How to Make a Festive 4th of July Kite Garland

Isn’t there just something romantic and nostalgic about kites? Maybe it brings back memories of summer, time spent with family, a first date, or the adorable song “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Mary Poppins. With those kind of warm, relaxed thoughts in our minds, we turned to kites for 4th of July inspiration! We decided to make a mini kite garland first and the rest of party look fell into place from there.

Supplies:
– red, white, and blue scrapbook paper or card stock

– red, white, and blue ribbons

red and blue paper straws

– baker’s twine

Tools:
– ruler

– scissors

– hot glue gun

– glue stick

– pen

How fun do all those red, white, and blue supplies look?!

Make your own kite stencil by measuring out a “t. To make the vertical part of the “t”, make a line that is 15.5 cm tall. Then, 10 cm from the bottom of that line, make the horizontal part of the “t” 8.5 cm wide. Connect all the sides to create the kite shape and then cut it out. Use that as a stencil and trace two kites on your desired paper. Cut those out and glue them together using a glue stick. Once they are glued together, trim off any edges showing from the back piece.

Next up, cut straws to fit the height and length of the kites. Use blue straws on the red papers and vice versa. Glue the horizontal straw down first using a glue stick or hot glue gun; repeat with the vertical straw. Then glue on a kite string to each kite measuring 7.5 inches. Tie 3 little pieces of ribbon to each kite tail.

To really take your kites to the next patriotic level, cut out pieces of blue paper to go on the red kites so they will look more like flags. Simply cut out a square of blue paper, place it where it will go, then flip the whole thing over and trace where to cut it. Use this a stencil to cut out the rest of the blue “star” shapes, and then glue them onto the kites.

Now they’re ready to be strung up by running bakers twine through all the horizontal straw pieces.

This flag kite garland is adorable on it’s own, but if you have some leftover paper and twine, you can make a simple pendant garland that will compliment it really well. Just cut out triangles of any size (we did 4 inches wide and 5 inches tall) and glue them onto bakers twine. Easy peasy!

You can have your kites hang side by side close together like we did, or leave some string showing between each one.

For an outdoor party, we would probably leave some string showing in between each kite.

Don’t want to spend oodles on a tablecloth only to have it spilled on and stained? We just used an inexpensive drop cloth from Home Depot that is normally used for painting project. It’s very durable and can be ironed to get out wrinkles. It’s even water proof, so it would also work as a picnic blanket!

And you can add a little something extra to your table-scape (yes, we decided that’s a word)? Just throw down a garland or banner! Let it wind and curve a little bit to add that little bit extra interest to the design.

Another reason we love these party ideas is because they are perfect for 4th of July, but would also be cute for any summer BBQ or nautical inspired party. Or you could change up the colors used and the possibilities are endless. There are so many colors of paper and paper straws available, you could do any color combination you dream up. We couldn’t resist busting out a few washi tape straws leftover from our washi party.

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.

    If there's one thing I love to see, it's celebrities going makeup-free. And I'll celebrate it every single time! In addition to Drew Barrymore taking her makeup off on live TV (and throwing her extensions on the ground) and Millie Bobby Brown showing off her acne in selfies, Lady Gaga loves to go makeup-free. Remember when she performed at the Oscars with no makeup and ripped jeans?! Well the actress and singer just posted another adorable selfie without a stitch of makeup.

    Here's what Lady Gaga had to say about "Die With A Smile" alongside her no-makeup selfie.

    Lady Gaga is "so grateful" the song is #1.

    To celebrate "Die With A Smile" (her song with Bruno Mars) hitting number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Lady Gaga posted a photo of her laying in the grass with a huge grin on her face — and without any makeup.

    "Thank you to all of the monsters and hooligans for helping make 'Die With A Smile' #1 on the Billboard Hot 100! We love you and are so grateful," she says in the post. "Having multiple songs of mine hit #1 across three decades feels surreal, and I am overwhelmed by the love and support you have shown me from the beginning. I have so much more in store for you and can’t wait to share it."

    Friends and fans flooded the comments with everyone from Noah Cyrus saying, "you’re so gorgeous," to a fan account adding, "Thank you for your art! So proud of you and Bruno. You deserve this!"

    And she loved recording it with Bruno Mars!

    The song was released on August 16, and in a statement to Page Six, Lady Gaga praised Bruno Mars as a collaborator. “Bruno and I have a lot of mutual respect for each other and were talking about collaborating,” she says. “I was finishing up my own album in Malibu, and one night after a long day he asked me to come to his studio to hear something he was working on...It was around midnight when I got there, and I was blown away when I heard what he had started making.”

    After revealing they "stayed up all night” to finish both writing and recording it, Lady Gaga continues, “Bruno’s talent is beyond explanation. His musicianship and vision is next level. There’s no one like him." There's no one like you either Gaga!

    Has "Die With A Smile" been on repeat for you? Let us know your favorite Lady Gaga song on Instagram!

    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.

    Many people look for the new year to bring new opportunities and, in some cases, a fresh start altogether. But for me? As a longtime entertainment reporter, there is one thing I can’t help but get excited about when another year rolls around: the upcoming movie releases and, of course, the most anticipated television shows. While I'm looking forward to see what happens to Eleven and the rest of the Hawkins crew in Stranger Things 5 on Netflix, there are a bunch of new TV shows that have been at the top of my watch list from the moment they were first announced, including Suits: LA and It: Welcome to Derry.

    Here are the 2025 television shows that should be on your radar (if they aren’t already!).

    Severance Season 2 — On Apple TV+ January, 17 2025

    Apple TV+

    After Mark Scout, Helly, and Irving learn the truth about the “severance” experiment and manage to break free from its clutches in the Severance season 1 finale, the three coworkers (along with the rest of the Lumon Industries employees) are forced to return to work in the second installment of the series. Now that Mark and some of his peers know what the company was really doing to the Lumon staff, one could only wonder: What are Lumon Industries's hidden objectives? (And what’s with all the GOATS?!)

    Severance season 2 premieres on Apple TV+ on January 17, 2024 and stars Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Dichen Lachman, Dichen Lachman and Patricia Arquette.

    The White Lotus Season 3 — On HBO and Max February 16, 2025

    Mario Perez/HBO

    Pack your bags, White Lotus fans, because our favorite hotel residents are catching a first-class flight to…Thailand! While there are a bunch of new guests checking into a luxury hotel, there’s one returning guest who needs no introduction. Natasha Rothwell, who made her debut at Belinda Lindsey in The White Lotus season 1, is the only returning cast making a brief cameo in season 3. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, here we come!

    The White Lotus season 3 is coming in February and will star Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.

    The Last of Us Season 2 — On HBO and Max in April 2025

    Liane Hentscher/HBO

    I can’t be the only one still thinking about that bombshell season one finale of HBO’s The Last of Us! And apparently, I’m not the only one who’s eager to see the continuation of Joel and Ellie’s story in season 2. Fans of the video game adaptation have been keeping their eyes peeled for a new update about season 2. And one teaser later, we might have just gotten the news we’ve been looking for. Following the 2024 Emmy Awards, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content Casey Bloys toldDeadline that The Last of Us season 2 will premiere around “generally first half of the year [2025], I expect them to be in the Emmy window.”

    The Last of Us season 2 will star Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Wright, Tati Gabrielle and Ariela Barer.

    The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 — On Prime Video in 2025

    Erika Doss/Prime Video

    It's almost time to return to Cousins Beach, and I have missed all the hydrangeas, fair rides, and ocean sunrises. We haven't heard for sure whether season 3 will be the end of the road for this series, but if it follows even a few chapters in the third book in The Summer I Turned Pretty series, We'll Always Have Summer, then we will absolutely be getting some drama.

    The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 premieres in 2025 and stars Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Sean Kaufman, Rain Spencer, Jackie Chung, and Rachel Blanchard.

    It: Welcome to Derry — On Max in 2025

    Warner Bros. Entertainment

    Bill, Richie, Beverly and the rest of the Losers Club members might have been able to defeat Pennywise in It: Chapter Two, but that doesn’t mean we've seen the last of Derry, Maine. Serving as a prequel series to the It movie franchise directed by Andres Muschietti, Welcome to Derry will delve into Pennywise’s origin story and how the child-preying clown arrived in Derry. But that’s not even the best part: Bill Skarsgård, who starred in It and It: Chapter Two, will reprise his role as the killer clown in the upcoming HBO series, which will be released in 2025. So until then, no accepting red balloons from creepy clowns, okay?

    It: Welcome to Derry will star Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Alixandra Fuchs, Kimberly Guerrero, Joshua Odjick and Morningstar Angeline.

    Stranger Things Season 5 — On Netflix in 2025

    Netflix

    I’ve been a fan of Stranger Things since it premiered on Netflix back in 2016, and come next year, longtime fans like myself will finally get to see how the story ends. Last time we saw Eleven, Mike, Will and the rest of the Hellfire Club crew, they were facing an impending apocalypse after Vecna’s devious plan came to full fruition. So, will the group of friends defeat Vecna and save their home? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see because Stranger Things 5 likely won’t premiere until late 2025. Now, all we need is that release date, Netflix…

    Stranger Things 5 is coming to Netflix soon and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Amybeth McNulty, and Priah Ferguson.

    Suits: L.A. — On NBC in 2025

    David Astorga/NBC

    Court is back in session! Only this time, our favorite lawyers from the OG Pearson Hardman firm are not on the case. Thanks to Netflix, the original Suits (which starred the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle) experienced a renaissance of sorts upon its arrival to the streaming service in June 2023. And as a result, NBCUniversal ordered a spinoff series earlier this year. But instead of the bustling streets of New York City, a new group of lawyers are setting up shop in the Golden State in Suits L.A.

    The new spinoff will center around an entertainment and criminal lawler named Ted Black, who launches his own law firm in California after moving from the East Coast. Originally, Suits L.A was slated to be a part of NBCUniversal’s 2024-2025 lineup. However, according to Deadline, there was a slight change in the production location, making a Fall 2025 release more likely. So, who’s up for a Suits marathon?

    Suits L.A. is speculated to premiere sometime in 2025 and is set to star Ted Black, Josh McDermitt, Rachelle Goulding, Victoria Justice, Troy Wingush, Bryan Greenberg, Lex Scott Davis, John Amos, Kevin Weistman and Alice Lee.

    Wednesday Season 2 — On Netflix in 2025

    Netflix

    Looks like Jenna Ortega won’t be giving us another macabre number anytime soon because Wednesday season 2 won’t arrive on Netflix until 2025. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Ortega teases the upcoming installment will be much “darker” this time around. “I think the feel that we’re going for is a little bit more horror-inspired,” the Beetlejuice Beetlejuicestar adds. “Not to say that suddenly we’re the goriest show of all time. I mean, there’s six-year-olds watching.”

    “This season is going to be bigger and more twisted than you can ever imagine," Catherine Zeta-Jones says in the new Wednesday season 2 first look.

    “If we showed you any more, your eyes would bleed,” Ortega says. “And I'm not that generous.”

    What TV show are you most excited to see in 2025? Personally, I can’t wait for Sweet Magnolias season 4 to drop! (Margarita, anyone?) Make sure to follow us on TikTok and Facebook for more TV exclusives and latest news updates!

    This post has been updated.

    Kate Middleton has been top of mind for a lot of people over the last year after the princess announced in March 2024 she was battling cancer. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown," she shared in a video update. "This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved." And in honor of Kate's 43rd birthday, Prince William posted the sweetest tribute honoring her strength and perseverance.

    Here's what Prince William had to say in Kate Middleton's birthday tribute.

    Prince William celebrates "incredible" Kate Middleton's "strength."

    Kate Middleton turned 43 on January 9, 2025. In honor of the big day, Prince William took to Instagram to celebrate, praising his "incredible" wife.

    "To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable," he says in the post. "George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W."

    And well wishers flooded the comments. "Happy Birthday Catherine, wishing you a wonderful year ahead surrounded by family and loved ones," one user says, while another adds, "Happy Birthday Princess of Wales! What a gorgeous photo. Wishing you a wonderful year 😍 xx"

    And the tribute comes after revealing Kate was doing "amazing" following her cancer battle.

    The birthday celebration comes after the prince shared an update on Kate in early November that had us all breathing a sigh of relief. “She's doing really well thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on," he said before the Earthshot Prize awards (via People). “She's been amazing this whole this whole year. I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success."

    "From what I understand, Catherine is doing very well," royal author Robert Jobson added in an interview withHello!that same week. "She is back training at the gym and doing all the things she wanted to do."

    We're sending Kate Middleton so much birthday love! For more about your favorite members of the Royal Family, check out Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Cooking Show Will Feature Some Of Your Fave Celebs.