Today is all about decor. I love crafting and spending hours perfecting every little detail for any party or get together, but to be honest, it's rare that I actually have the time to do anything. So when I want to throw a casual get together, I look for ways to dress up my space that are time efficient (because with my two girls - 2 and 4 - I have to be quick!) and that are also budget friendly (my husband does not appreciate all the adorable odds and ends I find the way that I do).
If you don't want to spend a lot, I suggest you go to your local DollarTree and pick up some of the patriotic ribbon they have there. There are about 5 or 6 different patterns, and I fell in love with all of them but came home with 4. They all mix together and will make all the difference when setting up. A simple glass vase, cup, or jar can be tranformed to match the event with just a few inches of ribbon. Cut and glue or tape and you're ready to go.
I'll post a picture of the four patterns I scooped up later today.
thoughtfullysimple.com
A favorite of mine are those paper lanterns you made in grade school. Who knew that the simple craft could linger with you later in life? You can use contruction paper that you have on hand or, for an extra glam touch, choose a patriotic scrapbook paper. Simply fold the paper in half length-wise and cut straight slits on the fold. Glue or staple the two ends together, and add a small handle for easy hanging, and you're good to go. You can even use your kids for this one - unless they're mine...
blog.homeseasons.com
You can use any spare cans or tins around to add a little extra flare to your space. I would opt for a small bunch of flowers in a few smaller cold uans on my front steps and around the backyard. Larger items on their own stand out as do smaller groupins. You can use white craft paper and a small bit of ribbon to wrap the cans or a fancier paper, if you have on hand. If you have old paint cans, they can make a big statement. Give a function to this decor by using them to hold utencils, napkins, or food. They can do double duty!
squidoo.com
Don't forget that the containers you use to serve food and drinks also dress up a space. Choosing a red bucket instantly stands out in your space and brings the theme to the table. I try to keep my dishes for parties white for easy use with any theme, and I have a super big vintage galvanzied bucket that we inherited when we moved into our home that has never failed to look great with any party. A wrapping of ribbon, a patriotic pinwheel, or other item attached to the bucket can give it the patriotic feel if you think it needs a kick up.
blogs.glam.com
This one takes a little more time, but I love the way it looks and would definitely spend the time, if I had it. In reality, I don't think I would paint them red, white, and blue. I'm pretty sure I have a pin of similar cans in metal glowing at night, and those are great to reuse every night. - OK I got off my lazy butt and looked the pin up. I found two great ones on my Spring and Summer board - check this one out for a not so bright patiotic look of frosted jars with simple stars, or this one for a simple painted can with leaf shapes glowing. At night, either one will look great against the dark.
sasinteriors.net
If it's not too windy this weekend, you can try this one underneath one of those simple tents you can get at your local pharmacy. I had four last summer, and let me tell you, they don't stand up to wind. But you can easily drape lengths of crepe paper from one end to another underneath. The added benefit of being underneath the tent? A smaller space will instantly make your decor look more dramatic.
sasinteriors.net
And finally, the paper lanterns with lights are great and budget friendly for this weekend. For $1 and two AAA batteries, you can get a simple white lantern from the DollarTree. These are great for tying thin ribbon around the top or bottom to match the red, white, and blue theme for this weekend. If you have more time, you can hand draw stars or fireworks (both will look great in bunches no matter what your drawing skill level is) in red or blue marker instead. Turn them on when it gets dark and you will have a soft glow in your backyard.
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Whew! Don't forget to come back tomorrow! I think I just might make it back for day four!
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