excessive fraying. These napkins are perfect for outdoor use and add a festive touch to any table setting.
Incorporating bunting into your outdoor decor is another great idea. Bunting instantly adds a festive touch and can be made using fabric scraps or triangles sewn onto burlap ribbon. Whether hanging on your porch or displayed on your table, bunting is a versatile and eye-catching addition to your patriotic decorations.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try painting a rug or doormat with a patriotic design. While this project may be time-consuming, it allows you to create a unique and personalized piece for your front door. However, be prepared for some trial and error, as not every project turns out as expected.
Chalkboards are another versatile element that can be incorporated into your outdoor patriotic decorations. Whether as a wall or a smaller chalkboard, they offer the opportunity to showcase different designs and messages throughout the seasons. You can create a chalkboard using plywood, 1x4s, and chalkboard paint.
For a more intricate and playful addition to your decor, consider making patriotic paper medallions or rosettes. There are numerous tutorials available on YouTube to guide you through the process. These paper decorations are durable and can be reused for indoor events, as they may not withstand prolonged exposure to the sun and rain.
Lastly, why not wear your decor? Sewing a simple red, white, and blue sundress is a unique and creative way to display your patriotism. You can find tutorials for making these dresses, both for children and adults, allowing you to coordinate your outfits with your outdoor patriotic decorations.
I hope these ideas inspire you to create a festive and patriotic atmosphere for your outdoor space. Remember, celebrating our nation's values and unity is more important than ever, and by showcasing our patriotism, we can contribute to a brighter future.
