You’ll need some fun Fourth of July decorations if you choose to throw your own party. Some do-it-yourself decoration tips can save you money in the long run. Gather friends over a few days before to help you with choosing the designs and assembling the decorations. It’ll prove to be a creative and fun way to kick off your patriotic Fourth of July celebration.

Plates, Napkins and Cutlery
Of course, you’ll be serving grilled goodies at the party, so you’ll need plates, napkins and cutlery to go with them. Try picking out each item in a different red, white or blue theme. For instance, match blue plastic plates, red napkins and white napkin holders. It’s extremely simple, but it shows you put time and effort into. There are also a variety of plastic plates you can pick up at a Party City or a paper goods store with stars and flags that will do the trick as well. Just remember, less is more. Don’t mix and match too many patterns. It’s best to keep things simple.

Fourth of July Stars
Pay tribute to the stars on the flag. Here’s a simple, fun craft perfect for children that you can make and paste up around the house. It’s a good idea to cover your workplace with old newspapers so you don’t damage anything. Start with a silver or gold piece of construction paper or a 5-inch construction paper star. (If you’re making it yourself, take a star stencil, trace it with a pencil and cut it with scissors along the traced lines.) Next take vibrant red, white and blue stickers, and place them in different locations on the star. Finally, glue on some blue and white ribbon sticking out of the star, signifying fireworks.

Balloons and Streamers
For a simple balloon arrangement, take three regular red, white and blue balloons, and blow them up. Then blow up one specialty balloon, perhaps in the shape of an American flag or star. Tie the bunch of four balloons together, and tape each bunch up in the corners of the room. You can also tape colored streamers to the ceiling. Either use sticky tape or thumbtacks.

Costume Party
If you are looking at a longer Fourth of July weekend and have the time to pull it off, another great decorative idea would be to ask your guests to be the decorations. When you send out the invitation, tell them it is a costume party. Suggest ideas like Abe Lincoln, the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam.