I am not the type of person who goes all out with holiday home decor — if you’ve been here for a while you already know that I prefer subtle touches that don’t detract from my existing home decor. It’s all about making easy additions or swaps that work for your style. I find that the easiest places to make these modifications are (1) door / wall decor, (2) accent pillows, and (3) tabletop decor. Sometimes adding a festive bunting to your mantle will work, but not everyone has a fireplace (or a mantle over it, for that matter!) so, personally, I don’t gravitate toward garlands or banners.
I do find that the aged / distressed shabby-chic “farmhouse” look works really well for any patriotic holidays so you’ll find that’s a common theme across the products that I’ve sourced. For my personal taste, I also like to use the colors of the holidays without using overly holiday-specific items because then I can often repurpose items throughout the year (specifically with accent pillows and florals)!
Today’s post is specifically related to decor for patriotic “Americana” holidays such as Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day (both days honoring past and present troops who have given everything to protect our country’s freedom) and, of course, Independence Day! Additionally, it just feels appropriate and “summery” to enjoy a bit of Americana decor during the warmer months.
DOOR / WALL DECOR
I LOVE a front door wreath. It gives great curb appeal and provides a festive first impression upon entering your home. If there is only one thing you swap out throughout the year, I think it should be a wreath because they are just so festive and everyone has a front door, even if it’s inside an apartment building! Since our door is already painted red, I just tied a simple white ribbon on our faux boxwood wreath that I use for the majority of the year and just swap the ribbon out until autumn comes.
If you have space above a side table or bench in your entryway (or even above a bar cart!), this is another great place to swap out an art piece with a wreath or decorative wall hanging (in this case, some metal stars painted red, white and blue!).
ACCENT PILLOWS
This is another instance of why I prefer to keep my normal home decor very neutral, so I can easily add in festive accents. My couch pillows are all neutral colors so it’s very easy to add in a few festive pillows, depending on the holiday or season. My blue pillow cover in the photo above is the perfect illustration for this; it’s neutral enough to be displayed year-round, but certainly adds to the “red white and blue” decor theme.
TABLETOP DECOR
FLORALS / GREENERY
I love a floral arrangement to add a little “zhuzh” to a space (faux florals are great for reusing for multiple seasons and spending a little more on realistic flowers / greenery is a worthwhile investment). I actually have some deep red faux florals that I like to repurpose in arrangements depending on the holiday: adding blue flowers or berries and white florals for patriotic holidays, white and pink flowers for Valentine’s day, white florals and extra greenery for the Christmas season, etc. It’s an arrangement that I have displayed year-round and just adjust it to reflect the season.
A popular craft store offers a tutorial and list of supplies on their website for a cute patriotic arrangement if you’re feeling a little extra creative (I found this additional option if you want to go wild with arrangements)!
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DINING
Aside from a centerpiece on a dining room table the napkins, glassware, serving trays, and even plates make a statement to add some festive flair to your home especially if you are hosting a BBQ or event for these patriotic holidays.
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MISCELLANEOUS
In this situation, “tabletop” could obviously be regarding the dining room table, but it could also apply to sideboards or entryway tables, coffee tables, or even side tables. Don’t underestimate these locations — every little piece adds something to the overall effect. Decorative items could be wooden carvings (in this case, stars!), American flags in a vase, objects to fill a bowl or jar, or the occasional festive knick knack.
I love all of the subtle, yet star-spangled decor that can come together to make a festive impact and I hope you love it too! You can find more patriotic decor inspiration here and meal ideas here!
Happy “Americana” shopping, friends!
Sending hugs —
xx, Natalie
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