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

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.

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…!!!

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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.

'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.

1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Brit + Co

If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.

We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.

2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift

Etsy

If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.

This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.

3. Handmade Christmas Gifts

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.

A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!

4. DIY Home Decor

Brit + Co

Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.

Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.

A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.

DIY Jewelry

Brit + Co

Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!

Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!

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.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, we’ve got red, white, and par-tay on the brain. If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ at your place or heading off to a picnic party at the shore, you’ll want to be ready with festive eats, drinks, and decorations. But before you start diving deep into those Pinterest feeds for ideas, check out this list of our favorite finds from the app. It’s got everything from refreshing cocktails to patriotic decorationsand even some style and mani inspo. No need to spend hours creating your own party board!


Freutcake

1. Popsicle Cocktail: Champagne? Yes, please. You can make a mocktail version for the DDs using Sprite. (via Freutcake)

Hello, Wonderful

2. DIY Cardboard Rocket Ships: It’s inevitable that there will be kids present at an event like this. Might as well have something for them to do! These also make great faux-firework decor. (via Hello, Wonderful)

Jordan’s Easy Entertaining

3. DIY Patriotic Napkin Rings: When you’re serving a large group of people, a buffet with pre-wrapped cutlery is the way to go. (via Jordan’s Easy Entertaining)

Tell Love and Party

4. 4th of July Party Poppers: Because you can never have enough confetti. (via Tell Love and Party)

Studio DIY

5. DIY Firework Sunglasses: If you don’t have firecracker sunglasses, are you even living? (via Studio DIY)

Aww Sam

6. DIY S’mores Donuts: Once the sun goes down and the fire is blazing, a tray with these ingredients will quickly disappear. (via Aww Sam)

Love The Day

7. DIY U.S Flag Letterboard: Looking for a thematic way to display the signature cocktail or what’s on the grill? This DIY letterboard is how you’ll do it in style. (via Love The Day)

The House That Lars Built

8. Printable Hot Dog Trays: With a little extra time and some funky cardstock, create these hot dog trays. Save the plates for the burgers and salads! (via The House That Lars Built)

Pretty in Pistachio

9. Red, White, and Blue Fondant Sugar Cookies: Attending a potluck BBQ means it’s one giant competition to see who can make the most Pinterest-worthy dish. You’ll win hands down with this one. (via Pretty in Pistachio)

Design Improvised

10. Star Spangled Banners: Garlands and balloons adorned with stars in red, white, and blue are details that won’t go unnoticed or under-appreciated. (via Design Improvised)

Almost Makes Perfect

11. Printable Match Box Covers: You don’t have to go over the top to celebrate the 4th. Dress up what you’ve already got and call it a day. (via Almost Makes Perfect)

Lovely Indeed

12. DIY Sparkler Packs: It’s not a real Fourth of July without sparklers. (via Lovely Indeed)

A Kailo Chic Life

13. 4th of July Treat Boxes: Bribe the kiddos with these and you won’t hear (or see) them until it’s time for dinner. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Back to the Book Nutrition

14. Coconut Water and Fresh Berry Popsicles: These frozen pops are delicious and healthy, and they couldn’t be any easier to make. Just drop some berries into popsicle molds, then fill with coconut water and freeze. (via Back to the Book Nutrition)

Pip and Ebby

15. Fruit Cubes: Fruity ice cubes dress up any bevy. For this Fourth of July, place red and blue berries into ice trays, then fill with water and freeze. Break out the cubes when it’s time to party, and they’ll add a festive pop to all your drinks. (via Pip and Ebby)

Life, Love and Sugar

16. Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats: To deck out your Rice Krispies treats in patriotic colors, just dip them in red and blue melts, then add sprinkles and piping. The color-coordinated straws are a nice finishing touch and make them portable. That way, guests can mingle while they nosh. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Must Love Home

17. Parmesan Chive Corn on the Cob: Reminiscent of Mexican street corn, this recipe calls for a healthy dose of butter, grated cheese, and spices. Salty Parmesan adds just the right bite to sweet corn. (via Must Love Home)

Lia Griffith

18. DIY Kraft Paper Chip Bags: Whether your chips are store-bought or homemade, they’ll have scratch-made appeal in these DIY bags. Click through for the red, white, and blue printables. (via Lia Griffith)

Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

19. Double-Sided Red White and Blue Picnic Quilt: Made of red, white, and blue bandanas, this patriotic coverlet is just the thing for an Independence Day backyard picnic. It’s an easy DIY — no binding is needed! — so you can sew it up in just a few hours. (via Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom)

First Home Love Life

20. Squirt Gun Station: Give the kids some squirt gun action. Nothing beats water fun when the weather gets hot and humid. (via First Home Love Life)

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

21. Kiddie Pool to Keep Things Cool: Keep a large quantity of drinks cool and easily accessible for kids by corralling them in a pool of ice. A red or blue plastic kiddie pool will also complement your patriotic theme. (via Balancing Beauty and Bedlam)

If you dig these July Fourth ideas, there’s more. Follow us on Pinterest.

(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau)

This post has been updated.

It looks like we'll just be getting Jacob Elordi movies for the rest of time, and honestly, I'm thankful. (Even if that one cringy Kissing Booth scene still runs on a loop in the my brain). Before Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob is teaming up with another Hollywood titan you'll recognize from Pretty Woman: Richard Gere. And the movie looks incredibly emotional.

Here's all the latest info on Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere's brand new movie Oh, Canada.

What is the Oh Canada movie about?

Oh, Canada Plot

Oh, Canada follows the life of legendary (albeit fictional) filmmaker Leonard Fife. This story probably approaches Leo's career the way we think about Steven Spielberg's. AKA, he's very important. Leonard decides to tell his life story before he runs out of time. And even though he's got an impressive resumé, he also has to decide if he wants his Vietnam draft dodge and sticky relationships to become public knowledge.

"Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond," the synopsis says, adding that "at Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all."

How to watch Oh Canada?

Oh, Canada Release Date

Jacob Elordi's new movie is coming to theaters December 6, 2024 — the same day as Rachel Zegler's Y2K and Amy Adams' Nightb—ch!

Who's in the movie?

Kino Lorber

Oh, Canada Cast

The cast of Oh, Canada includes Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, and Victoria Hill, while the movie is written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also worked with Richard on 1980's American Gigolo!

What has the cast said about the movie?

Uma Thurman has been vocal about how excited she is to be a part of the project and told Deadline the movie feels like a "reverie" and has a "lyrical, sort of loosely knit, poetic" quality about it.

"The cinematic hand of Paul, of course, carried the day, as far as bringing this sort of illusionary dream together into something that you walk away from with the strong impression of a story," she says. "Just the presence of a master like Paul Schrader on a set of any size, is as distinct as, I don’t know, a warm wind. It’s like the wind that hits you when you get off a plane in the tropics. There’s only one thing of its ilk, and he’s kind of a master like that. You could really be anywhere; you can’t miss it."

That sounds like my kind of movie.

Director Paul Schrader revealed he fell in love with Jacob's performance the moment he saw him — which was before he took the world by storm in Priscilla. “I saw his performance on Zoom and, if this was 40 years ago, this is the guy I would have cast for American Gigolo,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Are you excited to see Oh, Canada? Check out the other New December Movies you can't miss out on!

If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress, then look no further! Winter is the perfect time to lean into your glam side, with a little shine, a sexy slit, or even a statement neckline on your dress. And while the typical palette may lean towards darker, deeper colors, that doesn't mean you have to opt for the same boring look. Instead, I found a ton of elegant dresses that'll land you the Best Dressed Wedding Guest award in no time — and you'll wanna rewear them as much as possible. Cheers!

Shop all the best winter wedding guest dresses here!

Nordstrom

Betsy & Adam Asymmetric Single Long Sleeve Gown

I'm sorry, but nothing is more elegant (or sexier) than a black gown with the perfect peek-a-boo leg slit down the front. When you pair that with this gorgeous asymmetrical sleeve situation, you really have the perfect winter wedding guest dress!

Abercrombie

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Cowl Back Slip Maxi Dress

Cowl necks are always a classy look — but what about a cowl back?! This whole dress is giving "simplicity is elegance" at its finest. (And BRIDES: this little navy number comes in cream, making for a fabulous bridal outfit, too!)

Anthropologie

Bardot Adoni Off-The-Shoulder Fitted Stretch Lace Midi Dress

I know, I know — it's controversial to wear red to a wedding. But truly, I've never in my life heard that rule until recently, so it can't matter that much, right? I'll let you decide that for yourself, but while you're thinking about it...look at how gorgeous this off-the-shoulder number is!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Bellini Grape Jacquard Satin Maxi Dress

I adore this deep, rich eggplant color SO much. It goes so well with this high neckline and jacquard fabric, absolutely emanating elegance. This looks fantastic with strappy gold sandals (like above), but I could also see this looking amazing with some pointed toe velvet pumps.

Lulus

Lulus I'm All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress

I have this exact dress in burgundy, but I am totally into the black tulle. It gives an edge to the elegance that's so playful and COOL. Plus, who doesn't love a deep v neck like this? It's so freakin' good.

Target

Petal and Pup Womens Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress

Asymmetrical dresses are absolutely the moment right now. The draping on this Target dress is totally gorgeous, making you look effortlessly beautiful. Plus, if this shade of teal isn't your color, you have 10 other options to choose from — and at under $100!

Nordstrom

Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown

My mom wore this exact dress in black to my own wedding, and she looked like a total goddess. The shimmer could seem like a lot for some, but it's really quite lovely and just understated enough when you're in that glittering wedding environment. You'll definitely wanna dance the night away in this look!

Free People

Elliatt Calypso Dress

Looking for a shorter winter wedding guest dress? This Elliatt option is stunning! The body of the dress itself is really quite simple, letting the statement bow on the back do all the heavy (and very stylish) lifting for your look. I'd pair this with an Audrey Hepburn-esque updo and some pointed black pumps!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Sara Marigold Maxi Dress

Let this marigold dress light up the room at the next wedding you're invited to! The floral pattern is perfect for winter, not leaning too spring, and giving this balloon sleeve dress a little extra life. (And do you see the slit? I'm telling you: it's the perfect way to accentuate your wedding guest look!)

Anthropologie

Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress

Norma Kamali knows how to make something simple oh-so sexy. This dress hugs your curves in all the right places, and the ruching gives the sleek silhouette some much-needed texture. Plus, the slightly off-the-shoulder of it all is just everything — it's giving old Hollywood glam meets modern babe.

Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Pleated Satin Cocktail Midi Dress

Like I said before, winter doesn't me you can't wear color! This shade is just bright enough to make a statement, but just earthy enough to be perfect for the season. The pleats and the buttoned, ballooned sleeves are just gorgeous here too!

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Stretch Velvet Edition

I seriously just love a high neckline! There's something about it that screams class (but a distinguished, polite scream of course 😉), which is totally what you're going for with your winter wedding guest dress. I also love how the stretch velvet will give you the space to sit, eat, and dance comfortably all night long — exactly what you need for a festive wedding eventing!

Nordstrom

Alfred Sung One-Shoulder A-Line Gown

Alfred Sung makes stunning gowns that are perfect for all your winter wedding guest needs! I wore a different Alfred Sung dress a few years back to a December wedding, and it made me feel totally elegant. This sleek design would look gorgeous on anyone, and the A line silhouette gives you plenty of room to hit the dance floor all you want!

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck Black Clea Dress

She's giving Audrey Hepburn! She's giving Grace Kelly! She's giving EVERYTHING! Seriously, this neckline is incredible, this length is lovely, and the dress itself is the perfect canvas to make your own. Add some fun jewelry, grab a fun shoe, and let your hair down for an evening — in the most elevated way possible.

Anthropologie

Mac Duggal Sleeveless Rhinestone Flower Crepe A-Line Mini Dress

In case you're looking for another shorter option, I love this Mac Duggal dress! The flower on the hip is so unique, yet it's giving a timeless charm that would look amazing on anyone! I could totally see this with some stunning red tights, an updo, and some statement earrings.

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