17 July 4th Decorations to Red, White and Blow Your Mind

Isara Krieger
Jun 05, 2014

While hot dogs and patriotic-ly colored fruit are nice, July 4th is less about the food (although we support these red, white and blue sweets) and is more about being outdoors, being around your fam and friends and — oh yeah — being thankful for our country’s independence. Here are 17 creative ways to snazz up your independence-appreciating. From DIY banners to lanterns to flags, you’ll wish you had an excuse to throw an outdoor party every day this summer.

1. Festive Drink Straws ($4): All you need to make your drink the cutest one at the party is a set of straws. Order festive straws online and use printable 4th of July tags to create an accent that will make red cups and glasses alike more attractive.

2. Wooden Flag Table: Really, is there any thing more American than beer pong? (via Mr. Kate)

3. Kite Garland: Appropriate for indoor or outdoor use, these kites are the cutest things since sliced bread. (via Brit + Co.)

4. Paint Chip Banner: All you do is trace and cut (and find the largest paint chips possible). (via A Bit of Sunshine)

5. Red White + Blue Mason Jars: The mason jar strikes again. This time it’s dressed appropriately. (via It All Started with Paint)

6. American Flag Marshmallow Pops: These mallows double as decor, and when you fire up the bonfire, whoa — the most patriotic s’more of all time is coming your way. (via Living Locurto)

7. Blue Glassware: If you can’t find blue glassware to purchase you can paint your own glasses and bottles with glass paint. They’re an easy way to look prepared. (via BHG)

8. Mason Jar Sippy Cups: Sippy cups ain’t just for kids anymore. Their purpose is twofold. They’re visually appealing ways to mark your drinks while adding decor to the party. (via Two Shades of Pink)

9. Crepe Paper + String Lights: Under these happy lights we envision drinking wine and laughing with your friends until afternoon turns to dusk. (via Style Me Pretty)

10. Candle and Vase Wrap: Grab a few glass votives, find any kind of patterned paper, arm yourself with some Scotch tape and you’ve got yourself party-appropriate candle holders. (via BHG)

11. Star Garland: A star stencil, sewing machine and people to appreciate your talent are all you need for this garland. (via Hope and Honey)

12. Printable Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers: Another printable project to make your cupcakes, or whatever food, more festive. (via Nest of Posies)

13. Confetti Popper Rockets: Not only do these rockets look adorable, you get to pull the string for a confetti surprise. The kids (and everyone else) will love them. (via Alpha Mom)

14. Patriotic Water Bottles: Hydration at any celebration is imperative. Wrap a small flag around water bottles and you’ve got a tall drink of America, the beautiful. (via BHG)

15. 4th of July Printable Party Collection ($15): Invites, banner flags, food labels and food flags, you name it, this set of printables has everything.

16. Printable Matchbox Labels: The cutest and most functional party favor ever. (via Lia Griffith)

17. Confetti Balloons: We thought these were too awesome to pass up… Fill them with red, white and blue confetti and they’re 4th-of-July-perfect. (via Kojo Designs)

What other ways can we make our 4th of July party the cutest ever? Let us know in the comments below.

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

    20 Trader Joe's Finds That Will Make You Want To Eat Healthy This Year

    Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

    Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

    Trader Joe's

    Creamy Dreamy Hummus

    Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

    Trader Joe's

    Vegetable Root Chips

    These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

    Trader Joe's

    Organic Super Bread

    Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

    Trader Joe's

    Cut Sweet Potatoes

    These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

    Trader Joe's

    Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

    These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

    Trader Joe's

    Solid White Albacore Tuna

    Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

    Trader Joe's

    Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

    This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

    Trader Joe's

    10 Minute Farro

    Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

    Trader Joe's

    Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

    Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

    Trader Joe's

    Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

    Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

    Trader Joe's

    Carb Savvy Tortillas

    If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

    Trader Joe's

    Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

    These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

    Trader Joe's

    Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

    This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

    Trader Joe's

    Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

    This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

    Trader Joe's

    Classic Greek Salad

    With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

    Trader Joe's

    Stir Fry Veggie Blend

    Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

    Trader Joe's

    High Protein Organic Tofu

    One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

    Trader Joe's

    Organic Tricolor Quinoa

    Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

    Trader Joe's

    Crunchy Curls

    These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

    Trader Joe's

    Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

    This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

    Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's products!

    trader joe'shealthy eatinghealthy foodgrocery shoppingfood

    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.

    fallbeerfoodparty decorlifestyle

    25 "Deep" Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2025 Begins

    So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

    If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

    Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

    Marcus Aurelius

    Questions About Your Daily Routine

    Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

    If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

    • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
    • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
    • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
    • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
    • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

    SHVETS production

    Questions About Your Self-Care

    Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

    • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
    • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
    • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
    • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
    • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

    Brit + Co

    Questions About Your Career

    We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

    • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
    • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
    • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
    • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
    • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

    Brit + Co

    Questions About Your Home

    Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

    • How did the energy in my home feel?
    • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
    • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
    • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
    • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

    SHVETS production

    Questions About Your Relationships

    Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

    • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
    • Do I have a reliable support system?
    • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
    • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
    • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

    Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

    new years resolutionsjournal promptsjournal challengequestionsholidays

    10 Epic Stores From The '90s We Can't Believe Are Gone

    The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

    Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

    Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

    Getty Images

    1. Party City

    Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

    It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

    I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

    Getty Images

    2. Blockbuster

    Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

    When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

    Getty Images

    3. Circuit City

    Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

    Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

    Getty Images

    4. Virgin Music Store

    If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

    Getty Images

    5. Radio Shack

    This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

    Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

    6. Border's

    As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

    Getty Images

    7. KB Toys

    Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

    Getty Images

    8. Wet Seal

    Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

    Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

    Getty Images

    9. Esprit

    This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

    10. Goody's

    Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

    And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

    Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

    90s fashionnostalgia90sfashion