Easy DIY Fourth of July Tabletop Decorations

Celebrate this Fourth of July with no fuss fanfare by putting a festive spin on everyday items. Our decorating ideas take things like dish towels, patterned paper, napkins, and paper cups to new heights. DIY a spectacular holiday display inside your home that could rival fireworks.

These projects are low-cost and easy to make. Each one will bring delight to your patriotic summer celebration whether you're grilling recipes or splashing in the pool. Since the Fourth of July is known for big, bold, colorful displays—personalize each project to your liking.

Serving Up Style

Trade traditional place mats for festive dish towels. Mix and match an array of bold colors and patterns for a casual dining experience.

In a Flash

Make a place setting shine with napkin-wrapped utensils. Simply wrap a ribbon around a silverware bundle, thread the ends through a hole punched in a paper star, and tie a knot. A star cut from glitter or foil cardstock finishes a napkin tie.

Fireworks Show

Decorative paper, foil cupcake liners, treat sticks, and tinsel turn plain coffee cups filled with trinkets into party favors. Guests will have a blast popping the lids and swapping the red, white, and blue goodies inside.

Editor's Tip: Disguise a coffee cup lip with a cone-shaped paper topper.

United They Stand

This centerpiece comes together in minutes. Apply strips of transparent vinyl tape to the outside of clear glass cylinders in various sizes. Fill them with flowers or pillar candles and parade them down the table. A white vase inside the clear one makes the tape pattern stand out.

Independence Display

Set up a spot where guests can help themselves to beverages. Festive bandannas tied around glass pitchers capture the spirit (and any condensation). Keep decorations low-cost with a star-spangled banner made from paper napkins. Perk up lemonade (or something stronger) with star shapes cut from watermelon slices using cookie cutters.