Simple Patriotic Decor Ideas Under 5 Dollars for Summer

I love patriotic decorations for the summer! Now is the best time to get your simple patriotic decor ideas ready! Enjoy my patriotic decor tips, all quick, easy, and under five dollars!

With the end of the school year and the flurry of activities that always accompanies the days surrounding Memorial Day weekend, patriotic decorations have a way of sneaking up on me! Can anyone relate?! If so, I’ve got some quick and simple patriotic decor ideas that you can use all summer. Best part? They are super budget-friendly and under $5.00!

While I love to decorate for summer, I don’t leave the patriotic décor out for the entire summer. At the same time, I enjoy finding ways to simply add a patriotic theme to my summer décor without having to redo every vignette and gallery wall.

Since I prefer some subtle touches, this style of decorating lends itself to being simple and easy. To me, that is perfect for adding patriotic ideas in the laid-back summer months!

Now is the time to take the best patriotic decorating ideas for under 5 dollars and get ready for the July 4th holiday!

beautiful picture of Robyn in a patriotic shirt styling a patriotic space

When should you decorate for summer?

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I anyone out there scrambling a little as we get ready for this summer? Or maybe you just really love to decorate too? If so, I thought I would share my favorite ways to add some simple patriotic decor ideas for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July! Plus, they are all budget-friendly!

I usually start some simple patriotic decor and summer home ideas in May or right after Mother’s Day. Since we live in Florida, I love breaking out the box of sea shells and coral to get me started. Even if you don’t live near a beach, summer is a fun time to add just a touch of that coastal vibe.

Ideally, I love to have our “summer home” ready so when we get home from school on that last day of school, we can immediately jump into summer mode!

You can find all of my favorite summer décor ideas HERE. We don’t actually have a separate summer house. However, I love trying to be creative and make our home feel different and special for the summer season with simple patriotic decor. It is really fun to try and create our own summer retreat!

Pro Tip: Think of your ideal summer vacation home or resort and look for ways to implement that feeling throughout your home.

small flags styled in ironstone pitchers with one large arrangement of palm fronds in the middle

How can I decorate my house in summer?

There are so many great ways to decorate for summer with simple patriotic decor. However, my favorite way to decorate is to try and turn our home into our own little summer retreat. At the same time, keep things simple, uncomplicated, and easy to maintain.

I bring these main elements into my summer décor:

White, light colors
Touches of light blue
Woven textures
Natural elements like coral and shells
A few coastal elements like a pretty sailboat accent
Cane and rattan accents
Fresh greenery (convenient since we have palm trees all over our yard!) In case you don’t, these faux palm branches are wonderful!

However, if your summer decorating is a little behind schedule, don’t worry! You can still use these following quick and simple patriotic decor ideas and tips to bring that patriotic flair into your home for the patriotic holidays!

When should I start decorating for 4th of July?

I like to put my patriotic seasonal decor out right before Memorial Day and leave it through the 4th of July. Then, I remove the simple patriotic decor and enjoy “regular” summer decor for July and August!

However, it is not uncommon to leave patriotic touches out for the entire summer and take it down closer to Labor Day. At the same time, you may add some simple patriotic decor for Memorial Day and again for the 4th of July, rather than leaving them out for the month of June. Really, it’s just up to what works for your home and what you enjoy doing!

In fact, this post will help you with some great ideas for simple patriotic decor to get set up for the patriotic holidays in a matter of minutes!

Simple Patriotic Decor Ideas Under 5 Dollars for Summer

Simple Patriotic Decor Ideas #1:

How to Make a Flag Bouquet

This fun idea is great for Independence Day or flag day! I like to pick up these packs of flags at the dollar store or dollar spot. This year, I’ve had a harder time finding the wooden sticks, which I personally prefer, so I linked a great pack of them HERE! However, you can sometimes find them at the grocery store, so keep an eye out! In addition, the flags are really inexpensive.

So with your five dollars (or $8 if you get the big pack!) , you can create a few flag bouquets! It’s one of the best ways to stretch your dollars for pretty patriotic home decor!

Pro Tip: I usually iron them, then gently roll them up and let go. That gives them a slightly “unfurled” affect at the ends!

To create your flag bouquet, simple gather a handful of small flags (I prefer an odd number) and place them in a favorite jar, vase, bottle, or pretty vintage ironstone pitcher.

small flags arranged in a small glass beaker on a table

Here are some favorite vessels that would work perfectly for a flag bouquet:

You can add flag bouquets to almost any side table, fireplace mantel, vignette, or patriotic centerpiece for a patriotic flair. Also, you can try creating a collection of flag bouquets in mismatched ironstone pitchers or old mason jars for more of a vintage inspired statement!

Simple Patriotic Decorating Ideas #2:

How to Make Flag Bottles

This idea certainly isn’t original with me and I’ve seen it all over the place. However, sometimes the most simple ideas are the ones I forget about!

Another favorite way to use flags in my Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July décor is to line up some old bottles and put a single flag in each one. I especially love how they look with this mix of old bottles. I also love these budget-friendly, vintage-inspired blue bottles! Some of them have that light blue tint that adds even a little more pop of patriotic colors!

A row of bottles and flags makes the perfect mantel or shelf décor! You can even line them up for a super quick, simple, and inexpensive centerpiece! Any kind of bottle will work for this, whether they are old milk-style bottles, vintage European bottles, or even old soda bottles!

vintage glass bottles with small flags lined down the center of a table

Also check out these vintage-inspired bottles for simple patriotic decor ideas:

Pro Tip: This is a great time to use those old Coke and Pepsi bottles from the dusty corner shelf of the antique mall!

Simple Patriotic Decorating Ideas #3:

How to Make a Patriotic Arrangement With Plants

How can I decorate my house for 4th of July?

One of the most quick and simple ways to add some simple patriotic decor touches to your home for the holiday is to grab those dollar store flags and stick them in some of the plants around your home! I even do this outside, adding them to flower pots and baskets of plants and flowers!

This is a great way to get a lot of “bang for your buck”, as you are using your existing décor and turning it into a holiday statement piece with the American flag! THIS coastal planter is a truly gorgeous way to add a plant and flag for a patriotic flair!

If you need a fast centerpiece, gather a few plants in pretty flower pots from around your home. Arrange them on your table and stick an American flag in each one! It will look like you put a lot of thought and intentionality into the design for your patriotic party or table centerpiece! Plus, it is a lot more cost effective than floral arrangements!

You just can’t go wrong with pretty greenery and a festive flag!

I add flags to plants for table decor on my coffee table, kitchen island, kitchen table, and console tables in the living room. Even 2 or 3 flags added to plants in each room will add a festive vibe…and it will only cost you a couple of dollars!

large concrete urn with a plant and a medium sized flag

gorgeous patriotic tablescape with lots of small flags

medium size flags in a plant inside an old metal bucket

Simple Patriotic Decorating Ideas #4:

How to Make Easy Patriotic Floral or Greenery Arrangements

If you’ve been following along with me for very long at all, you know I am pretty unlikely to have bright flowers inside our home. Okay…on the exterior too. We just planted rows of white Vinca. However, I actually do get colored flowers on rare occasions, but Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are not those times.

I love to make more of a subtle statement with an arrangement of white flowers and then…you guessed it…stick in an American flag or two from my Amazon haul!

Once the holiday is over, I can pull the flags out, put them in a drawer for the next season, and still enjoy the bright, white flowers with my summer décor!

That being said, you can get really creative with colored flowers for the summer holidays! For example, sunflowers with flags in the bouquet make a bold, summer farmhouse statement.

For a more elegant approach, a woven vase of red roses can add a pretty statement to your patriotic décor! Or, if you have wildflowers in your area, consider vintage mason jars (or THESE for a more budget-friendly style) of pretty wild flowers lining the table. Next, just add a simple American flag to each one!

Pro Tip: Invest a tad bit more for flowers that you can use season after season and year after year for no additional cost.

Check out these favorite faux flowers! I use them all over our home! Plus, if you like blue flowers for a patriotic look on the 4th of July, THESE also come in a beautiful blue color!

small flags in small plants in ironstone planters

cute patriotic cupcakes styled in a tablescape

How can I decorate without spending a lot of money?

I’ll be honest, I don’t usually (actually, I don’t think I ever have) spent a lot of money on flowers for Memorial Day or Fourth of July décor but I do love beautiful ideas for seasonal decor!

Since I already have some coastal vibes in my summer décor, I like to cut some fresh palm branches and put them in a pitcher or vase, then adding a flag for a patriotic touch. I like to get a few of the larger flags to use in my tall pitchers and vases.

At the same time, just a pretty pitcher, full of greenery from your yard and a big flag makes a beautiful statement. You could add a patriotic centerpiece like this to an entryway table, kitchen island, or dining table. I also like to add this kind of piece to the middle of our BBQ station or buffet table for a festive look!

small coffee table with patriotic decor in front of a large white apothecary styled with flags, a large mirror, and various other decor items

Simple Patriotic Decorating Idea #5:

For some simple patriotic decor ideas, try some of these budget-friendly ideas:

Get double duty from your food by displaying it in fun ways for patriotic home decor. THIS easy patriotic salad is a fun example of an easy way to decorate your dining room with yummy food during this time of year!
Add patriotic tableware to your patriotic party display. Since you need to purchase these things anyway, just get flag-related party goods and skip decorating your entire home altogether! The patriotic party decor will be enough on its own!
Cut a small flag off of the stick and attach it to a jar with ribbon or decoupage. These are fun DIY 4th of July decorations and make a fun vase or candle holder for a patriotic tablescape. For a safe (and cooler) holiday, use THESE battery-operated votive candles. The great thing is that they look incredibly realistic but don’t let off any extra heat!
Get creative with some easy and fun patriotic crafts, such as paper chains or a cute banner for creative patriotic decor ideas.

Edited to add: I have recently fallen more and more in love with all of the beautiful blue decor, including blue pillows, blue flowers, and coastal grandmother decor touches. Check out THIS curated collection for some great blue colors that will add patriotic spirit and take you through all of the summer months too!

If you’re looking for more summer decorating favorites, I’d love for you to check out my storefront! I have added some gorgeous pieces there in a range of budgets and styles. You may find just the perfect piece to inspire your summer decor! You can find my storefront HERE!

I hope this has sparked an idea or two…or maybe reminded you that simple patriotic decor ideas shouldn’t be underrated! Have a safe, fun, and happy holiday!

I’d love for you to follow me on social media! You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

You may also enjoy these summer home decor posts:

Blessings,

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