I want to wish you a happy July 4th, by sharing old-fashioned Independence Day decorations around my porch.
Because I’m still putting Alice in Wonderland, Unbirthday Party decorations away, and since it’ll only be hubby and I celebrating July 4th together, I elected not to bedeck the covered porch in traditional bunting this year.
Recently, I shared the Give Me Liberty Blue Tablescape, also set on the back covered porch and pergola. For more holiday inspirations, see Uncle Sam Wreath Pedals to Parade and Smooth Sailing Wreath Flying Red, White and Blue.
I usually pull out lots of red, white and blue Independence Day decorations— bunting, pinwheels, rosettes, garlands, banners, balloons and lots of flags. Lots of ’em!
Let me show you how I typically celebrate our country’s birthday, with pictures from years past.
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Let the Star-Spangled Banner Wave
Our covered porch is about 11 years old; replacing a much smaller deck with no roof or stairs. The addition has a grey and white color scheme, with three support brick pillars that match the house, a pergola and set of stairs. Here you can see the balcony bump-out bay draped with traditional bunting. And, if you look closely, you can see more bunting on the far right side railing next to the stairs.
There’s also more bunting on the stair landing and far left side of the porch. I like to think it looks a little like a gazebo in a town square, just waiting for the band to strike up a John Philip Sousa tune. Can you picture it?
This side of the porch faces our driveway and is also decorated with bunting. I just realized these last few pictures are dated, because the ferns have been planted in large iron planters for several years now. And, the honeysuckle vine growing up the brick pillars covers half of the pergola.
Pinwheels Add Motion & Sound
Potted herbs on the porch, under the pergola, are embellished with festive pinwheel Independence Day decorations.
There are also a number of large pinwheels in various styles scattered around the landscaping in the front of the house. I love the motion and “click-click-click” sound they make.
Most years, I plant red, white and true-blue annuals in urns on the deck. Even Apollo gets a little red July 4th color.
The Apollo planter is a happy reminder of our Visit to Amazing Ancient Athens, Greece— birthplace of many of our democratic principles. You can also see Apollo in the summer Greek Tablescape with Olympic Torch Napkin Fold.
For Independence Day decorations, I go a little crazy sticking flags into all the planters — even the hanging ferns.
More recently, I’ve also incorporated metal fireworks on stakes, like those seen below.
Broad Stripes & Bright Stars
The porch is furnished in black iron and wicker, to create contrast against all the white railings. Ceiling and floor are gray. Here you can see the black and white striped Sunbrella drapes framing the balcony bump-out.
The drapes are for both function and design. Despite the large roof, there are times of the day (particularly around dinnertime), when the sun’s angle hits your right in the eye.
The curtains solve that problem, cutting down on the glare and heat. I got the panels through Ballard Designs (along with an outdoor rug), and they’ve held up great! Money really well spent.
Black and white cushions and pillows tie-in with the curtain panels.
My Sweet Scottie Dog blends right in. That look tells me he isn’t going to be giving up his seat anytime soon!
Red, white and blue coastal décor, and Independence Day decorations and accents are scattered around the deck.
See outdoor tables for July 4th in Give Me Liberty Blue Tablescape, and Patriotic Table & Centerpiece.
Don’t Be Crabby Coastal Table and Not So Crabby Coastal Buffet carry the red, white and blue scheme through the rest of the summer.
Do you decorate for July 4th?
It’s a Grand ‘ol Flag
I also add Independence Day decorations to the antique wallpaper table used as a buffet. The flag fan below is designed to be attached to the side of a mailbox post.
That and the tea-stained flag garland below, come from one of my favorite places to shop. See Perusing at Old Allegheny Shoppe).
Oh dear, a hodge-podge of coastal and Independence Day decorations, servers, pillows and even Fibber’s dog mat, seem to have accumulated on and under the wallpaper table. Excuse my clutter!
Here’s a Nancy Thomas piece my sister bought me when she lived in Yorktown, VA. It’s another reminder of hubby’s Revolutionary War ancestor, Peacock, who was present at Cornwallis’ surrender all those years ago.
I hope you’ll join Betsy Ross, Paul Revere and I for a July 4th Patriots Table. And for some easy, inexpensive ways to decorate, don’t miss my 2021 Festive Stars & Stripes Patriotic Updates.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
hey Deb, Beautiful!!!!! Happy 4th
I just posted this a second ago! Happy 4th to you and yours too Marion.
Debbee, Love your porch and style of decorating. We have some of the same dishes, but your peacock tablescape is over the top, really beautiful. Your herbs are beautiful. Have a wonderful 4th. Lilly
Happy 4th to you too Lilly. I’m quite partial to my peacock collection of décor and tableware. Now if I could only get that book written about the inspiration himself, Peacock!
Looks good, Debbee! The porch looks like a great space for good weather. And Fibber is so handsome! Happy 4th.
Hi Rita! Yep, the porch is usually a great place to hang out, even in a downpour. But, yesterday the heat and humidity were downright oppressive, even with the paddle fan on full blast. Hubby made up a batch of frozen margaritas and that helped LOL!
Wow, woman! You really do it up on your porch for patriotic holidays! I love it! We didn’t entertain this 4th, so that was about the extent of our decorating, too. A little bit can go an awfully long way, just as you’ve demonstrated with your look at the past holiday decor. I used to put bunting front and back, but it’s a bit much on my back these days. Your decor shows how we don’t have to kill ourselves to create a beautiful patriotic ambiance! Hope your holiday week is going great!
The only entertaining we did was with each other. With the boys grown and no grandkids, I decided a few years ago that I’d still make holidays an occasion. The 4th is one of those holidays the guys can seldom make it home. Hubby and I spent part of the day planning out the itinerary for an upcoming vacation with them. A pleasant day except for the weather! We did brave the fireworks (which were fantastic), getting home before the rumbling thunder turned into a full-fledged storm.
So many cute decorating ideas. Thanks so much for sharing with us at the Summer Time Fun party. Pinned.
Thanks for taking the time to visit and leaving a comment on shared posts. It’s very much appreciated.
Thanks so much for sharing all your wonderful ideas with us at the Summer Fun party; I pinned them all.
That’s a lot of pinning Joanne, thanks for taking the time for checking them all out! Happy Fourth!
Beautiful! I truly do love the red, white, and blue!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Love this oh so patriotic post! If you’re not aware, I have a new UNLIMITED Monthly Link Party! I’d like to invite you to bring this post and more over and linkup with everyone.
Hi Dee, thanks for visiting! I’m out of the country and will stop by the party after I get home.
Hi Debbee! I love the patriotic decor on your porch. It looks so comfortable and inviting. I didn’t know you have a Scottie. My mom and stepdad had a Scottie and he was the sweetest dog. Enjoy your week!
Hi Rebecca, always lovely hearing from u. Fibber is ten and has a personality ten times his small stature. Always love to hear from other Scottie fans. See more at Sweet Scottie Dog: My Fuzzy Funny Valentine
Oh Debbee, you are certainly decked for the holiday! I LOVE your Scottish Terrier! I raised and showed Sealyham Terriers and have a soft spot for any little hard coated terrier with a beard!
And I didn’t know u raised terriers either! Have u posted about them? See more on Fibber at Sweet Scottie Dog: My Fuzzy Funny Valentine
I love your festive patriotic decor… but I have to say that Fibber is the star of the post! I have two scotties over the rainbow bridge. Scotties are wonderful!
Thanks for sharing at TFT!
Fibber surprisingly became the star of this post! Even with that serious expression. He just turned ten and I hope he’ll be with me for some time yet.
Your deck looked fantastic all decked out in red white and blue! Fibber is adorable!
Thanks Liz! You can get to know Fibber in Sweet Scottie Dog: My Fuzzy Funny Valentine He’s had a rough six months poor guy.
Debbee, Your decorations for the 4th are so lovely. Congrats, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. https://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com/2019/06/thursday-favorite-things_19.html Hugs, Bev
Hi Bev, just got back in the states from South America. Thrilled to be featured! Thanks so much.
Love your balcony and love the dog! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Thanks so much Kathleen. I lost Sweet Scottie Dog: My Fuzzy Funny Valentine this past Christmas. Sure do miss him! I am currently on about a dozen wait lists in my search for a Scottie puppy — they are hard to find. Hoping by this July 4th I’ll know I have one and just be waiting until he’s ready to come home.
Love the look and feel of your porch! You can invite me over anytime!!
Thanks Sandra, I’m a sucker for vintage style bunting, spinners, and the stars and stripes! Hope you have a happy 4th.
A. I love the bunting! B. It’s beautiful how the simplest of decorations can seem so cool – like the 3 glass bottles with 5 flags. C. Happy 4th of July, even if it is only 2 this year. May next year be way better socially and travel wise.
I’m delighted you enjoyed the look and vibe of my “old school” decorations Jeanne! We are disappointed neither of our sons will be in town this year (they live in Manhattan and Philly and feel they need to distance from us). But, my brother-in-law and his wife are coming up from VA for a low key visit.
Beautiful Debbie! thanks for sharing with us at Charming Homes & Gardens
Thanks for stopping by Rachel! I love the old fashion, John Philip Sousa style decor for the 4th.