20 Easy DIY Memorial Day Decor Ideas to Celebrate in Style
Create affordable festive looks with red, white, and blue.
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While scoring a great sale might be top of mind for Memorial Day this year, don't forget that it's also a time to acknowledge the American soldiers who lost their lives protecting our freedom. Embrace your patriotic spirit by making your Memorial day celebration more stylish with these easy DIY ideas. From star-shaped drink stirrers to a wreath made of American flags, these Memorial Day decorations will make your bash one to remember.
Chair Bows
Take your outdoor set-up to the next level with chairs decked out in red, white, and blue bows.
Ribbon Tied Flatware
SHOP GROSGRAIN SADDLE STITCH RIBBON
Having a sit-down gathering for Memorial Day? Impress guests by using festive ribbon to tie a simple bow around your flatware.
Gingham Tablecloth
While a red and white gingham tablecloth can certainly work all year round, it's a fun accent that's especially fitting for the holiday. For Memorial Day breakfast, layer the checkered tablecloth with blue and white dishes, fresh flowers, and your favorite foods.
American Flag Wreath
SHOP MINI AMERICAN FLAGS
Make a strong first impression and show how patriotic you are with this adorable wreath made of mini American flags.
Candles with Personalized Dog Tags
Whether you use them to add interest to a candle display or a table setting, personalized dog tags make for a thoughtful addition to any celebration.
Striped Vase
Turn a clear vase into something special by wrapping red, white, and blue ribbon around it. Pop in your favorite white flowers and your table's centerpiece will be all set.
Nautical Place Card
Everyone will need a name card, but add a fun twist with this nautical version, which also works perfectly for Memorial Day.
Patriotic Bouquet Holders
Believe it or not, but these are dish towels! All you need to do is fold a towel in half over a gallon-size zip-seal bag and cut the towel 1/8 inch larger than the bag. Staple the towel together along the sides; hang with clothespins; add water and flowers.
Paper Pinwheels
Another great idea for a centerpiece — just place these pinwheels in a vase, and you're good to go. Or, leave them in a bucket and let the kids take them as they please.
Starry Stirrers
Transform paper straws into a festive drink stirrer by threading them through a pre-cut star.
Paper Lanterns
Whether you want to DIY 'em or just buy 'em, lanterns add such a whimsical touch to backyards. Hang them in a tree, and you've got yourself the perfect backdrop for a family photo.
Painted Glassware
Personalize old glassware in just 10 minutes with glass paint and a steady hand. Now you've got the perfect containers for your favorite summer cocktails!
Patriotic Flowerpot
The whole family can grab a paintbrush and get in on the fun with this stars-and-stripes-themed planter.
Repurpose Everything
Old game boards painted in red and blue make gorgeous wall decor. Add a festive table runner, and you've got a great place to serve drinks and food.
Confetti Poppers
The best part about these confetti poppers is that you probably have everything you need to make them at home — just save your toilet paper rolls!
Tin Planters
Vintage containers lend just the right amount of Americana flair to your Memorial Day party. Shop your local thrift store for a cheap alternative to a ceramic planter.
Macrame Wall Hanging
This DIY flag does take a little time to create, but it won't seem that bad if you do your weaving as you watch your favorite TV shows.
Fireworks Wreath
Paper pinwheels go a long way in this wreath. Keep this fireworks-inspired piece up from Memorial Day through the 4th of July.
American Flag Cupcake Toppers
Welcome to the easiest decor idea ever. Dress up your cupcakes by placing little American flag toothpicks in them. The only DIY you need to do is putting them in the cupcakes.
Patriotic Fruit Cups
If you don't feel like using glass or plastic cups for your party, white paper ones will do just fine, especially after you add an American flag sticker to them.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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