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Budget Patriotic 4th of July Decorating with Thrift Store Finds

Are you excited to discover some budget-friendly 4th of July decorating ideas? As we commemorate the birth of our nation, incorporating thrift store finds into your patriotic decorations is cost-effective and environmentally conscious. Let’s get creative with some 4th of July Porch Decorations and more.

Thrift stores are a great place to start looking for patriotic decorations. This time of year, shops are filled with everything from flags and banners to wreaths and tableware. And the best part is, you’ll be able to find these decorations for a fraction of the price of new ones.

Today I’m sharing my favorite tips for decorating for the 4th of July with thrift store finds. I’ll also give you some ideas for creating your own patriotic decorations on a budget. So whether you’re looking for a few simple decorations or want to go all out, I’ve got you covered.

Thrift Store Finds - American Flag in Greenhouse -4th of July Decorating on a Budget

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Where To Shop For Patriotic Thrift Store Finds?

In the weeks leading up to the 4th of July, you will find that most Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops are filled with patriotic decorations. You’ll find some great 4th of July Porch Decorations, including wreaths, garlands, dishes, tablecloths, banners, and more.

The best deals are usually found at Charity Thrift Stores because all the decor is donated.

  • GoodWill
  • Salvation Army
  • Habitat ReStore
  • Other non-profit organizations thrift stores such as SPCA, Christian Outreach, and other community-based thrift stores.

You can learn more about shopping at Second Hand and Charity Thrift Stores, the benefits for your community, and the money-savings you’ll experience.

4th of July porch decorations with American flags, thrift store finds, and mini golden doodle with vintage wicker chairs

4th of July Porch Decorations

A favorite place for 4th of July decorations is the front porch. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite ways to decorate the porch with thrift store finds.

Thrift Store Finds – Flags

You can find great deals on American Flags at second-hand shops.

Y’all know I love vintage finds, and this large Flag is a favorite one. I use it to decorate every patriotic holiday; its size always makes a fun, festive statement.

Patriotic-Porch -4th of July Decorating on a Budget with thrift store finds American Flag on porch swing.

Attaching the Flag to the porch swing and adding a string of twinkle lights allows the Flag to shine both day and night on our front porch.

4th of July Decorating on a Budget with thrift store finds American Flag on porch swing.

Another way to add a patriotic style to your porch is to add thrift store flags to your porch plants and baskets.

4th of July Porch Decorations with flags and pillow.

Red, White, or Blue Decorations

Think outside the box when looking for 4th of July Decorating on a budget. Use any red, white, or blue decor to add patriotic style to your porches.

Red geraniums mixed with a few flags and a blue and white rug add a fun 4th of July vibe to the front doors.

Fill planters with red flowers to instantly add a patriotic feel to any space.

Vintage Thrift Store Find chandelier with planter filled with patriotic flags
Greenhouse and She Shed Decorated for 4th of July with flags.

Tablescapes – 4th of July Decorating

Another great way to add to your 4th of July festivities is to decorate your tables with thrift store finds.

I have been fortunate to find some great pieces of patriotic tableware. Don’t limit your choices to obvious patriotic decor when planning your tables.

Think summertime and all that it represents, like these fun watermelon plates used on a Fourth of July Tablescape.

4th of July Decorating on a Budget with thrift store finds for decorating a patriotic tablescape

In addition, a plaid tablecloth in red and white is a perfect foundation for the patriotic picnic on the pier.

4th of July Decorating on a Budget with thrift store finds for decorating a patriotic tablescape

DIY Patriotic Napkins with cutlery pockets is another budget-friendly way to decorate a 4th of July Tablescape.

The thrift store basket is filled with fresh plants and a trio of inexpensive American flags. Even the water glass has a fun patriotic red, white, and blue straw. See more of the easy tablescape ideas.

4th of July Decorating on a Budget

In addition to using thrift store finds to decorate, there are many creative DIY projects and craft ideas to save money while decorating.

Patriotic Light Fixture Ideas

I have used these thrift stores finds to add a seasonal touch to a DIY light fixture for several years. Seven mini vases were only 25 cents each at a local GoodWill, and with a galvanized wire addition, they are perfect for adding seasonal charm over the table.

For the 4th of July Porch Decorations, I printed mini flags and added them to toothpicks to celebrate the holiday. You can see more details in this post.

Light fixture filled with mini flags for 4th of July Porch Decorations.

Or, you can create fun ticking strip streamers to attach to a chandelier for an instant patriotic feel.

Ticking Strip streamers handing form DIY Chandelier in Greenhouse She Shed.

Patriotic Wreaths & Garlands

Creating wreaths and garlands is a breeze, and they’re perfect for incorporating eco-friendly, sustainable decorating concepts.

The Neutral Star Patriotic Wreath and Red, White & Blue Star Garland are made by recycling aluminum cans. The Twig Star Patriotic Wreath is made with forage twigs.

These projects are simple and enjoyable, perfect for engaging kids in a fun weekend activity.

Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to show your patriotism this summer. Recreating these ideas for the 4th of July or any patriotic holiday only takes a little effort. And the savings are well worth the effort.

Resources

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

CoCo

Wednesday 5th of July 2023

Such a great post, Rachel! It was so much fun to pin and share these on my Friday faves. You are always so creative no matter what the season and I'm grateful you share your gifts with us. They inspire me all the time! Hugs and hope your 4th was amazing, CoCo

Rachel

Thursday 6th of July 2023

CoCo, Thank you for stopping by. I hope you had a great 4th of July.

michele - vintage home designs

Friday 30th of June 2023

I love all of these wonderful patriotic decorating ideas Rachel! I will be sharing your post on my Saturday Morning Gather post tomorrow.

Rachel

Saturday 1st of July 2023

Michele, You are so sweet to share this. Thank you.

Wendy McMonigle

Friday 30th of June 2023

So many great ideas Rachel and Rudy sure looks like he is ready to celebrate the fourth!

Rachel

Friday 30th of June 2023

Wendy, Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments.

Renae

Thursday 29th of June 2023

Gorgeous, my friend. Everything looks so festive. Happy Fourth of July!

Rachel

Friday 30th of June 2023

Renae, Thank you Renae, I appreciate your comments.

Kim

Thursday 29th of June 2023

So many great ideas, Rachel! I have so much ticking fabric and I always love the way you use it. Those streamers are perfect. Red geraniums are so festive to use for the 4th! Your blue and white dishes are beautiful! Great post!

Rachel

Thursday 29th of June 2023

Kim, I really appreciate this. Thanks for stopping by.