We all love a holiday as they give us an excuse to meet up with friends and family and also show off our property. Of course, the way that you end up decorating your property when it comes to these holidays will vary depending on what it is you’re celebrating. If you and your loved ones are getting together in order to celebrate a patriotic holiday then you are going to want to use the colors of red, white and blue and ensure the American flag is prominent, whilst also keeping things tasteful. This can be quite a hard balance to strike and as such, if you are looking for some helpful tips and tricks then you’re in the right place. In this article, we will go into more detail about how you should be decorating your property for patriotic holidays and making it stand out in the process.
Why Should You Decorate for Holidays?
When you decorate for holidays, not only are you making your home stand out, but you are also getting your family in the spirit of the celebration. Regardless of whether you are a die-hard decorator or would rather go for a bit more of a subtle approach, there are lots of different ways that you can dress yourself and your property up for the special occasion.
Why Is It Harder Decorating for Patriotic Holidays?
One of the reasons why it can be a lot harder decorating for patriotic holidays is because the line between well executed and tacky can be incredibly thin. Not only that but there are a lot of different rules of etiquette that apply that you wouldn’t necessarily get with other holidays. These include the likes of getting the right proportion of red, white and blue in place. It also applies in the sense that you need to make sure your American flag is up in the right position too. All of these things can make decorating for a patriotic holiday a bit more complicated and stressful, which is why it is helpful to use this article as your reference sheet. Here, we will provide you with a plethora of advice that discusses how you can decorate every aspect of your home in a way which is correct and tasteful.
The Front and Back Yard
When you are taking to your front and back yard in order to decorate it in the most effective way possible with patriotic decorations, it’s a good rule of thumb to ensure that everything looks tasteful and is displayed properly. This is especially important given your front yard is likely going to be the first thing that people see and if you’re having a garden party for the fourth of July, your back yard is going to be where most people spend their time.
Your yards are the best places for you to display your flags but as previously discussed there are some rules of etiquette that come with displaying your flag. These include:
- Hang your flag with the field of stars at the top left. Always remember that you should hang it from the point of view of the viewer rather than your specific point of view.
- If you are displaying the flag after sunset, then you should ensure that it is properly illuminated by a spotlight.
- If you are dealing with particularly severe weather, then you should consider bringing your flag down and securing it. This isn’t just to make sure the flag is okay but also to protect others as if it is blown away it could hurt someone. You may want to consider purchasing a flag that is made with weather-resistant materials.
- Finally, if you have a flag that is slowly getting worse thanks to the weather and is showing signs of tearing and fraying then it could be time to retire it and start displaying a new one.
You should make sure that the rest of your outdoor décor follows suit both in its etiquette and overall style. That being said, you shouldn’t hesitate to let your personal style shine through as well. If you are a fan of outdoor lighting, then why not get some festive lights for the holiday? Maybe even pick a wreath for the front door that can add style to your home and celebrate the holiday at the same time. There really are a huge variety of options available to you.
Interior Décor
You have the luxury of a little bit more liberty when it comes to working on your interior decorations. Due to the fact you’re indoors, your decorations aren’t going to have to be weather safe and you can be a bit more adventurous with your style as well. For instance, rather than hanging up a flag as you did outside, you could instead get one of the wooden rustic American flags such as those that are sold by Old Glory Rustic Sign Co.
The main thing that you need to consider above all else when it comes to decorating your homes interior is subtlety. You don’t want to overdo it with the stars, stripes and red, white and blue décor. Pick specific areas of your home that you want to decorate and start on them whilst frequently taking a break to consider what you’ve done and whether it looks like too much.
Some prime examples of such décor include the likes of switching out throw pillows and blankets for the some with patriotic prints and designs. This isn’t in your visitors’ faces and is also an incredibly easy and inexpensive way that you can decorate your space.
Entertainment Décor
There are a lot of patriotic holidays where friends and family will gather together for celebration and it will be the first time everyone has been in the same room for some time. As such, you may have wanted to host a party when you incorporate your decorations into the actual gathering itself rather than just having them be aesthetically pleasing.
You could always use a table runner that is able to highlight your dining room table or outdoor eating area. Though this is a solid option, if you decide you would rather have something a bit more casual then you can resort to placemats instead.
You could even add a serving tray or two as an amenity for appetizers and finger food whilst also doubling up as their very own decorative element. If you are hosting a backyard gathering, then a serving tray will also be incredibly helpful when it comes to serving food and as somewhere to keep all of the grilled food that has been finished.
Finally, be sure to tie all of these decorations together in the best way possible by using a table centerpiece that will effectively unify your gathering. If you want something quite meaningful to both yourself and everyone else there, then the centerpiece can be one that ties in elements of friendship and family.
Conclusion
Decorating for a patriotic holiday can be incredibly difficult as there are a lot of rules that come with the likes of hanging up flags. Not to mention, it can be very hard striking that perfect balance between patriotic and elegant whilst not coming across as too much and giving off a tacky impression. If you need help when it comes to your decorating, then you should refer to the above guide for all of the helpful tips and tricks that you might need.
