Memorial Day is right around the corner, and the Fourth of July is around the corner after that. Which means it’s time to start getting ready to celebrate the good things about our country and the people who fought for it.
That might mean a small gathering, or a party or barbecue. Or maybe it’s not a celebration at all, but just an honoring of the holidays. It could even be a “get out the vote” postcard party that calls for just a few red, white, and blue touches to get everyone fired up and in the mood for action.
Either way, Americana decor is everywhere right now and it’s a great time to change up the surroundings. But in case the mood doesn’t call for life-sized Uncle Sam statues and football field-sized flags, we’ve got some classy, subtle ways to get one’s patriotism on. Towels and tablecloths in red, white and blue without the flags. Handmade wall hangings and candles that say “Memorial Day” but can be enjoyed all year long. Even cocktail glasses printed with the words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in case we’ve forgotten them.
Read on for 40 ways to tastefully and cleverly pay tribute to our country that aren’t the usual flag banners and fireworks motifs. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, and in the end we should salute our differences and learn to live with whatever flag our neighbor is flying. Because that is what America was built on.
American Flag Heart Box Plaque
This plaque with a vintage feel would be a sweet addition to any space. Love, American style.
American Flag Heart Box Plaque ($17, Kirkland’s)
Melton Cotton Throw Pillow
This blue striped pillow is subtly patriotic and also nautical. This means it would be perfect for a Memorial Day celebration on a boat.
Melton Cotton Throw Pillow ($38, Wayfair)
Firecracker Table Decoration
Bring a rustic feel to the Memorial Day table. The best part — these “firecrackers” are legal anywhere.
Firecracker Table Decoration, Set of 3 ($18, SweetTeaandGrace/Etsy)
Americana Welcome Party Sign
Give a subtle salute to guests with this whimsical wooden sign. Bonus for cat lovers: Take the sign apart and rearrange the letters to spell “meow.”
Americana Welcome Party Sign ($9, Amazon)
Burlap Table Runner
Burlap isn’t just for hoedowns and barn weddings. This rustic runner would be great on its own to dress up a dinner table, or put over a loud tablecloth to tone down the patriotism just a bit.
Burlap Table Runner ($15, Amazon)
Cutout Stars Metal LED Lantern
This cute little lantern comes with an LED flameless candle to light the way for guests all year round.
Cutout Stars Metal LED Lantern ($15, Kirkland’s)
Fourth of July Felt Garland
This adorable felt garland can add a pop of color to any room on any day of the year. Super cute bunny not included.
Fourth of July Felt Garland ($16, TheBlushingFig/Etsy)
Red, White and Blue Star Indoor String Lights
Give a wall, a table, or a doorway a little twinkle of red, white, and blue with these star lights. They’re battery-operated, so no outlet is needed.
Red, White and Blue Star Indoor String Lights ($14, Amazon)
Patriotic Star Metal Nesting Trays
These stylish trays with an antique finish can be used as a decoration or to bring out the after-fireworks coffee.
Patriotic Star Metal Nesting Trays, Set of 3 ($83, Kirkland’s)
American Flag Canvas Art Print
This canvas print with a vintage feel will have everyone in the living room singing “America the Beautiful.”
American Flag Canvas Art Print ($53, Kirkland’s)
American Flag Bowl Fillers
Have a bowl that needs filling? These beautiful handmade flag pillow will do the job.
American Flag Bowl Fillers, Set of 3 ($13, TattersandScraps/Etsy)
Burlap Flag Garland
Hang this burlap garland to express gratitude for freedoms in place, but maybe to also bring attention to those freedoms that have been lost. It’s a twofer!
Burlap Flag Garland ($10, Amazon)
Rustic Metal Patriotic Star Set
These rustic tin stars make a festive decoration for a Memorial Day celebration, but are stylish enough to keep up year-round.
Rustic Metal Patriotic Star Set ($27, Wayfair)
Patriotic Star Spinner Sign
Hang this whimsical star spinner outside from a tree or inside next to a breezy window. One can almost hear “The Star Spangled Banner” whistling in the wind.
Patriotic Star Spinner Sign ($20, Wayfair)
Hydrangea, Queen Ann, & Berry Wreath
This gorgeous wreath will bring just the right amount of Americana into the home. And the flowers are artificial, so this one will last (almost) forever.
Hydrangea, Queen Ann, and Berry Wreath ($38, Kirkland’s)
Star Door Curtain
This charming door curtain will give a little shower of patriotism to anyone who enters.
Star Door Curtain ($10, Amazon)
Constitution & Declaration Glasses
The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are important things to be reminded of at any Memorial Day or 4th of July celebration. Or just when sipping a good bourbon.
Constitution and Declaration Glasses ($15, UncommonGoods)
Patriotic Luminaria Bags
Luminarias are the best way to light a driveway or entryway to a party. This is a set of 24 so there’ll be plenty of the red ones left over to light up the Christmas celebrations.
Patriotic Luminaria Bags ($19 for 24, Amazon)
Denim Star Accent Pillow
This cute denim accent pillow adds a touch of Americana to any couch or chair. Or maybe as an oversized Christmas tree-topper.
Denim Star Accent Pillow ($13, Kirkland’s)
Stars & Stripes Doormat
This red, white and blue mat can bring some patriotism to the front steps without asking guests to wipe their feet on an American flag.
Stars and Stripes Doormat ($13, Kirkland’s)
Urban Villa Kitchen Towels
Use these red, white, and blue checked dish towels to brighten up the kitchen during all of that Memorial Day barbecue and picnic prep.
Urban Villa Kitchen Towels ($15, Amazon)
Vintage 4th of July Bunting Flags
Print out these vintage flags at home for an instant DIY Memorial Day or 4th of July celebration.
Vintage 4th of July Bunting Flags Digital Download ($4, MarysMontage/Etsy)
Red, White & Blue Party Fans
Balloons as party decorations are so last year. Hang these party fans instead and soak up the compliments for being so party-forward. Plus, unlike balloons they’re reusable and biodegradable.
Red, White and Blue Party Fans ($7 for 6, Amazon)
History Buff Printable Party Kit
What could be better than free party decorations? Use this free download to print out all of the cool party decor that’s pictured here. Now that’s patriotic.
History Buff Printable Party Kit (FREE, UncommonGoods)
Americana Heart Mug
Sipping coffee out of this mug in the dawn’s early light is as patriotic as one can get.
Americana Heart Mug ($7, Kirkland’s)
Red, White & Blue Berry Wreath
This cool, funky berry wreath would look great on a door, or set flat on a table surrounding a grouping of candles. Or as a crown for Coachella.
Red, White & Blue Berry Wreath ($18, Amazon)
Ribbon & Rag Rustic Wall Hanging
A beautiful and clever take on a traditional flag hanging. This one is made out of ribbon and lace and is so gorgeous it definitely won’t coming down after the summer holidays.
Ribbon and Rag Rustic Wall Hanging ($35, NowFancyThat/Etsy)
Citronella Candles in Tin Basket
What’s patriotic and keeps mosquitoes away? These red, white, and blue citronella candles! They come in their own basket for tidy storage, too.
Citronella Candles in Tin Basket ($33, Wayfair)
4th of July Cupcake Toppers & Wrappers
Store-bought or homemade, any cupcakes deserve to be dressed in red, white, and blue.
4th of July Cupcake Toppers & Wrappers ($6, UndergroundFarmhouse/Etsy)
Red, White & Blue Cabana Towel
These luxurious towels will add some flag-inspired color to the bathroom, or use them for summer pool and beach fun.
Red, White and Blue Cabana Towel ($39, Amazon)
Red Candle
This gorgeous candle resembles a firecracker and is perfect for any patriotic celebration. It comes it blue and white, too, to put together a grouping for more obvious symbolism.
Red Candle ($9, Wayfair)
Felt Star Ornaments
These handmade felt stars are so sweet, guests will want to take one home with them along with their container full of leftover barbecue. Which is fine, because they come in a pack of 10 that makes them easy for sharing.
Felt Star Ornaments ($23 for 10, PeachPod/Etsy)
Nested Star Dishes
This set of three star dishes would be just the thing for serving snacks at the summertime party. Plus, they nestle into each other for easy storage.
Nested Star Dishes, Set of 3 ($21, Kirkland’s)
Americana Heart Hangers
Hang these handmade hearts on any wall or door to bring a little American spirit to a room. And never be accused of being heartless.
Americana Heart Hangers, Set of 2 ($7, MyCraftBooth/Etsy)
Patriotic Mason Jars Centerpieces
This mason jar centerpiece would be a gorgeous finishing touch for any Memorial Day or 4th of July table. Extra points if there’s a burlap runner.
Patriotic Mason Jars Centerpieces (from $41, VivasFlowerShop/Etsy)
Stars & Stripes Wood Serving Tray
This wooden tray with a vintage feel can be used just as a decoration, or put it to work passing around red, white, and blue Jell-O shots. Just a suggestion.
Stars & Stripes Wood Serving Tray ($16, Amazon)
Decorative Striped Paper Straws
Ditch the plastic at the party. Use these striped paper straws that work just as well as plastic and look way better sitting in a glass jar.
Decorative Striped Paper Straws ($8 for 100, Amazon)
4th of July Paper Stars
These adorable hanging paper stars are a festive decoration for any Memorial Day gathering. And at this low price it’s affordable to buy a small constellation.
4th of July Paper Stars ($5 for 2, Target)
Patriotic Stripe Outdoor Tablecloth
This bright and bold tablecloth is the ideal backdrop for any dinner setting or party buffet. Plus, as with any print, it’ll camouflage stains better than a solid color. Winning!
Patriotic Stripe Outdoor Tablecloth ($28, Target)
Red & Blue Striped Outdoor Rug
A walkway or frequently traveled hallway can get an instant makeover with this red, white, and blue rug. Plus. it’s fade-proof and weather-resistant so it can be used outdoors, too.
Red And Blue Stripe Outdoor Rug ($50, Target)
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If you are a patriotic and looking for some new home decorations, add this graphic to your Pinterest board to be inspired
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.