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:
- Fold each bandana in half diagonally to create a triangle.
- Space them evenly along the twine and either tie the ends or use hot glue to attach.
- 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.
🎨 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:
- Paint each jar a solid patriotic color and let dry.
- Wrap twine around the top for a farmhouse touch.
- Add flags, baby’s breath, or dollar store carnations inside the jars.
- 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:
- Cut the paper into squares (5×5 inches is a good size).
- Cut from each corner toward the center, stopping an inch from the middle.
- Fold every other point toward the center and secure with a push pin or brad.
- 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.
🎆 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:
- Freeze water in the cans (this helps them hold their shape).
- Use a nail and hammer to punch out stars or dot patterns.
- Let thaw, dry, and spray paint in patriotic colors.
- 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.
✨ 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:
- Cut mesh into strips and use pipe cleaners to attach them to the wreath form.
- Alternate colors for a full, layered look.
- 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!
