Make This Instagram-Worthy Photo Booth Backdrop for Your 4th of July Party

Madeline Bachelder
Jun 23, 2015

You guys know we love a good DIY photo backdrop. Heck, we love any and every kind of DIY party decor, but a photo booth really brings something to the fiesta table. Any excuse to take a few too many photos with our pals, right? So we pulled out our trusty wooden dowel one more time for a super easy (and may we say flippin’ adorable) 4th of July flag backdrop. Scroll on to learn how we did it!

Materials:

— 1 yard light red fabric

— 1 yard dark red fabric

— 1 yard white fabric

— 12 yards white trim

— 2-foot by 1-foot blue fabric

— fabric scissors

— pen

— X-Acto knife

— cutting mat

— safety pins

— 5-foot dowel

Instructions:
1. Cut your red and white fabric into 2-inch-wide, 5-foot-long strips.

2. Cut your white trim into 5-foot-long strands.

3. Draw various-sized stars at random on your blue fabric. Then cut out the stars with an X-Acto knife. Fabric scissors also work, but it’s difficult to be precise.

4. Hang up your dowel, then tie on all light red strips using a double knot. Repeat with the dark red fabric, then the white, spacing out you strips to mimic an American flag. Add the white trim last.

5. Pin the blue fabric to the top right corner of your backdrop.

6. Take tons of photos with your pals!

Here’s another reason to make this backdrop — it’s a good excuse to use all the fabric scraps you have lying around.

Cut your red and white fabric into two-inch-wide, five-foot-long strips. Repeat with the rest of your fabric, then cut your trim into five-foot-long strands.

Draw stars at random on your blue fabric. Then cut out the stars with an X-ACTO knife. Fabric scissors also work, but they’re not as precise.

Look at that beauty!

Hang up your dowel, then tie on all of the light red strips using a double knot. Repeat with the dark red fabric, then the white. Leave space between the strips to mimic American flag stripes. Add the white trim last.

Pin the blue fabric to the top right corner of your backdrop.

Hello, you glorious flag, you. Guess what the next step is?

Take photos with all your homies! As always, silly props and sunnies are encouraged.

Are you going to make this backdrop yourself? If so, we want to see the results! Share photos with the hashtags #iamcreative and #britstagram so we can take a look!

Anthropologie Has The Cutest Holiday Hosting Goodies, And My Wallet Is Screaming

Hosting for the holidays just got a whole lot more magical with Anthropologie’s goodies. From elegant tableware that'll totally "wow" your guests to whimsical decor that sets the perfect festive mood, Anthropologie is the premier destination for polished party essentials. Whether you're planning a chic dinner party or getting lit with your cousins, these are the best finishing touches for a spirited gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with our picks!

Our favorite holiday hosting necessities from Anthropologie:

Let's dive into some of the best holiday hosting pieces from Anthropologie, from tableware to decor!

    Anthropologie

    Holiday in the City Stoneware Dessert Plate

    These adorable dessert plates are available in several different designs, all of which depict a different city pictured in holiday snow. Your Christmas sweet treats will look stunning served on these!

    Anthropologie

    Bow Icon Juice Glasses

    Anthro's viral Icon Juice Glasses are super cute for a variety of occasions, but these bows feel especially holiday-esque. Snag a set for your next gathering's cocktail lineup!

    Anthropologie

    Waterfall Coupe Glasses

    Martini, anyone?! These stunning, shine-lined glasses have the perfect touch of elegance.

    Anthropologie

    Benedita Bow Ceramic Stoneware Serve Bowl

    This serving bowl is perfect for salads, pasta salads, soups, and more. Bring it to a holiday potluck, and everyone will be asking where you got it.

    Anthropologie

    Morgan Shot Glasses

    Now it's really gonna be a party with these colorful shot glasses. Practical in the moment and quite cute when not in use, your bar cart is begging for this set!

    Anthropologie

    Festive Bistro Tile Dessert Plate

    'Tis the season for more and more sweet treats, but you could even serve dinner or apps on these unique dessert plates.

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday decor, hosting tips, and recipe ideas for the season!

    Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

    hostingholiday partydining table decorparty decoreditecomhome decor

    'Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives' Season 2 Is "Better" Than The First, According To Whitney Leavitt & Taylor Frankie Paul

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives totally dominated the reality TV space in 2024 — and season 2 is will be here before you know it. The show premiered on the Hulu on September 6, and quickly became the year's most-watched unscripted season premiere. Well, MomTok watchers: drop everything (except your phones) because Taylor Frankie Paul and Whitney Leavitt just teased a crazy season 2 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

    Here's what Taylor Frankie Paul and Whitney Leavitt said about The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2.

    Taylor Frankie Paul & Whitney Leavitt say season 2 is "better" than the first.

    "With the second season, you're having conversations constantly with your peers and sitting in your interviews or confessionals where they're constantly asking you questions about yourself and about a scenario. It can be very therapeutic," Whitney Leavitt tells People.

    Taylor Frankie Paul admits she has some nerves around filming season 2, considering they're not in total creative control. "It's exciting but I guess I'm always a bit nervous," she says. "We're used to making content that we can control and edit and we don't have control with this. It's nerve-wracking going into it knowing that what happens isn't exactly how the edit might make it look."

    "But I do think this one is going to be just as good, if not better, than our first season," she continues. "So far, I think everything has been so fun and entertaining to experience for myself."

    And one detail we'll see from both ladies in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 are their new babies! Taylor Frankie Paul had her third baby Ever on March 19, 2024, and Whitney Leavitt gave birth to her third baby Billy on October 24, 2024.

    "It was a beautiful moment that you'll see more of in season 2. I'm so thankful for him," Taylor says.

    And they're still getting used to their 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' fame!

    Despite their cult followings on social media, both women admit they're still getting used to their fame in the TV space, and how wildly successful the first season was. Taylor says she's "at a loss for words sometimes."

    "I remember thinking, 'This will do okay. It should do well, given that we all have a story that people haven't heard about, and all of us do have a following," she adds. "I didn't know the extent of how well it was going to do, so it was shocking as it happened."

    And it wouldn't be a show about MomTok without some surprising DM's! "The people that are in your messages reaching out, just unexpected people that you have fangirled over, we've all fangirled over," Taylor continues. "So that was really cool to see. And sometimes I just forget that people are out there watching it. It's a nationwide thing. To this day, I still don't think I even realize it, to be honest."

    Maybe season 2 will reveal who's sliding in their DM's. 👀

    Have you seen all of this month's incredible December TV shows? They make for the perfect weekend watch.

    pop cultureentertainmentreality tvtv

    Prost! Here’s Everything You Need to Throw an Epic Oktoberfest Party

    Halloween may be the most popular October holiday, but we’re excited about one more fall event that gives us the perfect excuse to gorge on beer, brats, and soft pretzels. That’s right, people: We’re talkin’ Oktoberfest. If you’ve never thrown an Oktoberfest party, we’ve got everything you’ll need and more, from decor ideas to German-inspired menu items. So put on your best lederhosen, crack open a cold one, and get to party planning.

    Waiting on Martha

    Pumpkin Beer Cooler

    Oktoberfest is all about the beer (duh). So instead of carving out a jack-o-lantern, hollow out a pumpkin, fill it up with ice and get to cooling those seasonal ales you love so much.

    Brit + Co

    Sparkling Pumpkin Cider Beertail

    We love sipping on our pumpkin ale straight, but to switch things up, try this beertail made with pumpkin ale, sparkling cider, and lots of cinnamon.

    Amazon

    MyGift 2 Liter Das Boot Beer Glasses

    No, you are never, ever, EVER too old for a das boot. Invest in this set of four for your upcoming shindig because, well, it isn’t an Oktoberfest party without a big ol’ beer-filled boot floating around!

    Amazon

    TRUE Craft Beer Tasting Glasses

    These sleek glasses are the perfect beer vessel for your German-themed get-together, and they’re also just awesome bar staples. Any excuse to grow the home bar, right?

    Amazon

    Libbey Heidelberg Glass Beer Mugs, Set of 4

    Clink the night away with these festive (and hefty!) beer mugs.

    The Flair Exchange

    DIY Harlequin Garland

    No Oktoberfest party is complete without the standard harlequin garland. DIY this puppy and string it up right before your guests arrive.

    Braided Crown

    A little dress-up never hurt anybody! Complete your Oktoberfest look with this feminine and effortless braided crown. (via Camille Styles)

    Etsy

    Lederhosen Set

    For all moms out there, dress yourlittle one for the occasion. There’s no reason they have to miss out on the party just because of… well… obvious reasons.

    A Beautiful Mess

    Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

    Roast up the pumpkin seeds from your beer cooler for a light and salty beer snack.

    Taryn Williford

    Pretzel Necklaces

    Right when your guests walk in, hand them one of these adorable pretzel necklaces. Who doesn’t love a good wearable snack?

    Fashion Edible

    Homemade Oktoberfest Pretzels

    If beer is the Batman of Oktoberfest, then homemade soft pretzels are certainly the Robin. Serve these puppies up warm with some tangy yellow mustard for the perfect party snack.

    Dine & Dish

    Homemade Pretzel Bites

    Not into full-size pretzels? No problem! These pretzel bites are the bomb.com.

    The Flair Exchange

    Pretzel Bite Mini Bucket Holders

    If you go the pretzel-bite route, be sure to craft up some adorable p-bite holders, like these minibuckets lined with Oktoberfest colors.

    Amazon

    Maille Mustard Variety Pack

    And you best not be serving up all of these pretzels without a little mustard.

    Pillsbury

    Pretzel Bar

    A food bar is always a good idea, especially if you’re expecting lots of guests. Create a pretzel sampling bar, complete with various mustards and cheesy dips, to really get the Oktoberfest-ivities started.

    Deliciously Yum

    Pretzel Rolls

    For those of you planning on having a DIY sandwich station, bake up these yummy pretzel rolls to stick with the theme.

    Host the Toast

    Pull-Apart Pretzel Skillet With Beer Cheese Dip

    Pull-apart breads are everything, especially when there’s beer cheese dip involved.

    Brit + Co

    Wisconsin Beer Brats With Sauerkraut

    Grilled brats topped with homemade sauerkraut? There’s absolutely nothing better.

    Love and Lemons

    Grilled Potato Arugula Salad

    Serve this lovely grilled potato salad alongside those brats for the perfect Oktoberfest meal.

    Gimme Some Oven

    Pumpkin Beer Bread

    Fully commit to the beer theme and whip up this scrumptious pumpkin beer bread made with pumpkin puree.

    The Kitchn

    Chocolate-Dipped Beer Marshmallows

    Beer marshmallows??? Tell us more!

    Tablespoon

    Beer Mug Cupcakes

    These are so ridiculously amazing, we can’t. even. stand it. Those fondant beer mugs are filled with chocolate cake and with Bailey’s Irish Cream chocolate ganache…!!!

    Subscribe to our newsletter for more yummy fall recipes!

    Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

    This post has been updated.

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    7 “Impressive” Whole Foods Deals Will Save You Major Cash On Your Grocery Bill

    I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

    Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

    Kaboompics / PEXELS

    1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

    Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

    They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

    Lukas / PEXELS

    2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

    You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

    Nadin Sh / PEXELS

    3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

    Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

    Nadin Sh / PEXELS

    4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

    Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

    Pixabay / PEXELS

    5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

    This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

    Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

    6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

    Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

    Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS

    7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

    The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

    Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more deals!

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    These Easy Christmas Cookies Will Make Your Dreams Come True

    If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. Some of the most intricately ordained, masterpiece cookies (like pink Christmas decorations, jolly reindeer, and llamas) begin with a simple foundation. Let’s start with this recipe we love for a vanilla-bean-speckled version that’s sure to hold its own under all that royal icing.

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter (room temperature + cubed)
    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
    • 1 egg
    • 3 cups flour

    Directions

    Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla bean and egg. Mix until just incorporated. Stop mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.

    Gradually add flour (you may not need the full three cups), and mix until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl. Divide dough into two even discs and wrap in cling wrap, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

    When ready to roll dough, pre-heat oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

    Using a rolling pin, roll cookie dough between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4-inch in thickness, and use cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes.

    Transfer cookies to a baking tray using a lightly floured spatula. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before baking.

    Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or when edges begin to brown. The time will be dependent on size and thickness of cookies.

    Allow to cool on tray until warm to touch, then transfer onto a wire cooling rackbefore decorating.

    Decorate your easy Christmas cookies to you and your family's liking!

    Check out our baking and cooking classes for more recipes to make at home!

    Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

    See our ‘Grammable Holiday Cookie Guide.

    Recipe via Vickie Liu; photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

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