DIY Memorial Day Decor Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank!

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and gives us a moment to honor those who served with pride and gratitude. But you don’t need a big budget to make a bold statement! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just sprucing up your front porch, these easy, affordable DIY ideas will add a festive touch to your home.

DIY #1: Patriotic Bandana Banner (Front Porch or Backyard Fence Decor)

What you’ll need:

• Red, white, and blue bandanas
• Twine or jute rope
• Scissors – I recommend sewing scissors because they cut almost everything and stay sharp!
• Hot glue gun (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Fold each bandana in half diagonally to create a triangle.
2. Space them evenly along the twine and either tie the ends or use hot glue to attach.
3. Drape the banner across your porch rail, fence, or picnic table setup.

Budget Tip: Buy in packs and reuse them for 4th of July!

📸 Photo Tip: Hang your banner across your porch rail or wooden fence and snap a wide shot in natural light. Add a flag or some flowers in red, white, and blue for extra flair.

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🎨 DIY #2: Painted Mason Jar Centerpieces

What you’ll need:

• 3 Mason jars
• Acrylic paint in red, white, and blue
• Small American flags or faux florals
• Ribbon, twine, or star stickers (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Paint each jar a solid patriotic color and let dry.
2. Wrap twine around the top for a farmhouse touch.
3. Add flags, baby’s breath, or dollar store carnations inside the jars.
4. Display as a trio on your outdoor table, porch steps, or window ledge.

Budget Tip: Use recycled pasta sauce jars and leftover craft paint from other projects!

📸 Photo Tip: Style the jars on a wood slice or tray with mini flags and a gingham napkin underneath. Take the photo outdoors during golden hour for Pinterest magic!

DIY #3: Patriotic Paper Pinwheels

Perfect for: Sticking in planters, centerpieces, or lining a garden path

What you’ll need:

• Red, white, and blue scrapbook paper
• Scissors
• Push pins or brads
• Wooden skewers or straws
• Optional: glue dots or star stickers

How to Make It:

1. Cut the paper into squares (5×5 inches is a good size).
2. Cut from each corner toward the center, stopping an inch from the middle.
3. Fold every other point toward the center and secure with a push pin or brad.
4. Attach to a skewer and stick it in a pot or flower bed.

📸 Photo Tip: Snap a shot of these spinning in a flower pot or mason jar by your porch steps.

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🎆 DIY #4: Red, White & Blue Tin Can Lanterns

Perfect for: Table decor or lining a walkway at night

What you’ll need:

• Empty soup or coffee cans
• .Hammer and nail (or drill)
• Red, white, and blue spray paint
• Tea lights or LED candles
• Twine (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Freeze water in the cans (this helps them hold their shape).
2. Use a nail and hammer to punch out stars or dot patterns.
3. Let thaw, dry, and spray paint in patriotic colors.
4. Add tea lights for a magical evening glow.

📸 Photo Tip: Place them in a row on your porch or light them up at dusk for a glowing shot.

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✨ DIY #5: Dollar Tree Patriotic Wreath

Perfect for: Your front door or gate

What you’ll need:

• Wire wreath form (Dollar Tree if yours has them)
• Red, white, and blue mesh or ribbon
• Pipe cleaners
• Mini American flags or star picks

How to Make It:

1. Cut mesh into strips and use pipe cleaners to attach them to the wreath form.
2. Alternate colors for a full, layered look.
3. Add flags or stars to one side for a finishing touch.

📸 Photo Tip: Hang on a white or wood door and shoot from straight on with a pop of natural light.

These Memorial Day DIYs are perfect for creating a festive look on a shoestring budget—and they’re easy enough to make in under an hour! Tag me @DIYBlondie and use #diyblondieblog if you recreate these looks—I’d love to feature your festive setup! And see below for a printable supply list for these DIY decor projects!