Decorating for 4th of July and Patriotic Holidays with Lights

Red white and blue mini lights

The 4th of July, our Independence Day, is the perfect time to celebrate our country's freedom with a fun and festive party. Outdoor barbecues are popular this time of year.  What better way to dress up your outdoor spaces for the holiday than with red, white, and blue lights?  Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about how to jazz up your 4th of July party with lights.

Bunting strung along a porch railing or roofline just begs to be lit with swagged strands of mini lights. Consider individual strands of red, white and blue lights, and then offset them as you go.

Do you have a flagpole?  Consider wrapping the pole with C9 opaque or transparent lights for a fantastic patriotic look.  Of course, at night, don't forget to illuminate your flag with a spotlight.

Battery operated clear mini lights are easily nestled into table centerpieces for a festive 4th of July party.  Use them on the food or drink table to encircle meat trays, the ice bucket or the tub of drinks.

String sets of red, white and blue C7 or C9 transparent lights between two trees and then hang patriotic hanging lanterns along the strands.  The lanterns will be the focal point during the day and the lights will look great at night, casting light and shadows against the patriotic lanterns.

Create instant ambiance by using red, white, and blue mini lights strung along a fence, balcony, porch railing, or patio overhang. Red, white and blue lights surrounding the bushes in front of your home will show your patriotism to not only your party guests, but your neighbors as well.

Trellises, especially ones that are overhead and have greenery covering them, will look great intertwined with mini LED lights.  The effect in the evening will be one of soft light and a festive feel. The LED lights are perfect for this application since they don't create the heat usually associated with Christmas lights.

The American Flag is the symbol of our freedom and it instantly brings to mind why we celebrate the 4th of July in the United States.  Consider creating a flag with C7 or C9 rope  lights, either on a fence or on a hill where everyone will be able to see it.  It could be the finale of the party once the sun goes down and the sparklers come out.

Another great way to use the C7 or C9 transparent or opaque lights in patriotic colors is to line the path going to your patio or back yard, or even the walk leading to your front door.  Your guests will be in a festive mood as soon as they arrive!  If guests are arriving during the early evening hours before the sun goes down, consider the opaque lights.  They look great during the day and are stunning when lit at night.

An outdoor barbecue wouldn't be the same without tiki lanterns!  Place tiki lanterns around the eating area and string mini lights from one to another, creating a unique and inviting space for people to relax, visit and eat.

Using red, white, and blue lights is a great way to bring patriotism and tradition to any 4th of July party.  Get creative!  Your party will be the topic of conversation for months to come.

Author: Shellie Gardner