Red, White and Blue Decorating Ideas on a Budget

Go all out this 4th of July with these patriotic party decorations.

Budget-Friendly Party Decor
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The 4th of July is perhaps the biggest outdoor entertaining event of the summer and if you happen to be hosting a soiree at your place this year, we have a few tricks to help you decorate on a budget.

Red, White and Blue Streamers

4th of July Streamers

4th of July Streamers

Create decorative streamers from plastic cups.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Materials

  • plastic drink cups
  • hole punch
  • scissors
  • string

Save yourself a trip to the party store and make your own festive streamers instead.

Start at the top of the plastic cup and use scissors to cut in a swirl pattern until you reach the bottom.

4th of July Streamers

4th of July Streamers

Start at the top of a plastic cup and use scissors to cut in a swirl pattern until you reach the bottom.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of the plastic strip you just cut out and attach them to the ceiling using string.

4th of July Streamers

4th of July Streamers

Use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of the plastic strip.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

This simply DIY project is the perfect way to decorate on a budget.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Materials

  • Styrofoam balls
  • decoupage
  • paint brush
  • bamboo skewers
  • decorative napkins
4th of July Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

Materials needed to make this patriotic decoration.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Open a decorative napkin and remove the reinforcing layer of the napkin from the side with the pattern.

4th of July Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

Remove the reinforcing layer of the napkin from the side with the pattern.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Cut the napkins into various-size squares.

4th of July Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

Cut the napkins into various-size squares.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Insert skewers into Styrofoam balls.

4th of July Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

Insert bamboo skewers into Styrofoam balls.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Coat the Styrofoam ball with decoupage and then add the squares of decorative napkins. As you add several squares, make sure you coat them in decoupage as well and continue until the ball has been covered completely.

4th of July Decorative Balls

4th of July Decorative Balls

Coat the Styrofoam ball with decoupage and then add squares of decorative napkins. Make sure you coat the napkin squares in decoupage as well until the entire ball is covered.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Add the decorative balls to a glass vase and set them on a table to be admired.

Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Add patriotic flair to your party with this simple craft project.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Materials

  • yarn
  • water balloons
  • petroleum jelly
  • school glue
  • needle (to pop balloons)
  • string lights
  • bowl
4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Materials needed to make patriotic string lights for your next party.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Cut strips of multi-colored yarn into strips long enough to nearly cover an entire water balloon.

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Cut strips of multi-colored yarn into strips long enough to nearly cover an entire water balloon.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Use petroleum jelly to coat the exterior of the water balloons.

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Use petroleum jelly to coat the exterior of the water balloons.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Pour school glue into a bowl and add water for an equal part mixture. Stir.

Add yarn to the bowl so that it is completely soaked in the mixture and then wrap the glue-coated yarn around the balloon in all different directions.

Allow the balloon to dry on a baking sheet nearby.

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Allow the balloon to dry on a baking sheet for a few days.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

After a few days, the yarn should be completely dry. Use a needle to pop the balloon and remove it from the dried yarn ball.

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Use a needle to pop the balloon and remove it from the dried yarn ball.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Add the yarn balls to the string lights.

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Add the yarn balls to string lights.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Hang them up or wrap them around a table where you are serving food to your guests. You can’t go wrong!

4th of July Yarn String Lights

4th of July Yarn String Lights

Decorating for the 4th of July just got a whole lot easier.

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

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