Adding a few of the right American Flag decor pieces is the easiest way to add meaningful patriotic style to your interior or outdoor spaces! While these patriotic decor finds are perfect for decorating for July 4th and all the patriotic holidays, they’re also ideal for a creating an Americana feel to any space for any time of the year.

If you do a quick online search for American flag decor, you find that many of the popular patriotic decor pieces that pop up are, unfortunately, made overseas. And if you find a patriotic piece that you truly love, I think, there’s no harm in that.

Though they are harder to find, there are some beautiful, charming and meaningful American-made patriotic home decor products on the market. I wanted to put those American made pieces front and center–especially those crafted by hard-working American makers!

So I went on a quest to find the the cutest patriotic and American flag decor, scouring the internet high and low. The majority of the products linked in this post are proudly made in the USA, with an emphasis on patriotic decor made by American makers! There’s even a section of products that are made by US veterans!

That said, there were a few sections of patriotic finds that were imported, but too cute not to share. Because I think it’s important to know the source, I will note under each heading if they were made in America. Some of the retailers do not list where the products are made, so in those cases I assume that they’re imported.

So without further ado, let’s explore this inspiring roundup of patriotic and American flag decor finds, so you can get to decorating for Memorial Day, Flag Day and the 4th of July!

This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. You can read for full disclosure policy here. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog.

First, I love supporting makers, crafters and small businesses of all kinds. So, what better way than to kick off this round-up with patriotic decorations made by American makers on Etsy?!

Here are some of my absolute favorite patriotic Etsy finds!

Hudson River Craftings is a mother and daughter team that makes super adorable farmhouse-style home decor. I absolutely love their mini patriotic block signs! And there are so many beautiful and charming designs to choose from! From the flag design to the “My Country Tis” to the “One Nation Under God”, I looove them all!

These types of mini patriotic signs are perfect for a patriotic vignette on any type of surface, from a tabletop to a mantel! They’re also the perfect size for styling a patriotic tiered tray!

If you click the right (or left) arrow button, you’ll see that they make some super cute “rag flags” and patriotic garlands, as well.

These vintage-style fabric buntings by Vintage Green Limited are handmade and completely adorable! There are several fabric combinations to choose from. So whether you have country cottage, shabby chic, or preppy style, there’s a design that’s just right for you!

From decking out your backyard for a July 4th BBQ to adding red, white and blue to a birthday party, these buntings are sure to add charm to any any kind of event!

Bringing together past and present, the Early Things 1776 shop uses antique paintings and other vintage artwork & productions to create the most charming new artwork on canvas boards. 

From the presidential paintings to the “Star Spangled Banner” art to designs from antique American postcards, these pieces are oozing with Americana charm and would be perfect to decorate for July 4th or year-round in a Colonial or Americana style home.

Family Planks, an American-owned Etsy shop, offers a range of personalized metal and canvas signs– all of which are made right here in the USA.

“..From the cutting and finishing of the metal to the printing” every aspect of the metal wall hangings are made in the Family Planks shop, based in Missouri.

From unique personalized family name signs to beautiful wall hangings and rustic farmhouse-style plaques, Family Planks has something to suit every decorating style. And, I can’t help but to think of what a unique gift would make for someone special!

From wooden American flags to Lady Liberty signs to wood firecrackers, TheRusticNest13 has a vast selection of wood decor pieces, all of which are handmade in their workshop in Pennsylvania.

If you look closely on the first Patriotic Front Porch Sign, you can see that the stars are perfectly ENGRAVED in the wood! That is quality that you won’t find at a big box store!

If you need a showstopper of a wreath for your front door, be sure to shop the beautiful designs from Virginia’s Paintings! Virginia has been living out her passion of crafting for more than twenty years, and has very high ratings on Etsy. When you click the right or left arrow to see her beautiful creations, you’ll instantly see why!

Of all the wooden patriotic door hangers I’ve seen, this one by Misty’s Door Bling just stole my heart. I love that you can order your Initial to represent your family! But, this door hanger would also make a great and very thoughtful gift!

If you have a large empty wall space and would like to show off your patriotic pride, then why not opt for a large patriotic wooden sign? Below are some of my favorite patriotic wall signs I’ve seen!

I’m especially partial to the “God Bless America” Sign! And, I think the Uncle Sam’s Fireworks Stand Sign is just too cute!

Of all the gazillions of patriotic ideas I’ve dreamed up myself or spied on Pinterest, one of my favorite ideas is simply using an American flag pillow! It’s the perfect statement piece to add to virtually any sofa or chair for a major patriotic impact!

Occasionally, patriotic decorations can come off as kitschy. If you’d like to steer clear of that and incorporate home decor pieces that hold deep meaning, I think you will absolutely love the next idea.

From carved wood artwork depicting the Preamble of the US Constitution to the elegant wood sign with the Pledge of Allegiance, these gorgeous works of art will invoke patriotic pride in any interior space.

From styling on a tabletop or mantel or hanging up as wall decor or decorating a July 4th tiered tray, there are so many ways you can decorate with these adorable small patriotic signs!

Here are several of my personal favorites that are perfect for invoking that charming Americana feel!

If you’d like to go beyond a fabric flag, then what better way to display your American pride than with an American flag in wood form. From distressed to glazed, here are several unique options!

I searched all over the world wide web for the the cutest wooden flags I could find, and boy I found some beauties!! Truly, the hardest is part is going to be narrowing it down!

Veteran-Made American Flag Decor

Made in the USA

When I initially started “researching” online for the best American flag decor, I came across a business that makes handcrafted wooden American flags. Their beautiful handiwork is not only made in the USA, it’s also made by US veterans!

The thought of buying my patriotic decor, not made in foreign lands, but instead made by real American heroes, gave me such a sense of awe.

What a wonderful way to support those who gave so much for us. Make sure you scroll all the way to the end, because the last one might just be the best one!

So here are some of my favorite wood flags made by real American heroes:

If you’re American, you know that July 4th and outdoor cookouts almost always go hand-in-hand! So here are some outdoor decor finds that would be perfect for decorating your outdoor living space for a July 4th or Labor Day barbeque!

By the way, the rug linked below is the exact American Flag outdoor rug that we have on our deck! And wouldn’t the USA sign be such an fun way to spruce up the lawn!

Of course, having some great patio furniture is always a bonus at cookouts and outdoor gatherings of all kinds as well. So, here is a roundup of some of my personal favorite patio furniture picks. (Try saying that 5 times fast! lol)

The brown wicker outdoor furniture set linked above in the last slide is the exact set we own. You can see several shots of the patio set in the article linked in the next paragraph.

Need a little more patriotic home décor inspiration before you start to decorate for Independence Day? Check out my post on how to easily decorate for the 4th of July with these easy Americana decor ideas for some inexpensive, yet beautiful ideas!

These pillows don’t necessarily scream Fourth of July, but they are perfect for accenting your patriotic pillows and decor!

And these come with a double bonus: 1) all the pillows in the section below are specifically made to be used outdoors AND since, 2) they’re neutral tones, you can keep using them long after July 4th!

Of course, you don’t need to deck out the entire house in red, white and blue. But having a beautiful, well-made American flag could be considered an essential.

Even though you may not be going crazy with patriotic colors, there are still several ways you can display your flag! Here are just a few ideas of ways you can decorate with Old Glory:

• Frame your Flag in a frame and hang on the wall. A framed US Flag looks stunning when hung in a frame just like a work of art.
• American flags look absolutely stunning when hung vertically on an interior wall. Talk about a show stopping focal point in the living or dining room.
• Go traditional and hang your flag from a traditional flag-pole outside.
• Make major impact with an oversized flag. Consider hanging an oversized flag from the exterior of your home for a breathtaking display.

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America.

Whether you add a little or a lot of festive decorations, an inexpensive, but beautiful, patriotic throw pillow is the perfect finishing touch!

I’ve spent countless hours digging online to share the best of the bunch, and these are my very favorites!

Another decor idea that you can use for July 4th (or Memorial Day or Flag Day) and long after are faux florals in white, red or blue colors!

From creating a patriotic centerpiece to small arrangements for your tabletop decor, faux flowers can be a great addition to your patriotic decor!

If you don’t want to shell out a lot for your patriotic décor, small stick flags can make a major impact–without breaking the bank!

And there are SO many different ways you can incorporate them into your home decor. For instance, they’re absolutely beautiful tucked into flower arrangements, flowers just like the faux florals linked above.

And, no matter how you use them, they will make a beautiful statement that works with ANY décor style!!

I’ve used and been happy with this brand! And bonus, they’re proudly made in the USA!

Sometimes, it’s great to think outside of the box. Beyond all things red, white and blue, one of my favorite patriotic decorating ideas is using historical art prints.

And there are several beautiful pros about using historic Americana artwork.

First off, there are lots of pieces of historical American artwork that are extremely affordable that you can purchase online. Secondly, you can usually print it in your desired size — which is perfect when you need wall art of a different size.

Here are a few of my favorites patriotic printables:

For a special touch to welcome your guests at your front door, consider hanging a pretty patriotic wreath!

Not a fan of wreaths? Then how about dressing up your front door with a Red, White & Blue Initial Letter?

Need a great addition to your patriotic porch décor that doesn’t require hanging? How about these adorable Wood Firecrackers?!

Any of these adorable options are sure to add a festive flair to your front porch!

A fun, yet unexpected way to incorporate American flag decor in (or outside) of your home is with a US Flag rug! We ordered this exact rug last summer in the 6’x9′ size and loved how it gave us an instant patriotic patio!

This rug design is rated indoor/outdoor and available in a variety of shapes and sizes! So it could be perfect a runner in the kitchen, used as a doormat at your front door, or used as a full-sized area rug in your living room or out on the deck!

If you’d like to get a head start on decorating for the next season, drop by and pin the following blog posts for fall inspiration:

If you’re not keen on red, white and blue decor, how about a more subtle nod to America? These beautiful America-shaped wall hangings are made here in the USA from real reclaimed whiskey barrels!

The worn, rustic nature of the wood would work in all kinds of home styles– from Traditional or Modern Farmhouse to Rustic Cottage or even Organic Modern style.

While this type of piece could be a perfect complementary piece to your patriotic decor, it could also be a beautiful stand-alone statement piece year-round.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Red, White and Blue Buntings! Buntings are a classic, yet trending way to amp up your patriotic style–whether it be on your front porch or in your living room!

I made sure to only link flag brands that I know are made in the USA, Annin and Valley Forge.

But before you buy, consider the dimensions you’ll need for you space. Some of these buntings are 1.5′ x 3′ while others are 3′ x 6′.

I think these types of bunting flags look super cute hanging from a fence, a deck rail or anywhere on the front of your home!

Another easy way to add patriotic style to practically any space is with an American flag banner or garland! From hanging on your deck rails to the mantel in the living room, it’s sure to add instant Americana charm. The two flag banners linked below are made in the USA, and the burlap banner is imported.

Of course, a wreath is one classic way to dress up your front door for any holiday or season!

Below are some of my favorite patriotic wreaths made in the by American makers on Etsy:

There are so many adorable ways you can use a bunting or garland to decorate for July 4th (or any of the patriotic holidays)!

Here are just a few ideas:

• Hang from your railings of your deck or patio
• Hang them from the trees for a patriotic picnic or July 4th barbeque
• Hang them from the fireplace mantel for an easy pop of patriotism
• Hang them from the ceiling at a patriotic party

The buntings and banners below are made in the USA by American makers:

Now, let me turn it over to YOU!

What idea will you use for decorating for Memorial Day, Flag Day or the Fourth of July? Will you add some affordable patriotic banners, oversized fabric flags or perhaps add a patriotic wreath to your front door?! I would genuinely love to hear your patriotic decorating ideas and how you’d incorporate your American flag decor!

By the way, if you love home & garden ideas (like I do), be sure to head over to sign up for our free newsletter — so you don’t miss out on future holiday, DIY or decorating inspiration! And if you’re into social media, you could also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook! I’d absolutely love to see you there!

Until then, happy decorating!

Rebecca

Beautiful vases for sale at Pottery Barn are designed to have the look and time worn beauty of authentic antique pottery.

Have you noticed that Aged Pottery is having a major moment in interior design right now? French Country design enthusiasts and connoisseurs of Old World design have adored the beautiful, aged patinas found on authentic antique pottery (and other vintage vessels) for quite some time, but it seems (at least to me) that it’s just been recently, that antique/aged pottery has been embraced with open arms by designers and home decorators in the nearly every other niche of interior design.

Authentic vintage pots can be hard to come by and at times, extremely pricey. And for some, it might be worth the splurge. Would you just look at these gorgeous vintage garden pots that I found on Etsy?! The patina and the organic shapes are just truly exquisite. But if you can’t justify shelling out 3k for your own vintage vessel, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered!

We’re even seeing similar-looking pots and planters being made to replicate the beautiful look of timeworn aged pottery and planters sell in upscale home décor stores such as Arhaus, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware. (And if you’re the type that would prefer not to do the whole DIY thing, I absolutely love this roundup of aged pots with a similar rustic antique look.)

Before we get into the tutorial, I’m a big believer in giving credit where credit is due. Jaci of @jaci.daily created quite a frenzy on social media with her version that she called a “Found Pot’. She diy’d a gorgeous dupe of an expensive antique-looking pot with spray paint and dirt. This tutorial is different (and non-toxic), but I was inspired by her beautiful creations.

Let’s get into the how-to portion of this decor diy!

First off, we will start by finding a terracotta pot or some type of vase as the foundation for your aged pottery piece. I’m using a terracotta planter that I picked up at my local Lowe’s Home Improvement for $3 or $4. I am considering doing this finish on these pots; wouldn’t that be beautiful?!

But you could really use any vase you have around the house or even pick one up at your local thrift store. (And what an awesome way to save something from going to the landfill!)

Next up you’ll want to locate your other supplies for this DIY! And that’s one of the things I love about this budget-friendly DIY is — you probably have most of the items on hand already!

• Terracotta Pot / Vase
• Chalk paint (my absolute favorite and the chalk paint used in this tutorial is the One Step Paint from Amy Howard at Home)
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Coffee Grounds (alternatively you could use dirt from your backyard)
• A Stir Stick (this could be a popsicle stick or a plastic fork/spoon)
• Paint brush (I had some of the cheapie ones on hand from my local hardware store)
• Plastic cup or Tupperware container for containing the paint mixture

Create a custom, textural paint Mix

Next we will mix up our own custom, textural chalk paint. Keep in mind that the measurements here are more of a guide — you can adjust the ratios to your liking.

Just pour about 1/2 cup of your color choice of chalk paint (or equivalent of 1/2 cup of a mixture of colors of chalk paint) into your desired container. Mine was a red plastic cup because I’m fancy like that. Ha! Next, add about a tablespoon of baking soda and about 2 teaspoons of salt into the paint mixture.

Then stir it together until smooth. If you want it thicker, just add more baking soda. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use less baking soda/salt or add more chalk paint.

For the the exact color, use “Bauhaus Buff” One Step paint by Amy Howard (which is a type of chalk paint that smells amazing) and add in a splash of the same brand in a shade called “Linen.”

Now let’s paint that baby! But don’t just paint without thinking about it, the key to this project may be counterintuitive to some — to paint it in a haphazard way.

The key here is to change your brush strokes in varying directions and angles. If you paint in neat and tidy rows, it’s not going to have the look of an authentic piece. Real antique pottery has organic shapes and lines, so try to alternate the brush strokes.

When you paint on this chalk paint mixture, try alternating your brush strokes. Also, avoid painting in straight lines for a more organic look.

Add a Second Layer

Once painted, allow the first coat to dry. Then add more of a pigmented chalk paint color into the mixture. (The color Linen that I mentioned earlier would be a great color to mix in at this point, as well as Java or any of the gray colors from the line.

This does two things. First, it will make the consistency a little thinner, which is great for getting the nooks and crannies you created in the first coat. Secondly, it will give color variation to the finish, which is key to getting the beautiful patina we love!

Rub in Coffee to create an Aged Pottery Patina

After that second coat dries, comes the FUN part!! First though, I should mention that this step may be the best exfoliation your hands have ever seen! And for those of you that would prefer not to have that spa treatment, I highly recommend to wear a pair of gloves.

Pour out some coffee grounds in a dish or on your work space and start to rub on your work of art! ☺️ You may have to use a small amount of elbow grease to really press those coffee grounds into all the grooves of texture you just created — but it’s not too crazy though because I did it and I have no upper body strength.

Now, many of the other tutorials for similar DIYs, call for using mud rather than coffee at this point. That is definitely an option if you don’t have coffee on hand. What do you think? Would you use mud or dirt for a home decor DIY?!

Press and rub the coffee into the textures working one section at a time.

You can add as much or as little to your pot; you can really get creative here. There is no right or wrong way to do it. If you feel you’ve added too much, you can always take a lint-free rag and wipe some away. Here are a couple of different examples of how it can look:

Here’s a look at a moderate amount of the coffee grounds rubbed in. You can definitely add more or wipe some away. This is the exact same pot as above after I wiped some of the coffee grounds away with a dry rag.

Style up your “Aged Pottery”

If you are not planning to use this as a planter for a real plant or using outside and if you’d prefer not to add a graphic, you are finished!! Take your finished “Antique Pottery” and mix it in a little vignette. Wouldn’t it be so beautiful on an entryway table with a faux plant and a mirror?! Or, style it on your mantel sitting on a couple of vintage books.

Because I love to add a little bit of French flair to my home, I decided to stencil mine. And I am literally obsessed with how the French stenciling with the “aged” patina creates this gorgeous French antique look!

If you want to add a stencil, I highly recommend using an adhesive mesh stencil. Because of all the wonderful texture you just created a regular stencil is probably not going to stay in place, which will most likely cause the stenciled design to look messier than you’d like. The stencils I used were reusable, adhesive mesh stencils and they have TONS of beautiful designs!

For the exact design look here, use the “French Script” and “Le Fleur” stencils and gray Gel Art Ink, but browse around because there are tons of beautiful options.

Here’s a look at the Aged Pots after they were stenciled. I love the look, but this step is completely optional.

Now, if you are planning to use your pot outside in the elements or if you plan to use it with a live plant, you’re going to need to seal the paint to keep it in mint condition. I did seal mine with a spray-on sealer earlier in the spring.

Then, I planted some pink Vincas in them. So they have been out in the elements for about five months, and they have held up to pretty well!

Some of the aged-look from the coffee has worn down while outside. I am sure a different sealer, could have protected the coffee patina; so I am still on the hunt. Please consider subscribing so you can get the updates.

Here’s how my “Antique Pottery” came out after stenciling, sealing, and filling with pink Vincas.

By the way, if you could use a little extra inspiration for your outdoor spaces, this post on beautiful deck decorating ideas on a budget will give you TONS of inspo!

I truly hope this gave you some inspiration on how you can DIY your dream vase or planter! Thank you so much for joining me for this DIY!

If you have any questions, drop them below or over on Instagram. And feel free to tag me in your posts on Instagram if you create your own — can’t wait to see what you do!

xo,

Rebecca

Before you go, see out how I styled them on my summer patio in this post on easy Americana decorating ideas!

Supply List Recap:

• Two Shades of Chalk Paint
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Coffee Grounds
• Terracotta Pot(s), traditional or ornate pots
• Gloves (optional, as the paint I recommend is water-based)
• Container to mix Paint
• Paint Brush
• Sealer (Optional)
• Stencils (Optional)

This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog.

This easy Conversation Heart Wreath tutorial will show you (SUPER adorable) different ways to craft your own adorable candy heart wreath, plus fun ways to style your wreath for Valentine’s Day!

When Valentines Day starts to come to my mind, I immediately start dreaming about all the whimsical, romantic and pink things I can DIY and decorate with to celebrate the Day of Love.

Conversation hearts give me such a nostalgic feeling, taking me back to my childhood! Do they do that to you, too? A lot has changed since I was a kid, but thankfully Conversation hearts are still here for Valentine’s Day!

And the color scheme of these charming candy hearts are so sweet and feminine. In the past, I’ve used conversation hearts as part of my tabletop décor for a Valentine’s Day tablescape. But this year, I dreamed up the idea of making a conversation heart wreath!

This Valentine’s day wreath is super sweet and charming and SO easy to make! You could, most likely, make the entire wreath in the time it takes to watch your favorite show!

But the absolute best part? It’s going to look absolutely adorable in your entryway, on your front door — or anywhere you want to hang it!! It’ll be that perfect final touch to your Valentine’s Day decor!

Another bonus is that the necessary supplies are very easy to find. In fact, you may have some of the supplies on hand already, but if not, you can easily get them from the Dollar Tree or Amazon! I will link them at the bottom of the post for your convenience.

• Conversation Heart Candy (large and little hearts)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Hot Glue
• Pretty Ribbon to hang your candy wreath
• favorite paper or ribbon to wrap the wreath frame (optional)
• mod podge (optional)
• foam wreath or metal heart wreath form or a deconstructed Dollar Tree heart wreath

In case shopping online is more convenient for you, I will leave links to the supplies at the bottom of this post.

So for my base, in lieu of using a foam wreath base, I am going to deconstruct a premade Dollar Tree Valentine Heart Wreath. This is basically just a plastic heart form wrapped in a metallic cellophane. So I am just pulling off the cellophane, to expose a plastic heart form underneath.

Now, if you’re not able to get this particular base, that is totally okay. There are so many alternative bases that would be equally cute!

The “before photo” of a Dollar Tree Pink Tinsel Heart Wreath.

A foam or metal wreath base would be great, but you could also use a piece of carboard cut into your desired shape.

In case you want to use a designated pattern, you may find it easier to work with the conversation hearts sorted by color.

If you have young kids, this might be the perfect time to ask for their “help”! My little boy had a lot of fun sorting out the candies by color — and he only ate about half of the bag!

What I love most about diy decor is the you are the Boss of your creation!

There are lots of ways you can put your own unique style on this Valentine wreath!

A few ideas about the pattern of hearts for your wreath:

Color Patterns: Use all small hearts in a designated color pattern.

Color Blocks: Add hearts on in a color block design. For instance, add all pink hearts to one section, and then all green, etc.

Big and Small: Use a mix of the “large” and “tiny” conversation hearts for visual interest.

Angled Hearts for a whimsical feel: You might want to turn your hearts right-side up or all turned to a 45 degree angle. You could use all large hearts, all small hearts or a mixture of both.

I am using a pattern of large hearts beside the smaller hearts.

Before you get to glueing, consider where you want your wreath to hang from.

Note: I wanted mine to hang at an angle so I left a little space on the upper right hand side for the ribbon.

If your wreath form has a premade hanger for your wreath, feel free to use it!

If not, add a long strip of ribbon around the blank space of your wreath form.

Next, pull a separate piece of ribbon through the first so you can tie it into a bow.

Then, tie your bow and ribbon, according to your personal preference.

1. First off, let’s heat up our hot glue guns.
2. Then, unwrap the cellophane off of your heart form.
3. Play around with the conversation hearts to decide on a pattern for your wreath.
4. For the next step, use your glue gun and add a dab of glue and place heart your conversation heart onto the wreath form.
5. Press the candy heart on firmly for good adhesion.
6. Continue adding your candy hearts by your pattern around adding a bit of glue and securing each candy heart.
7. Unless your wreath form has a designated place for gaming, leave space for your ribbon.
8. If planning to use outside, seal your wreath with an outdoor sealant, such as, Krylon for Indoor/Outdoor.
9. Measure a strip of your favorite ribbon, to make a ribbon hanger. You’ll want to measure how long you want your wreath to hang, double it, and then allow room to tie the ribbon at the top.
10. Add a secondary piece of ribbon to tie a beautiful bow.
11. Sit back, pat yourself on the back and brag about your adorable diy Valentine decor!

By the way, if you love doing adorable craft projects for Valentine’s Day (like I do), I know you will love making this charming DIY Valentine Banner made out of vintage book pages, too!!

If this wreath form is not available to you, you can absolutely diy a heart or circle

form out of cardboard. And, bonus! it’s a very budget-friendly hack!

First, first an old carboard box.

Trace a heart (or multiple if your heart desires) on your cardboard.

Carefully cut out the cardboard hearts with scissors or an Exacto knife.If you’d prefer not to freehand your hearts, you’re welcome to use free printables to trace.

This version is extremely similar, the only real difference is that foam base will have a lot more surface area to cover with candy hearts.

Just like we discussed before, feel free to get creative with your patterns and sizing!

For this version, I recommend to start by wrapping the metal wreath form in ribbon.

Most ribbon should work for this, but I’d recommended using a non-wired, wide ribbon.

Ideas for how to style inside:

• Hang on an Interior Door
• Layered or hung in front of a mirror
• Hang on a Chalkboard or over your Valentine Signs
• Hang from a peg shelf
• Hang on a cabinet door
• Layered with other Valentine decor on a mantel
• Sat on an Open Shelf

If using on an exterior door, be sure to seal your wreath with an exterior-approved sealant.

If you need a little elegant & romantic decor in your life this season, be sure to read my post on how to set an inexpensive romantic table setting–which is perfect for a Valentine’s dinner at home!

Thank you so much for joining me for this Conversation Hearts Wreath DIY!! I really think this is such a sweet, sweet and fun project, and I hope you love it as much as I do! So, will you be making a Valentine Wreath this year? If not, what kind of Valentine crafting will you be doing? I’d love to hear from you, you can let me know in the comments below.

Whether your celebrating Valentine’s day with your girls for a fun Galentine’s day, with your kiddos, or the love of you life, I truly you have a joy-filled and happy, happy Valentine’s day!!

Xo,

Rebecca

By the way, you need more DIY or decorating ideas, be sure to scope out the menu over on my home page or follow along on my Pinterest! On Pinterest, I pin all kinds of creative craft and DIYs, I think you’d love the décor inspiration there!

Some (but not all) of the links in post are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. You can read for full disclosure policy here. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog.

Just the thought of hosting Thanksgiving can be nerve-racking, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to take the decision-making and stress out of setting a beautiful, lavish Friendsgiving tablescape for your guests this Thanksgiving.

Will you be far away from away from your family this Thanksgiving? This time of year can be tough–especially when you’re far away from your cherished family, hometown friends, or even just the holiday traditions that you’re accustomed to during the holiday season.

Thankfully, hosting a Friendsgiving dinner can be a great way to fill that void. Or, in addition to your Thanksgiving dinner it can a be a special time to allow your friends to come together, remember all they have to be thankful for, celebrate their friendships, and memories –that will last years to come!

But, maybe you don’t know the ins and the outs of setting a holiday table?… but, I’m here to tell you, that’s completely okay! If you follow these easy peasy steps, you’ll have a gorgeous Thanksgiving table in a snap! And not just any one, one sure to make your guests swoon!

Or perhaps you’re already the hosting queen, either way, this post is sure to give you plenty of ideas for making your Thanksgiving table setting extra special for you and your guests this turkey day!!

Before we dive right into the tablescape details, let’s go over some ideas to make hosting run more smoothly and less stressful.

When you’re planning your dinner party, keep in mind, you aren’t obligated to do everything the traditional way. Here are just a few ideas to make hosting more doable:

• First things first, create your guest list. This will help you plan ahead on how many seats you’ll need and where you can seat everyone. If you’re short on room at the dining room table (and it’s not freezing out), then consider outdoor dining! When hosting a large gathering, a deck or patio is the perfect place to entertain!

• Don’t feel like you have to do it all when it comes to the food preparation. Consider having a “pot-luck” style Friendsgiving, where each guest can bring a designated dish. This will not only take a major load off of the hosting-stress, it’ll also allow your guests the joy of contributing!

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Consider assigning tasks to family members or friends, such as setting the table, pouring drinks, or managing music.

• Set your table a couple of days or possibly the night before. This help you greatly reduce your stress on Thanksgiving day.

Above all, just remember hosting Friendsgiving, whether for the first time or the fiftieth, does not have to be perfect

When it comes to your Friendsgiving tablescape (or any of your Thanksgiving decorations, for that matter), don’t be afraid to follow your heart!

If you love traditional colors of fall, opt for beautiful orange pumpkins and different variations of fall-toned gourds. And consider coordinating your centerpiece arrangement, choosing florals in burnt orange, amber, ivory and cream!

You can also go the non-traditional route. Here, I used real heirloom pumpkins, both Jarrahdale blue and Flat Stacker white pumpkins. Then, I mixed in some muted amber tones and soft pinks to create a muted amber, blush and muted blue centerpiece.

Alternatively, you can opt for faux pumpkins! The sky is limit when it comes to the color palette of faux pumpkins!

Of course, if you have traditional thanksgiving (or fall) table linens, feel free to put them to good use!

However, if you don’t, that’s great too–sometimes “making do” with what you have turns out even better than you could even imagine!

Soo… here’s a fun suggestion of how to make your tablescape super cozy, yet elegant–swap your formal table cloth or table runner with a fall scarf!

The photo below is both an example of various color palettes you could use as inspiration for your table, as well as ideas for utilizing your scarfs and throws. The top three are scarfs I dug out of my closet, while the bottom is a small lightweight throw blanket, that just happens to the be the perfect size for our table.

If you have a long, skinny scarf, stretch it out flat along the center of the table–in lieu of a conventional table runner. Alternatively, you can intentionally make it gathered in places for a more relaxed look.

If you have a square or large rectangular scarf, you can stretch it out on a diagonal on the tabletop, creating a loose, asymmetric tablecloth. Honestly, I love this look more than a formal tablecloth.

The beautiful thing is that your scarf will create an elegant, romantic feel by the way it lays across the table — and bonus, it will also save you money!

Next, whether you’re using real pumpkins or faux, place your pumpkins along the center of your table. (If you’d like to incorporate a fall floral arrangement, leave a little room in the very middle of your dinner table.)

You can set your pumpkins in a straight line or you can kind of zig-zag them along your table runner. Next, for added interest (and adorability), tuck little mini pumpkins in between your larger size pumpkins. (I’m imagining your tablescape and swooning already.)

Here, I used a mixture of heirloom pumpkins in a variety of sizes from my local market and smaller faux pumpkins that look really real. But, you can use real or faux pumpkins–either will be beautiful!

The best part of using fake pumpkins is that they will never rot on you! Faux pumpkins will last you years to come!

Every fall tablescape needs a little bit of fall foliage, I think. And, a Friendsgiving tablescape is no exception.

Not only is adding foliage a nice nod to fall, it’s also a beautiful way to create more texture and visual interest on your table setting.

So grab your favorite real or faux foliage and gently tuck it in between and around your pumpkins. You can also consider sneaking in little pine cones, or other bits of fall nature, for added dimension and interest.

Pro Tip: If your fall stems are too long, take your wire cutters and cut the branches apart into smaller pieces. Your fall foliage will be so much easier to work with!

Sometimes when I’ve created a full centerpiece, I like to follow the “less is more” adage when it comes to each place setting.

But you can really do a little or a lot–either will be beautiful on this table setting. If you have place mats with interesting texture, I think they would go well here layered under your plates.

Since this centerpiece already has a lot going on, I decided to forgo a place mat or charger and just went in with my dinner plate. Then, I topped it with this beautiful coordinating salad plate.

This dinnerware set has such a pretty, ornate design, so I really wanted the design details of the plate to shine. (I’ll link to this set at the bottom of the post, in case you’re on the hunt for some affordable, yet elegant dinnerware.)

If you have decorative napkins that coordinate with your pumpkins and textiles, feel free to add it on top or next to each place setting.

Whether you use gold or silver flatware, consider allowing your flatware to make a pretty statement on your tabletop. Gold metals always give me regal vintage vibes, so I dusted off my gold flatware, and put it in the spotlight.

To add a special, subtle nod to fall, I grouped my flatware and tied it with a strand of raffia. The textures and tone of raffia just say “fall” to me.

Then I tucked a small stalk of faux wheat in a pretty blush shade in the bundle. The soft blush tones of the wheat tie in nicely with the faux fall florals to come.

Instead of hiding your flatware in a napkin, let it stay on display to pretty up the top of your place setting. Tying your flatware with raffia is an easy way to let your flatware look put together and polished. (Pun intended. 😉)

Here’s another idea sure to make your dinner guests swoon at your attention to detail.

Because I really wanted to put an emphasis on thankfulness on Thanksgiving day, I decided to make creative place cards, but instead of the guest’s name, I added a verse about praise and thanksgiving, Psalm 69:30.

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30.

If you’ve followed along with me on social media, you know that I usually like to do these types of DIY projects with my favorite stencils, but I just happened upon an adorable stamp with Psalm 69:30 in a beautiful font that was just too perfect.

First, I painted these wood rectangles in my favorite chalk paint. After the base coat of paint was dry, I carefully dipped my paint in a dish of another shade of chalk paint, and carefully applied it to the wood. Afterwards, I hot glued a stick (because I’m fancy like that 😉) to the back so that it would stay upright on each place setting.

Alternatively, you could cover a square in a fall-themed scrapbook paper, and stamp or stencil a favorite quote or verse or the guest’s name.

Adding creative details go a long way in helping your guests create lasting memories of your Thanksgiving dinner.

Now with all the details so far, this Friendsgiving tablescape is already looking lavish, so the next step is completely optional. But anytime, I create a tablescape, it’s hard to resist the urge to incorporate beautiful florals.

Feel free to use faux or fresh flowers for your fall table, both have their benefits! Because I had some pretty faux flowers on hand, I decided to put them to use.

For that vintage feeling, I grabbed a worn and weather galvanized bucket to be the vessel or this arrangement. In my humble opinion, the layers of worn patina only add to the beauty of the other tablescape elements.

To create the arrangement, I cut down a piece of chicken wire, formed it into a tightly fitting ball and sat into the bucket. Next, I arranged faux blush hydrangeas, large faux ivory garden roses, faux dried mauve roses, and a few ivory pumpkin picks.

Please let me know if you’d like to see a full tutorial on this centerpiece arrangement.

In my humble opinion, every tablescape also needs a little bit of gold and a dash of added ambiance. So, I dug out my vintage-inspired gold candlesticks.

Regardless if you’re a “golden girl” or not, adding tapered candles in pretty candlesticks is sure to help you pull together an elegant look in an instant.

For even more ambiance, I also placed small candles in votive glass candle holders. Having the different heights of candles also creates more visual interest in your centerpiece.

Of course, safety is always a concern, so lieu of real candles, you could also opt for tea lights, as a safer option.

Tapered white candles in gold candlesticks create a charming vintage feel and add instant ambiance to the dining table.

Now put all the aforementioned details together to create an ultra-inviting and cozy, elegant Friendsgiving tablescape!

If you’d like to spread some more of this cozy, fall aesthetic around the rest of your home, be sure to check out these posts before you go:

Easy Outdoor Fall Decorating Ideas

DIY Distressed, Faux Pears

Beautiful Fall Patio Decorating Ideas

One last thing to make a top priority on your to do list: make sure you set the stress aside, and take time to enjoy your Friendsgiving celebration! Afterall, this special holiday comes around only once a year, and we never know how much time we have left with the people we love.

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope it gave you all the ideas and resources you need for setting your own special Friendsgiving tablescape. And, I hope you have a truly blessed and happy Friendsgiving, friend!

Xo,

Rebecca

Oh, and one last thing, if you could use more inspiration for your Thanksgiving decor around the house, be sure to follow my Pinterest board, Fall & Thanksgiving: Decor & Hosting Ideas! And, if you have any remaining apprehension in regards to all the hosting, I found this Thanksgiving countdown from Better, Homes and Garden especially helpful.

This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. You can read for full disclosure policy here. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog.

This is the exact ivory dinnerware set, The Pioneer Woman Farmhouse Lace 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, that I used on my Thanksgiving table (that I love so much) in the photos above. If you scroll to the left or right, you’ll see the coordinating pieces: a 10″ serving bowl, the butter dish, salt and pepper shakers, coffee mugs and gravy boat.

The nice thing about neutral table linens is that you can use them throughout the year–for all kinds of holidays and events. These are some of my favorite picks online. Be sure to measure the dimensions of your dining table before you shop.

Who says you’ve got to use fancy table linens for your Friendsgiving tablescape? An inexpensive fall scarf can often be equally charming! And bonus, you can wear it later in the season!

Here I’ve linked a variety of beautiful flatware sets. From “Antique” Silver to Dishwash safe Gold flatware and to Gold-Plated Antique Baroque Flatware, there’s something for everyone!

If you don’t want to hunt down pretty pumpkins at the start of every fall season OR just don’t want to worry about rotting pumpkins down the line, pretty faux pumpkins are a perfect choice!

If you used a solid color table runner or table cloth, you might opt for a cute gingham napkin or any kind of pretty fall-toned patterned napkin here. Alternatively, if you’ve use a plaid or patterned tablecloth or table runner, you might opt for one of the solid napkins. I’ve linked a variety of pretty napkins below.

Isn’t this pastel brown gingham napkin with the scalloped edge super adorable? Scroll all the way to the right to see those. They would be perfect for a Friendsgiving tablescape, but could be used throughout the fall season.

Although I skipped using linen napkins and napkin rings in the photos above, they can make an elegant (and functional) touch on your tablescape. Here I’ve linked a variety of pretty gold napkin rings that would be perfect for any Thanksgiving table setting.

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget some elegant glassware. Here I’ve linked some beautiful, ornate goblets and sleek water glasses.

If you hover over the image below, you’ll see an option to pin this post. Be sure to pin it, so you can come back to all these Thanksgiving table decor ideas later!

Do you have a upcoming intimate dinner party or other special occasions that calls for a beautiful, Spring table setting?! If you do, (or even if you don’t 😉), you’ve come to the right place! The design of this romantic, pink table setting is sure to wow your guests! AND, leave you feeling like the Hostess with the Most-est!!

You can use the exact formula to create a relaxed yet, formal table setting or you can make simple tweaks to make it more casual. And the best part is, it’s super customizable!

Later in the post, I’ll share some fun ideas how you can swap some key elements to create table settings for practically any event, from a graduation dinner, a birthday party, an intimate dinner party, to a romantic setting for Valentine’s Day!

I wanted this Spring tablescape to have a Romantic, Modern Vintage feel. So, I went with white table linens to create a crisp backdrop. This lets the glassware, gold flatware, and floral centerpiece become the stars of the show! Secondly, it gives a fresh, up-to-date feel, which is perfect for a fresh, feminine Spring tablescape!

For the main tablecloth, I wanted something with a chic linen-look — but without the tedious ironing! And I found a white tablecloth that fit the bill — part cotton and part polyester. I’ll link some similar tablecloths for your convenience.

First things first, iron your tablecloth well. When you choose a table linen that’s polyester or partially polyester, it’ll go SOO much quicker! The exact tablecloth I used was a HomeGoods find from last year. I’ll link some similar items in a variety of sizes, so hopefully one is the right shape & dimensions for your dining table!

Then, in lieu of a traditional table runner, I opted for a muslin cloth. Oddly enough, I actually snagged a muslin baby blanket that I already had on hand. (I mean, we spend so much on our kids’ things, so they should pull double duty! Amiright?!)

But, seriously, I just love the light and airy texture of muslin — it adds a soft, flowy texture and a whimsical feel. Have you ever used gauze or muslin in your table settings?! If you frequent wedding websites, I’m sure you’ve seen it layered on beautiful wedding tables!

Next, I dug out my “fancy” Fine China that were wedding gifts from several years ago. And all those years ago, (although I was just as impractical then as I am now,) I used a bit of wisdom and registered for dinnerware that would be very versatile. But you really don’t have to have “fancy” Fine
China to get the same look though. I think any ivory or white dishes (or any neutral dinnerware for that matter) would give you a similar look!

Then I just placed the dinner plates, layered the salad plate on top of it, then styled the bread plate on last.

Note: I am definitely not a stickler for tradition when it comes to place settings. I am a big believer in leaving room for creativity! But if you’d like to style each place setting in a traditional way, you’d start with the dinner plate and then the salad plate, and if needed, the soup bowl on top. Then you’d set the bread and butter plate (the smallest plate) to the upper left side.

After ironing the linen napkins, I simply tied them in knots and layered them on top of the place settings. I think the tied look is so effortlessly elegant. Don’t You?! To finish it off, I stuck a faux sprig of seeded eucalyptus into the knot of the napkins.

Gold flatware just enhances all the other details of your table setting! And while there are gorgeous gold flatware sets that might be worth the splurge, there are some really beautiful sets on the market that are a real steal. The set I have and pictured in these photos is actually the least expensive that I could find, and I truly love the look!

I did quite a bit of digging for the most beautiful gold flatware sets on the market, and I linked them here for you. The set in these photos is the Cambridge brand, available through Walmart.

Now for my favorite part — put together an arrangement of gorgeous flowers for the center of the table. My choice was a simple a bouquet of roses with a little bit of seeded eucalyptus in a pretty footed glass vase.

Here’s another beauty of this floral centerpiece — you can use real or faux pink flowers. I went with a mix ivory and peachy-pink roses with some deeper almost coral-pink roses in this artificial flower arrangement, and I’m completely smitten with this romantic look! Since the exact faux roses I used were seasonal, I’ve linked some beautiful, similar options below.

But you can really personalize the tones to your preference. Soft pink roses or rose gold faux florals would also make for a beautiful focal point.

Tip: If you opt for faux florals, and miss the scent of the real deal, give them a little spray of your favorite perfume with flowery scent.
(It will be our little secret! )

I wanted to pack in just a little more romance and vintage charm to this table décor! Because I love elements that give a nod to the past, I went with glassware that closely resembled vintage Pink Depression Glass.

I thought it would be darling to create mini floral arrangements in each pink goblet. If you happen to have a collection of Pink Depression glass, wouldn’t it be so neat to swap the regular plate for a pink depression glass dinner plate?! If you collect it, please let me know in the comments!

Just in case, I need to reuse my faux stems in a longer vase next time, I simply bent the stems to make them the appropriate length for the stemware. (But you can also cut your faux stems to your liking.) Then I tied stems of seeded eucalyptus with it using floral wire.

You could also swap out these faux florals for fresh flowers from the grocery store! That would be budget-friendly and equally beautiful!

With the crisp backdrop and pink & white table setting, I knew Brass Candlesticks would really be the icing on the cake! The metallic elements, being the candlesticks and the gold flatware, are like jewelry that enhances a beautiful outfit! Bonus, the glow of the candles will instantly create a romantic mood for your guest(s)!

The exact set of brass candlesticks I used here is no longer available, but I found some that are very similar — except even prettier!

But sometimes real candlelight isn’t always practical, especially when young children are present. Thankfully, though, now there are some really realistic battery operated candles! I do love these so I don’t have to worry about my son start a fire — or me!

Ideas to Customize for Your Special Occasion

And the awesome thing about this festive table is that it can work for so many special occasions! This entire concept would make a gorgeous table at a Bridal Shower, an Anniversary dinner or just about any event!

Here are a few other ideas of tweaks you could add to customize this pretty table for other special occasions:

You could use this concept to set a dinner party for a romantic evening on Valentine’s Day! I think the beautiful roses, sparkle of the gold flatware, and seeded Eucalyptus already create a romantic look. Just add wine glasses, a homemade meal (or takeout), and dim light for a romantic candlelight dinner.

Speaking of romantic decorations, if you are here while planning your Valentine’s Day décor, this adorable gilded Valentine garland would make the perfect pair with your romantic tablescape!

For Easter table décor: Swap the Roses for a Blush & Pink Floral Arrangement and add Bunny Ear Napkin Rings to each napkin. Alternatively, you could change your napkin folds to the Bunny Ear Napkin Fold technique. (It’s such a simple way to add charm to your holiday table without spending more.) Then, swap out the pink goblets for crystal stemware. And voila, you’ve got an adorable Easter tablescape that’s sure to make the entire family swoon!

Note: If you’re looking for the linen napkins from my photos, I found these linen napkins on Amazon. From the photos online, they look identical!

And if you’re reading this to get ready for an Easter dinner, make sure to read this fun, easy tutorial on how to dye eggs with food coloring before you go!

For an Elegant Mother’s Day Brunch: Exchange the artificial flowers for an arrangement for fresh, Spring flowers in your Mom’s favorite colors! In lieu solid linen napkins, opt for a different pattern with a feminine feel. Floral prints or pink gingham would soo pretty for Mother’s day — especially with pink dinner plates! These cotton napkins with the embroidered Pink Hydrangeas would be to die for! Or for convenience sake, you could even go with pretty paper napkins!

Graduation Dinner Party: A meaningful way to customize this table to celebrate a graduate is add photos of the grad along the centerpiece using place card holders.

For a Casual Outdoor Garden Party: Swap the elegant Glass Centerpiece Vase out for a White Wicker Basket to hold the floral arrangement, and swap some of plates to feminine pink dishes for a whimsical vibe. Or, if you love the white or ivory dishes, trading the ivory napkins for a fun print with bright color would also be beautiful! I just LOOOVe these adorable floral napkins from Pioneer woman.

For Reception table décor: I think all the original details are perfect for reception tables, but if you want to jazz it up, layer your place settings under gold chargers for a splash of glamour. Then set gilded place cards to each place setting for an easy elegant look. Gilded place cards are not only stunning, there are special way to connect with your guests!

A Romantic Table Setting for Two: You don’t have to reserve romantic dinners to just Valentine’s day! Here are few adjustment ideas for a romantic evening — no matter the date. Scale down to a smaller table. Sprinkle rose petals around the center of the table. Consider hanging string lights to help create a romantic atmosphere for your special meal.

Now, if you’d love to set a dreamy summer floral tablescape with a slight rustic feel, I highly recommend you read this post, Country Summer Tablescape with Romantic Arrangements in Mason Jars! I think it might just be my favorite tablescape ever!

You’ve planned with prowess and diligently prepared and have all your details juuuusst right. Now, be sure to take time to kick your feet up and truly enjoy time with your guests! Your presence is so much more valuable than any place setting or romantic table decoration you could ever put together!

And no matter if you’re gathering around a huge or small table, I know your guests will appreciate all the thoughtful details you’ve created just for them!

Thanks so much for setting this romantic, pink table setting with me! I truly hope these ideas inspired you to make the most of your dining table for a special dinner sometime soon! What idea was your personal favorite?!

XO,

Rebecca

Don’t forget to pin!

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Americana decorating ideas: whether your decking out your deck or restyling your home interior, these easy ideas will have you ready amp up your patriotic home décor in no time!

Today, I’m sharing a whole host of Americana decorating ideas to give you a comprehensive list of patriotic décor ideas!

These are super easy ideas that will work beautifully in any design style! And the best part? You can use staple pieces you already own and just add a few new patriotic pieces or American flags!

So whether you’re planning your Memorial Day gatherings, a Fourth of July backyard barbeque, or adding Americana theme to your everyday decorating style, these ideas are sure to inspire!

Before we get started, I’d like to preface that these ideas are perfect for your patriotic decorating! But Americana decorating is also a interior design style — so you could also choose to use these ideas year round! With that said, let’s dive right in!

If you’re American (or have visited), you know that our summer celebrations aren’t just limited to interior spaces. In the summer, we love to be outside out in the yard or on the patio! And grilling on the 4th of July is basically a must for any American. So let’s not skimp on the outdoor patriotic home décor!

Adding in a few touches of patriotic décor is not only inexpensive — it’s a simple way to showcase your American pride! ❤️

Last year, I decked out our deck to kick off Memorial Day Weekend! To save money, I utilized staples I already had – white pillows and a white throw to our patio furniture – and added some small flags.

Then I decorated the coffee table with an arrangement of white stems in a vintage galvanized buckets and small flags in little vintage creamers for a patriotic touch.

This coming summer, I plan to do a similar look, but adding these adorable flag pillows!

If you’d like to shop our patio decor, hover over the photo below for the links.

I personally think the key to Americana style is to start with a canvas of neutral shades. Then simply add American flags and meaningful homages to American history or Americana culture to your home interior.

The wonderful thing about this approach to interior design (or seasonal decorating) is that you can pull from home décor staples you already have on hand. And, you can utilize patriotic elements that you may have in storage, like American flags that you’ve been meaning to dig out of the attic.

And remember you don’t have to deck out the entire house –unless you want to- little patriotic touches go a long way! Some bold stripes here, some blue décor and you’re on your way to parading some major patriotic pride!

Here Robyn of Robyn’s French Nest, captures the essence of Americana decorating so perfectly!

Real antiques, cozy linens and distressed finishes pair perfectly in her Americana style in Robyn’s French Nest.

Cozy elements, subtle patriotic touches, a beautiful flag and vintage Americana art creat a show stopping yet cozy feel in the Lake Front Farmhouse.

Other design elements that go hand in hand with Americana design are woodsy or rustic furniture, tramp art, or American vintage items that reminds of you of American culture.

Your outdoor dining space definitely deserves a little patriotic spirit, too!

For this summer tablescape, I started with a white tablecloth as a neutral base. Then I added rustic elements using wood discs as chargers.

For the centerpiece, I added pops of patriotic colors by adding lots of small flags in vintage looking jars.

Next I added small glass bottles with white roses for a dash of feminine beauty! The vintage inspired glass bottles look like true vintage treasures, but they were actually jar from my local craft store! (Shh, let that be our little secret!)

I have to admit this centerpiece idea received a lot of love on Instagram when I shared it, and I think your guests will love it too!

Alternatively, you could go with a blue color palette. Use a blue stripe tablecloth and then top each place setting with a blue star napkin! Or, how about a flag tablecloth?! Wouldn’t that be beautiful?!

Any patriotic party definitely needs a patriotic place setting! Here I went with white napkins on white dishware with small flag to top it off! That way each guest has their own personal flag to wave!

You could also swap the white napkins for some beautiful blue & white stripe napkins for a summery look!

Wood chargers are perfect to create a rustic, Americana feel. And if mason jars aren’t a primitive Americana décor staple, than I don’t know what is! Mason jars are sure to evoke the sentiment of days gone by for so many of us.

A fun twist on traditional mason jars, are American flag mason jars. I’ve linked some that are not food safe but would be adorable to use as a flower vase!

Do you have a fireplace mantel at home? If so, it’s a perfect place to sneak in some pretty pops of patriotic color!

I love this beautiful, summer patriotic mantel from Emily at LeCultivateur in honor of Memorial Day. Fresh-cut flowers, layered vintage mirrors, and a few American flags — and all together it’s an absolutely dreamy, patriotic summer mantel!

Simply adding American Flags with small stars is a great way to add a patriotic feeling to your mantel! So simple and affordable yet beautiful!

Here’s another super simple idea to deck out your deck for the 4th! Purchase some small to medium American flags, and simply stick them into your flower pots!

Did you know that my planters here were originally terracotta pots? Yep, I gave them a DIY aged pottery makeover. For the full tutorial on how to age terracotta pots with chalk paint, click here.

Another idea to decorate your deck is to hang American flag garlands on your railings! I love this vintage style American made flag banner!

For Memorial Day one year, I decided to create a patriotic table for two as a small tribute to our fallen soldiers.

Instead of buying tons of single use patriotic decorations, I simple relied on some pretty red, white, and blue ribbon that I can use again and again.

Then I created a centerpiece made of white peonies and eucalyptus.

This tablescape concept for also be lovely (and inexpensive) for a Veteran’s day luncheon in honor our Veterans.

The tablescape idea is perfect for those of you that love farmhouse style and easy all-American looks!

If you’re not into the aforementioned ideas, consider making your own DIY 4th of July decorations! Last year, I DIYed these patriotic signs using a custom chippy finish and alphabet stencils. I made mine say “USA”, but you could also spell out “Liberty”, “Freedom” or “America”! Wouldn’t that be cute?!

Just let me know if you’d like a full tutorial, because I’d be happy to write a post of the process!

One of my favorite places to decorate for our patriotic holidays is definitely the dining room!
The first thing I do is decide on my tablecloth, place settings, and napkins.

Then I love to create a centerpiece made of faux or fresh flowers! A centerpiece of florals and a few small flags is a classy way to add some Americana home décor to your dining room.

Another simple way to evoke feelings of patriotism is to incorporate nods to American history in your wall art! There are lots of affordable, yet beautiful pieces of artwork of colonial America for sale online. You can also find some patriotic free printables online!

Hanging a print of Abraham Lincoln or George Washington would definitely create a meaningful American feel in any room!

Victoria, the talented home stylist from Lake Front Farmhouse, incorporated a portrait of Lincoln with charming vintage treasures and on a rustic, farmhouse shelf. And I couldn’t love it more! 😍🥰

Just remember, you don’t have to go crazy buying every patriotic decorative accent that you come across. Simply displaying a large American Flag can make a HUGE impact!

Victoria, of Lake Front Farmhouse, made a beautiful, bold statement with a vintage American flag in her farmhouse home.

The beautiful American flag looks regal on a white shiplap wall in the Lake Front Farmhouse.

Whether you have a modern home or a country farmhouse, I absolutely love the look of this breathtaking focal point!

Or you can make a gallery of vintage flags for a unique, awe-inspiring patriotic display!

I’ve scoured the internet to find the best red, white and blue décor, like these adorable Flag Banners to this gorgeous indoor/outdoor American Flag Rug!

If you’d like explore lots of beautiful patriotic pieces that you can shop online, be sure to check out this blog post on The Best American Flag & Patriotic Decor! Lots of the items are handcrafted by American makers!

Americana decorations can be decor you buy specifically for the Fourth of July or our other patriotic national holidays OR it can be vintage items you already own in red, white or blue!

What better way to create a patriotic display with vintage charm than to layer in your favorite red vintage books!

Here I stacked red vintage books I had in storage with white roses for my July 4th entryway table décor.

Speaking of red, since you may be here in July, be sure to check out my Christmas in July posts for some Country Christmas Decor Ideas!

Here are a few classy ways to add Americana colors to your living room design!

One of the simplest ways to bring a touch of patriotism to your living room is to swap out your throw pillows! So simple and affordable! Here are some of the prettiest I’ve found!

Navy Star or Red Stripe

American Flag Pillow

Navy Star Pattern Pillow

Star Spangled Banner Pillow

Use natural materials for depth and interest in your living spaces. For the natural material here I swapped out a traditional coffee table for a wicker lidded basket. When you’re out shopping the thrift store or yard sales, keep your eyes peeled for decorative objects related to American history. For example, one day I came across this brass figure of Abraham Lincoln–this time of year is a great time to put him on display.

Other things to keep your eyes peeled for: vintage flags, patriotic folk art, old maps, patriotic stars, patriotic wall décor.

One year for our July centerpiece, I placed white peonies in a gathering basket. Then I simply added a red and white tea towel for a patriotic touch! So simple yet so beautiful!

And, here’s another beautiful patriotic centerpiece idea! This one is not from my home, this is from my friend Kayla, at Live Oak Nest.

She styled a pedestal tray with a couple of white hydrangea arrangements and added the sweetest mini blue corbel and teeny American flags! Isn’t that so beautiful and charming?! You could also do something similar with a tiered tray!

Consider decorating your front door with a gorgeous patriotic wreath or a basket of florals with American flags.

Here Jenny, from Bloom Interior Designs, spruced up her front porch by putting American flags in her planter pots and beautiful door basket! She also hung red, white and blue buntings over her beautiful front door!

A couple other ideas for your front yard:

Line your driveway or sidewalk with entire row of American flags to celebrate Independence Day!

Flank your front door with American Flag banners for major patriotic curb appeal!

Decorate your front porch with Red, White & Blue Wooden Firecrackers!

I absolutely love the charm of some of the wooden signs I’ve seen online! And there are so many clever quotes.

Source: I Dream of Homemaking

Below are some gorgeous signs made right here in the USA:

Two of my personal favorites are the Uncle Sam’s Firework Stand and the God Shed His Grace on Thee sign!

I also love some of the American flag wood signs — especially this one!!

For more great ideas to kick off your Memorial Day weekend, please check out my friends’ blog posts below!

Heidi is sharing scrumptious All-American Summer treats that will be perfect for all your Memorial Day and July celebrations!

Fabiana of Ciao Newport Beach is sharing beautiful, festive ideas for a Red, White & Blue Summer Tablescape!

Stephanie, of Returning Grace, is sharing all of her favorite sources of USA made patriotic décor! By the way, she also has an amazing Esty shop with tons of handmade holiday decorations!Nothing will say happy 4th of July quite like Stacey’s Flay Day Fruit Pizza! I’m drooling already!

Jessica is sharing how to Sprinkle in American Color in the Entryway!

Brittany of White & Wood Grain has an amazing roundup of vintage Americana style quilts! The perfect way to add comfort and charm to your Americana design!

Thank you so much for joining me for Americana decorating ideas today! I hope this blog post gave you tons of patriotic home décor ideas to kick off your summer months and lots of ideas of unexpected ways you can take your Americana décor style into your own home!

Now I’d love to hear from you! What idea was your personal favorite??

Until next time, friends!

Rebecca

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If you’d like to get a head start on gathering ideas for decorating your patio for fall, be sure to read this post on Fall Deck & Patio Decor Ideas!

Or if you need some outdoor inspiration for the summer-time, be sure to head to this post on outdoor deck decorating ideas!

* This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog. You can read the full disclosure policy here.

If you’re looking for deck décor on a budget for an easy, affordable backyard makeover, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re talking all kinds of simple deck and patio decorating ideas that can transform your outdoor deck –without breaking the bank!

Just picture yourself, soaking up the sun while listening to the birds sing and the soft trickle of your outdoor fountain in the background. I’m sure it’s easy to imagine all the benefits of having a cozy dream backyard to call your own. But, in the case you haven’t yet, here’s a super brief synopsis:

Not only can amping up the beauty of your outdoor deck or patio increase your property value, it can also help you enjoy your home more.

• Stress Relief & Elevated Mood
• Social Gatherings & Relationships: There’s something so fun about hosting your friends and family to a barbeque in the backyard that makes for wonderful bonding moments!
• Increased Property Value
• Various Health Benefits from being Outside

And whether you have a concrete patio, a gravel patio or a traditional deck or a huge outdoor space or a small backyard deck, I’m sure you can apply some of these budget-friendly hacks! So keep reading for charming, yet easy backyard ideas that can help you create your own serene outdoor oasis–all while staying on budget!

If building an expensive deck isn’t in the budget right now, consider making a “DIY patio” by covering an area of your yard with gravel. A gravel patio with affordable outdoor furniture can offer all the charm and benefits of a conventional deck.

The first and foremost component to make your deck comfortable and cozy is (drum roll please…) outdoor furniture!! And, there are a lot of different options that are budget-friendly!

While it may be tempting to buy the absolute cheapest outdoor furniture you can find, especially when you’re trying to stay on budget, that isn’t always the most affordable.

So, one area that I feel is worth to have a moderate “splurge” is finding a durable outdoor furniture set with or without comfortable outdoor cushions.

And that’s not to say you can’t find budget-friendly outdoor furniture that is also comfortable, but it can be tricky. Sometimes the really cheap sets fall apart so quickly that you actually end up paying more in the long run.

Here’s a quick list of the outdoor furniture frame types that are considered more durable:

• Aluminum
• Cast Aluminum
• All-Weather Wicker also known as Resin Wicker (not conventional wicker as it’s prone to wear in the elements)
• Wrought Iron
• Plastic or Recycled Plastic

In our first home, we bought a patio table and chairs at a very inexpensive price point, and let me tell you, sitting on the actual ground would’ve been far more comfortable.

This time around we spent just a little bit more to invest in a durable patio set that would last for a long time! We purchased this resin wicker set in 2017, and it’s been on our uncovered patio this entire time! And to this day, it’s still in amazing shape!

I am so glad we invested in a comfortable quality set. Hands down, this set has been the best thing for making our deck inviting and cozy.

Now…some of the very similar outdoor furniture sets will run you in the several thousand dollar range, but this set comes in around $900. This exact set is still available, so I will link it and other similar choices near the bottom of the post.

A quick tip for extending the life of your patio furniture: Put your seat cushions in storage when we’re expecting stormy weather.

Is there anything more breathtaking on a deck than beautiful potted plants in bloom? My flower-loving heart says, “I think not!”

The challenge is that those beautiful, designer pots can, at times, cost you an arm and a leg! But, what if I told you there’s a way to get that high-end look for WAY less!

With this easy tutorial “How to Antique Terracotta Pots“, you can easily give your tired terracotta pots new life!

I love that we can get a designer look without breaking the bank and that the process only requires a few supplies. An added bonus is that this DIY process works beautifully on old, thrifted or dollar store garden pots! Saving money AND the planet for the win!!

Give your tired terracotta pots a new look with a little bit of paint and one pantry staple!

Pro Tip: Check your thrift stores or your local dollar stores for inexpensive old planters that you can transform into gorgeous garden pots! Upcycling pots for the patio is such an inexpensive way to add functionality and beauty to your patio!

Whether you have a modern, traditional deck or a covered deck, consider grounding your space with an affordable outdoor rug.

This will help tie the other furniture and décor elements together–giving your space an inviting and cohesive look!

Yes, some outdoor rugs are pretty pricey, but the good news is that there are lots beautiful options that don’t break the bank!

And nowadays, there are tons of designs and styles to choose from! From bold geometric patterns to traditional designs that are subtle and neutral, there’s a rug for everyone!

Outdoor rugs are made to withstand the elements, to resist moisture, and to hold up better in the sun. So, opt for rugs specifically made to take the beating in all of your outdoor seating areas.

Laying down an outdoor rug is such an easy way to pull your outdoor seating area together! The right rug will instantly add a cozy, inviting factor to any outdoor space!

Small outdoor tables, whether a coffee table or a pair of small side tables flanking your outdoor lounge area, are the perfect opportunity to add more of your signature style to your outdoor living space! There are so many choices of small outdoor décor accessories you can style on your outdoor tabletop! However, whether real or faux, florals will always be my go-to!

I personally usually opt for conventional faux florals and just bring them inside during inclement weather. But, did you know that there are also UV resistant faux flowers that are designed to be used outside? Talk about a game changer!

• DIY your own faux flower containers for your patio, deck or porch!
• Make an outdoor floral centerpiece for your outdoor coffee table décor!
• Make an affordable floral wreath for the front or back door.

Artificial flowers can make for gorgeous outdoor décor on a budget! In the photo above, I made a very simple flower arrangement with inexpensive pink cherry blossom stems, but I love is that you can mix it up the arrangement from time to time and for different occasions!

Our wood deck steps down to a paver patio, so we opted to add some affordable patio furniture here, too.

We went with this aluminum outdoor furniture set because it’s also super durable yet still comfortable. In addition to being sturdy and durable, it’s also pretty light weight! Despite that the fact that it’s very lightweight, our aluminum has never blown over — even though we live in the one the windiest states.

Creating a conversational sitting area with aluminum furniture is a great way to create a intimate outdoor space that’s perfect for hosting company.

Pro Tip: Do you, by chance, already own an aluminum set that’s just not your style? While we left ours unpainted (for now), I’ve seen others spray paint their aluminum patio furniture with great results!

Hands down, the easiest way to get a whole new look without breaking the bank is to bring out some fresh, throw pillows! Affordable outdoor throw pillows are a great way to change up the look of your outdoor space on a budget!

Keep in mind that conventional throw pillows won’t hold up to the elements like those that are specifically made to be outdoor pillows. I personally, love how soft and conventional throw pillows are, so I typically opt for those and just plan to bring them inside at night (or before stormy weather).

It’s amazing how something as inexpensive as throw pillows can transform the look and atmosphere entirely!

If don’t want to have to remember to put your cushions or pillows in a safe place, just opt for the outdoor counterparts! I will link some of my personal favorites at the bottom of this post.

And if you’re a DIY type of guy (or gal), you can even sew your own outdoor pillows with special fabric that’s designed to hold up outside!

Now let’s put those aforementioned puzzle pieces together to create one inviting, beautiful, and polished outdoor space!

All of the elements that make our homes cozy on the inside, we can now take the outdoor or waterproofed version to, essentially, create an outdoor room.

Keep in mind, these are just suggestions. Each and every outdoor space is a little bit different, and so are our personal preferences. But if you’d like a checklist for creating the ultimate coziness on your deck, here it is:

• Outdoor Rug
• Outdoor Furniture
• Outdoor Cushions and/or Outdoor Pillows
• Outdoor Accent Table
• Outdoor Décor
• Pots and Planters

Pro Tip: When you think about designing or decorating your patio, think of it as putting together an outdoor living room!

Dressing up your outdoor furniture with an outdoor rug and a bit of décor is a sure way to create a cozy and beautiful deck!

Next up, let’s talk about backyard fire pits!

I’m sure it goes without saying that a fire pit can create a gorgeous focal point for your yard. Furthermore, the glow of a fire can creates a warm (literally) and cozy atmosphere.

Of course, there are risks anytime fire is involved, so, in our personal yard, we’ve decided to wait on this feature for our home–at least for the time being. (Our son is a bit of a live wire.)

But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it, because every home and household is different. There are some beautiful and budget-friendly options on the market!

And some of those beauties are linked at the bottom of this post, for your convenience.

Whether you have a small yard or a giant oasis, a DIY wreath is makes for the perfect patio or deck décor on a budget!

If you go out and buy one online, yes, they can cost a pretty penny! But if you DIY rather than buy, you can save a ton!

To DIY this floral wreath, I used faux florals I had just collecting dust in storage bins. Dust off your old so storage bins — you might just surprise yourself! By the way, I have a easy step-by-step tutorial on how to craft your own customizable Flower Wreath!

Another clever way to incorporate an ambient mood in your backyard is brining in any type of water feature.

Water fountains, whether big and ornate or small and understated, are sure to bring an serene and calming mood to any outdoor space!

We decided to go with a small copper fountain. And I think it added just the right touch in this flower bed right off the backside of our deck.

But if a traditional fountain is not an option, there are also solar-powered fountains you can add to your bird bath. Bonus, these solar-powered fountains are super affordable!

There’s something about the sound of trickling water that is so peaceful. A water feature is sure to bring a serene atmosphere to your backyard.

Are you one that’s up for an easy DIY project? If so, one simple, yet super affordable way to put a pretty pop of color on your patio is by potting up your own garden planter!

I know some of you are pro level gardeners, while some are just starting out. So, here are a few tips to get started:

First things first, you’ll need to find some type of garden pot. And you don’t have to think strictly of conventional pots, but you do need a bucket or pot with drain holes, as most plants need well-drained soil. If it happens to be a pot that’s been used before, be sure to clean and disinfect it well. (That’ll prevent the spread of any potential plant diseases.)

Next up, get some good potting mix. (A very common rookie mistake is skimping or skipping potting mix altogether and opting for free dirt from the yard.)

Next, know the light requirements of the plants your potting. Pick plants that need the same range of sunlight.

Our brick patio gets quite a lot of shade, so full sun loving plants wouldn’t do well here. Thus, I opted for plants that do well in part sun. These planters inject the perfect amount of pretty to the patio.

Please Note: Your growing zone may call for different light requirements for the same plants.

Of all the patio decorating ideas, this might be my very favorite! In lieu of spending big bucks on an outdoor table centerpiece, why not DIY your own using fresh flowers from your own flower beds?!

Our peonies bloom reliably every May, so, it’s inevitably a time a savor every ounce of that goodness.

To save money, I used a glass pitcher from the kitchen as a vase of my homemade peony arrangement–I think utilitarian pieces used as décor gives an extra layer of cottage style charm!

So what blooms in your yard every year? Maybe lilacs, roses or possibly hydrangeas?

Any of these (and many other flowers) would be perfect for creating your own handmade floral centerpiece!

Now, for this outdoor idea, I cannot take an ounce of credit– this was all my husband’s doing!

We had these landscape lights installed several feet apart around our brick patio around the perimeter of our wood deck.

Not only does the ambient light create an elevated atmosphere in the backyard, it is also a great idea for safety–especially if you’re like me and like to tinker in the yard after dark.

And they are such a great value for the money. I went and priced several online, and most run between just $5 to $17 per head. You can find them at places like Lowe’s or Home Depot. I’ll be sure to link some of my personal favorites at the bottom of this post, for your convenience.

If you’d prefer to add landscape lights the easier way, solar lights are a great option!

So far the outdoor furniture we’ve covered has involved buying new patio furniture.

But what if I told you, in some cases you can transform regular, old furniture into something you could use outside on the patio?!

While not any and every piece of indoor furniture would work, you can, in many cases, use outdoor-rated sealants to waterproof wood furniture.

There are several product on the market to outdoor proof woods and similar materials:

• Exterior Paint
• Deck Sealer
• Spar Varnish
• Exterior Stains

I found this adorable old mint green toy chest on Facebook marketplace. I thought it would be the perfect touch of vintage cottage charm out on the patio.

A one-of-a-kind vintage find from Facebook Marketplace (or thrift store) may just be just perfect piece to add some vintage charm to your outdoor space!

One of the best ways to decorate your deck is with simple seasonal items–ones that you most likely already have on hand!

For example, for the different (patio) seasons, I love to make little subtle tweaks to our outdoor table décor and other patio décor. Doing this is just as simple as switching out the our outdoor table centerpiece with different seasonal flowers and other simple décor details.

In this photo, I swapped out pink peonies for white faux florals in a vintage bucket and added small American flags in little vintage creamers. Even though these are just little things I already had on hand and the changes weren’t grandiose, those little subtle details can make a big difference!

What décor items in your storage closest that could be used as deck décor? Perhaps you have a decorative bird cage or an old garden statue?

When homeowners think of beautifying their homes, they often think to create beautiful vignettes inside.. but often forget to bring those pretty vignettes to the patio!

Regardless of inside or outside, a vignette is just a grouping of objects that together creates visually pleasing lines. Typically these décor or everyday objects create an overall shape of a triangle in complementary color schemes.

Planters are the perfect ways to create a pretty vignette on the patio! And, your planters don’t have to cost a fortune!

To save money, here we used an old, rustic galvanized bucket as a planter. Then to create a pretty plant grouping, I simply planted some petunias in a smaller, bust planter. Overall, the sizes and shapes of the pots and plants give you that visually appealing lines of a well-composed vignette!

“Phenomenal Lavender” in a rustic, vintage bucket pairs with a small pot of petunias to create an ensemble of pretty patio plants.

Pro Tip: Clean up and drill drain holes in old, vintage buckets (or other old utilitarian objects) to create your own one-of-a-kind charming planter pot on a tiny budget!

Even though we typically think of waterproofed, modern designs when we think of outdoor décor or furniture, sometimes it can be possible to repurpose old pieces for the perfect outdoor piece! I think architectural pieces are particularly charming, don’t you?!

In this case, I used a new décor piece that was made to mimic the look of an antique window.

An architectural window would be a perfect addition to invoke antique character to an enclosed porch or patio. However, if you don’t have an enclosed or covered patio, you could also consider coating your décor in an outdoor sealant to protect it from the elements.

By the way, if you’d like to gather some deck décor ideas for this upcoming fall season, be sure to check out the easy ideas in this post, beautiful Outdoor Fall Décor Ideas!

When I see string lights hung in any outdoor area, it instantly gives me a warm, nostalgic feeling. There is something a little magical and whimsical about the warm glow of string lights. And you can create that same nostalgia and charm without spending a lot of money right in your own backyard.

While we haven’t hung any string lights yet, it’s on my to-do list! As the wood is starting to wear, we’re planning to give our wooden deck a makeover soon. Afterwards, I think, we be the perfect to finally hang some!

Since I’ve had quite a bit of time to think this through, here are a few tips and tidbits about hanging string lights.

1. Make sure you find string lights made for outdoor use.
2. Check to see if you can purchase more bulbs for if/when they go bad.
3. Consider using springs when hanging to leave a tiny bit of slack for the wind.
4. Consider opting for outdoor string lights that are solar powered.

Depending on the structure and setup of your deck, patio or porch, there are different ways to hang string lights.

Places in your yard to consider hanging string lights:

• Hang over outdoor bench
• Hang over an outdoor dining table
• Hang over your main conversational area on the deck
• Hang over a fire pit
• Hang from deck posts

Adding string lights to your deck or patio is a surefire way to make your backyard ooze with charm.

Whether you have a massive patio or a very small deck, another budget-friendly way to beautify to space with a container garden!

We’ve talked a little bit about potted plants, but if you want to take the cash-saving to the next level you can save even more by starting your plants from seed!

“Fine Gardening” confirmed in this article exactly what I suspected, while growing plants from plants starts can save you time, growing plants from seeds can definitely save you money!

So if you’re working within a tight budget but dream of your own small garden, consider investing in seeds.

Depending on what you grow in your container, that investment might just provide a good dose of healthy food for the fridge as well as, elevate your patio design.

Caption! Add a pop of bright color and beauty without spending much money by planting a flower container from seed.

Here’s another savvy money-saving home décor hack! If it’s not in the budget to invest in your dream outdoor furniture set, consider opting for a less expensive folding outdoor furniture set.

For this spot on our back patio, last year I found this super affordable adorable French Bistro style furniture set. And this little space has quickly become one my personal favorite places to sit and unwind at the end (or smack in the middle of) the day!

What I really love about this type of folding patio furniture is that you don’t even have to have an actual patio. You can literally set it up on the grass and create the same type of atmosphere as a fancy patio.

If you have a small patio, a folding furniture set is the perfect budget-friendly outdoor essential to make your patio from boring to charming and beautiful. It will be the perfect spot for a beautiful, al fresco dinner on a summer night.

Another deck décor idea that’s not only budget-friendly, but also eco-friendly is giving an old ladder (or other utilitarian object) a fresh coat of paint! For this easy DIY project, I cleaned this old ladder well with a solvent to remove any old debris or wax. Then I gave it a fresh coat of paint of my personal favorite chalk paint.

Now this little piece brings lots of cottage-esque charm to our deck. It’s also the perfect place to style little seasonal vignettes. If you’d care to see details about this fun little project, I have you can see that here, DIY Ladder Plant Stand.

Of course, you’d want to weatherproof your piece if you’d like to leave it outside for an extended period of time.

If you love DIY projects, consider bringing an old ladder back to life with a paint and sealant refresh.

The next deck decorating idea is perfect way to optimize a small space! So many of us our limited on deck or yard size, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have grandiose plans!

Even if you’re not up to do-it-yourself, there are lots of the unique premade vertical gardens on the market these days. I’ll be sure to link some of the best finds at the bottom of this post.

Lastly, but certainly not least, how about some gorgeous garden beds?

Even though a garden bed isn’t technically “deck décor”, it is a wonderful way to frame your outdoor space! Not to mention, a lush landscape can raise your property value and elevate the overall aesthetic of your yard.

Before you go willy-nilly planting plants, study up on what perennials do well in your gardening zone, the type of soil you have and the amount of sun in your yard.

Since I am a huge hydrangea-lover and these spaces get part sun, we went with “Big Leaf” hydrangeas! The hydrangeas are absolutely magical when they bloom and the gorgeous green foliage adds interest all summer long!

Now, let me turn it over to YOU! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Which idea will you use for amping up your deck décor on a budget? Will you add some affordable outdoor lights, repurpose old interior décor or perhaps transform your own garden pots?!

Or have you already given your backyard a major makeover? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section!

By the way, if you love outdoor décor and landscape design ideas (like I do), be sure to head over to sign up for our free newsletter — so you don’t miss out on future outdoor inspiration! And if you’re into social media, you could also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook! I’d absolutely love to see you there!

Until then, happy deck decorating!

Rebecca

Scroll down to see the images below that you can pin at the bottom of this post! Or you can scroll up, hover over any image and pin to your Pinterest boards!

This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. You can read for full disclosure policy here. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog.

Just about any decor style can be exquisite at Christmastime, but there’s just something extra special about Country Christmas decorating, don’t you think? Maybe it’s the contrast of the rustic elements to the glimmering of Christmas lights…or maybe it’s coziness of the rustic decor like chippy wood or Cedar stems in a vintage crock!

Whether you are in the midst of brainstorming Christmas decorating ideas for your living room or getting ideas for an elegant table setting for a perfect Christmas Eve dinner with your family, below you’ll find an entire host of creative decorating ideas for that are sure to inspire your most beautiful Christmas ever!

I’ve spent hours upon hours (weeks & weeks) searching Instagram to share with you the most beautiful Country Christmas decorated spaces!!♥️ Some of the most talented interior stylists and interior designers are featured in this roundup, and I hope their beautiful creations will spark some new ideas and inspiration for you to create the coziest Christmas ever!!

So grab your cup of hot cocoa & Christmas pajamas, so we can have some fun looking and being inspired by these beautiful Christmas decorations!

Note: All of the decorators/designers here have Instagram accounts, which I have linked underneath the corresponding photo. If you love what you see, feel free to give them a follow on Instagram. Some of them also have blogs, which I linked for you in the paragraph above the photos.

Centerpiece for Your Christmas Table

If you’re looking for some winter fresh inspiration for your holiday table, let’s draw inspiration from this idea for a Christmas table centerpiece by Melissa at Hymms & Home — it’s the perfect mixture of rustic, cozy and elegant!

The wood charger paired with the winter greenery and bottle brush trees lend the cozy, rustic farmhouse feel, while the vintage brass candlesticks, ambient light and the gold gilded mirror on the wall bring an elegant feel to the space, altogether creating what I call a Rustic, Romantic Christmas!

Source: Hymms & Home
Isn’t setting a wintery wreath over each dinner plate a beautiful and festive idea for a place setting?!

Source: Hymns&Home

I also love how she hung the wintery garland over the dining room window and topped each place setting with a wreath — so festive! Do you have any windows that would be pretty draped in garland?

Aren’t the wreaths hanging in the window a darling idea?! I love what Melissa did with this table and space to make it so cozy and welcoming for Christmas dinner!

Source: Hymns&Home

Here’s another swoon worthy idea featuring a Christmas dinner centerpiece with candles from the talented stylist, Rachel, of OurDevineHome. Unlike many centerpieces, this idea doesn’t block the view across the dining table — so it’s not only beautiful but functional, too! I can’t decide what I love more, the festive greenery with lit candles in the wood box or the ornaments filling the bowl to top off the place setting?! One other bonus about this centerpiece is that you could DIY your own version to save bigtime! Now that’s a win-win!

The crystal goblets create a stunning juxtaposition next to the wood box/greenery centerpiece!

Source: OurDevineHome

Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix your crystal glassware with rustic Christmas elements.

Country Cottage Christmas Decor

If you love all the charm that comes with Country Christmas decorating (like I do), I just know you’re going to love the next homes with their charming Country Cottage feel all decked out for Christmas!

All the charm of Tracey’s cottage style Christmas living room stopped me in my tracks. Tracey, who blogs at Hydrangrea Farmhouse, dressed her living room mantel in a collection of vintage ironstone with wintery greenery tucked inside some of those treasures! Isn’t that genius?!

That is a clever idea that you could try! (It’s a wonderful way to save money and incorporate things you already own.) Do you have any collections that in which you could add beautiful winter greenery?!

And that distressed chippy paint coffee table styled with a beautiful ironstone bowl filled with pinecones still has me swooning! Some other ideas here from Tracey are the adorable stockings hanging over the fireplace, the pink bottlebrush trees and vintage-style ornaments on the Christmas tree! What are your favorite details?! Let me know in the comment section below!

Tracey incorporated a beautiful vintage Ironstone collection on her mantel and enhanced with a small tree, winter greenery and a beautiful wreath topped with pink ribbon.

Source: Tracey Tracey_Hiebert

Tip: Pull out your vintage dish or serveware and display it with Christmas stems.

Janet styled her rescued antique hutch by tying a wreath on each door with red velvet ribbon. Vintage wood drawers topped with old recipe cards add a vintage charm that lasts year round.

Janet hung two wreaths on the doors of her antique hutch top. Isn’t this a charming Christmas look — especially with the red ribbon?!

Source: Janet JanetClarkatHome

Tip: Hang wreaths from cabinet doors with festive ribbon.♥️

Rustic Glam Christmas Decor

Have you ever been torn on how you wanted to decorate for Christmas (or any season for that matter)? On one hand, you love that County Christmas feel, but on the other your love a little bit of glam! But, it can be a challenge to mix the two styles.

Let’s take a look at this beautiful inspiration from Jenny, the interior designer of Bloom Interior Designs! Grab a pen & paper (or pin this on Pinterest) because you’ll want to take notes!

She incorporated warm, cozy textiles like the knit tree skirt under the Christmas tree — talk about cozy and inviting! To add texture and a cottage feel, she used a rattan lidded basket as a coffee table and styled worn wood trees you see here in front of her fireplace. Then for a dash of romance she styled ornate gilded mirrors, metallic trees, and mercury glass ornaments over the mantel. ** Swoon **

Other ideas that we can borrow from Jenny: a basket of wrapped gifts, a glass cloche filled with ornaments and the lush, layered garland hanging over the mantel.

Source: Jenny Bloom_JennyBrooks

Tip: Add metallic ornaments and small trees for a dash of class and beauty.

Christmas Entryway Table Decor

Speaking of Rustic Glam, that’s oftentimes what I refer to my own style as. And for the entryway table Christmas décor, I incorporated the antler sconce with the reclaimed-style wood of the desk for the rustic components. The lit mercury glass and (faux) Christmas arrangement lend a romantic vibe.

Even if your personal style is different than mine, you can still use this simple formula for a beautifully styled entryway table. Use a large, pretty floral arrangement on one side and a candelabra on the other side. Then add in a small decorative detail in the middle. For example, you could add a little vintage Santa statue!

Souce: RouseintheHouseCo An arrangement of White and Red Roses paired with Faux Hydrangeas mixed with winter greenery create a romantic, festive mood. A brass “antler” candelabra lend a rustic feel while the vintage gilded mirror and mercury glass candle lend a romantic feel.

Source: (myself) Rouseinthe_House

Tip: Create an arrangement of white and/or red roses with real or faux cedar stems, for a swoon worthy Christmas look.♥️

Christmas has, over time, come to mean many things to different people, but to me, the heart of Christmas is Immanuel. And one wonderful way to celebrate Immanuel, “God with Us” is with a beautiful Nativity Scene. However, sometimes a nativity set that is beautiful can be hard to find, but I absolutely love this Nativity set and how perfectly it’s styled in the home of Tammy from Denmark Cottage.

I love the beautiful patina on this Nativity Set! It was made in the last twenty years, but with that patina, I initially thought it was a real antique! Do you have a nativity set that you love?

Source: Tammy DenmarkCottage

This dreamy nativity set is styled on top of a vintage sewing machine — isn’t that a unique idea?!

Tip: Don’t be afraid to incorporate your antique pieces in an “outside the box” way!

Source: Tammy DenmarkCottage

Country Christmas Tree Decor

Where do we even begin with the beautiful scene?! Stephanie of ReturningGrace really took decorating her Country Christmas tree to the next level! The woven basket tree collar looks just like a vintage basket you might find at an antique mall, don’t you think? It really evokes that cozy, vintage charm.

The oversized, white snowflake ornaments and the metallic glass ornaments bring a dose of beauty! And the red berry picks along with red & white ornaments give off a festive feel! Altogther, these elements make up the perfect blend for a perfectly rustic, but beautiful Christmas tree!

Here’s a fun fact, this tree was a finalist for the American Farmhouse Style magazine Tree Contest!

Photo & Design: Returning Grace

Christmas Mantel Decor

Heather, the talented stylist from TheMorningHouse, created a rustic yet whimsical Christmas scene above and all around her mantel! A mounted Stag Taxidermy lends to a rustic, yet, regel air and layers of various textured pieces lend a collected over-time feel. If you can make the décor of a room feel as though it’s been collected over time, you’re going to get a truly charming and comforting space.

Zoom in, you’ll see many pieces with loads of charm. Notice the chippy-white painted stool holding the vintage crocks, the table legs repurposed as candle holders or the rustic lidded basket? Character packed into every square inch!

But even if your collection is much smaller, you can create a similar feel by incorporating some of the same elements: chippy wood pieces, ambient faux candlelight, wood bead strands, winter greenery, and most importantly, cozy throw blankets.

Credit: Heather Tartaglia/The Morning House
The longer you look at this photo, the more details you will find to adore! From the brass bells to the ambient light to the cozy blankets and cottage style rattan basket, I love every detail. What’s your favorite detail?

Tip: Utilize a rattan basket for functional storage, texture and a cozy cottage look!

I know sometimes when you see these beautifully styles spaces, it can seem like all those pretty details have always been there. But it can sometimes be a different story when you’re staring at a completely blank wall. Blank walls can be so daunting, can’t they?

If you’re struggling with a blank wall in a living, dining or bedroom, consider adding a mantelpiece like Karina did in this beautiful dining room!

The chipping paint on this vintage mantel adds so much texture and character to this room. And the mantel is also the perfect place to create a festive display. Between her vintage brass, mirror, and greenery, I’m definitely digging this vintage Christmas feel!

And if you love Christmas decorating with a vintage, country feel, adding in some worn wooden vintage crates, is a brilliant idea.

Doesn’t the raw wood rocking hourse add rustic, vintage charm and a bit of whimsy at the same time?! 

Source: Karina MagnoliaTreeFarmhouse

Tip: When you’re out thrifting, keep your eyes open for vintage brass candlesticks and other brass pieces for affordable, timeless décor.

Red & White Christmas Delight

When I looked back at all of the photos I have saved of my favorite Christmas decorating ideas, I started to notice that many of the spaces that really spoke to me were decorated in Red and White Christmas decor! There’s just something extra special about this beautiful combination for Christmas!

Have you ever decorated with this color combo for Christmas?! I absolutely love what Kaille did in this sitting area with the assortment of Christmas pillows, the darling sign draped in a cedar garland and topped with a red bow!

The adorable “And to All a Good Night” sign is the cherry on top for me!

Borrow this beautiful idea from Kaille: fill a dough bowl with seasonal greenery, pinecones and candles wrapped in your favorite Christmas ribbon!

Source: Kaille.as.in.Kyle

Tip: Mix red and white pillows with other plaid textiles for a holly jolly holiday!

This beautiful outdoor scene, also from Karina, certainly is a red & white delight! It’s also filled with vintage cottage charm! Seeing the chippy red wagon just takes my mind back to the good ‘ol days.

The worn vintage sled and ice skates are darling too! Maybe you have some of these vintage gems hiding in an attic or garage? Unexpected antiques mixed with greenery and a pop of red can create the most charming Christmas space in (or out of) your home!

Karina cleverly incorporated both chippy vintage decor and other bits of vintage charm with a vintage red wagon and a pair of ice skates.

Source: Karina MagnoliaTreeFarmhouse

Tip: Dig out vintage treasures out of storage and pair with fresh cut greenery for economical & eco friendly Christmas decor!

Christmas Cocoa Bar

And after all this hard work of setting up your Christmas tree & decor, you’ll definitely need to treat yourself with some R & R and hot cocoa! Why not set up a hot cocoa bar to treat your guests and to yourself!?

Kimberlee filled cocoa and all kinds of yummy toppings in glass canisters. This doubles as quick access to cocoa and BEAUTIFUL Christmas décor. From the yummy-containing tiered tray to the greenery, santa mugs, and brass deer all bring a festive feeling and elegant European charm!

Source: Kimberlee Crown.and.Sparrow

Rustic Christmas Porch Decor

If you are looking for outdoor décor ideas for this Christmas, I think you’ll love some of these ideas. This front porch was styled by yours truly. My goal was to add the charm of a Cottage Farmhouse Christmas while spending as little as possible. Because by this point, I had already blown my Christmas budget! So the first thing I did was wrapped up some empty boxes with buffalo check gift wrap that we had on hand. *Note: our porch is not covered, so I brought the packages inside when we had rain or snow. *

Next I looked for household items that we already had on hand that would be perfect for Country Christmas decorating! What rustic elements do you already own or have in storage that you could incorporate into your Christmas designs?

Then I remembered the Iron Firewood Rack that we usually keep in the backyard, so I brought up to the front porch and filled it with cut wood from our main wood pile. (If you need your own Firewood Rack, I’ll link some below.) I think stacked firewood or birchwood logs are functional and yet completely adorable and at the same time!!

Then I styled a basket I had with faux greenery and wrapped a Buffalo Check scarf into it to dress it up a bit. Some pinecones, ornaments and poinsettias finish it off.

Source: (myself) Rouseinthe_House

Tip: Utilize a firewood rack or a metal basket of birch logs to fill in your Christmas porch. Functional and Charming!

A Very Vintage Christmas

Kara, interior designer and stylist of LittleHouseonChestnut, curated the most darling vintage Christmas scene by styling a “forest” of bottle brush trees — complete with faux snow on the top of a wood peg shelf. And if that wasn’t enough to make you swoon, a pair ice skates hanging from a peg, a vintage crock and a chippy, red vintage “Sleigh Ride” sign beckon nostalgia from Christmas past.

Source: Kara LittleHouseonChestnut

Speaking of vintage décor, here is an ingenious idea for a cozy Christmas feel. If you love vintage country look, take a page out of Julie’s playbook! Julie @theGeorgianwhitepoppy stacked a collection of vintage suitcases in front of her beautiful, rustic Christmas tree! And if that weren’t enough to make you soon, look at those adorable pups under the tree!

What could be more charming vintage suitcases + puppies under a beautiful Christmas tree?!

Source: Julie TheGeorgianWhitePoppy

Tip: Look through your storage and see if you have any unexpected vintage treasures that could pair with your Christmas décor.

Beautiful Christmas Vignettes

Rachel of OurDevineHome curated a truly charming vignette on her coffee table. The sweet little vintage deer, glass tree and winter greenery add a sophistication to this sweet Christmas scene.

Source: OurDevineHome

Tip: Add a vintage doily or other textile to soften and add dimension to a vignette on a coffee table.

If moody elegance is more your style, you’ll love the beautiful Chrismtas vignettes by Helen at Quintessentially French. Something especially unique that Helen does is utilize unexpected vintage and antique French treasures, from antique dishware to antique religious relics, (that are available for sale in her curated shop) into her seasonal décor.

Here Helen used French Cut Crystal Glass Ice Buckets and a tastevin with lit candles and fresh greenery for a truly exquisite, moody vignette. Isn’t the light bouncing off of the vintage glass a beautiful look?

If you’re on the hunt for authentic French treasures, but not going to Europe anytime soon, check out her shop through the link listed under this photo.

Helen is not hoarding these French Treasures just for herself — she offers many handpicked French vintage pieces for sell in her shop.

Source: Helen QuintessentiallyFrench

Repurposed Christmas Decor

After reading this article, I hope you don’t feel you have to run out and buy all new for Christmas decorating — although sometimes adding in a new piece can bring your vision to life. Sometimes digging out things you already own or repurposing things you’ve found at the thrift store can make the most beautiful Christmas décor ever!

Here’s an incredible example from Debbie of CopperPointHome! Debbie took a thrifted, dated rocking horse a brand new life with paint and red ribbon. Doesn’t it look so beautiful in front of her Christmas tree?! This may be the sweetest Christmas scene ever!

Source: CopperPointHome

Beautiful Christmas Bedroom Inspo

Are you looking ideas for decorating a bedroom for Christmas? You’ll want to take notes from Emily, the talented stylist, DIYer, and writer behind LeCultivateur. Emily has this crazy talent of taking something simple and turning it into something completely magical! ✨

Let’s talk about it all, so to give You ideas of how to make your bedroom Merry and Bright for Christmas.✨

First of all, the wrapped packages with ribbon next to the coziest blanket create a beautiful scene and a truly inviting environment. Secondly, a wreath hanging over the headboard and tied with blush ribbon — what more can I say?!

And here’s the best part: you probably have a winter wreath somewhere on hand that you can beautify with a little ribbon!

Tip: If you have an empty space in your home that needs a dose of Christmas cheer, wrap up some empty boxes for a beautiful (and budget-friendly) display!

Source: Emily Le.Cultivateur

Source: Emily Le.Cultivateur

For a festive country kid’s room, borrow these ideas from Jami! I mean, just the bed alone has that charming rustic reclaimed wood look! Then you add the greenery garland, brass bells, buffalo check and gnomes — talk about country Christmas décor perfection!

Source: Jami WeepingWillow.Farmhouse

Country Christmas Decorating in the Kitchen

Not only did Janet steal our hearts with all her vintage charm of her primitive hutch Christmas styling, but she’s also making us swoon with this darling Christmas styling on her kitchen shelves. I can’t decide which is my favorite part. The darling dishes, the bottle brush trees, the baskets or the diy garland?! What’s your favorite detail?

If you’re like me and have your Christmas storage is bursting at the seems, a DIY garland is beautiful & smart idea! It’s affordable, eco friendly and wouldn’t need to be stored after the season is over. Janet has the tutorial here.

Don’t feel you need to completely reimagine every space in your home. Take a tip from Janet with how she styled her vintage dish collection (that could be the star of the show in every season) with a few simple Christmas touches like the cookie cutters in a jar and the dried citrus garland. Bonus: less stuff to store after Christmas! 

Source: JanetClarkatHome

This cheery Christmas vignette is another beautiful creation from Kaille! Here red tins and Santa mugs look adorable beside canisters tied with red & white ribbon. Wouldn’t this be a sweet way to treat your guests at a Christmas party?!♥️

Source: Kaille.as.in.Kyle

French Country Christmas Decor

Last but definitely not least, we have these beautiful Christmas decorating ideas with a French Country feel. This incredible mantel and tree, by WelchHouse1900, dazzles with the ballet inspired Christmas decor. An ornate tole candelabra and angelic statue grace the mantel of the fireplace. Beautifully wrapped gift boxes tied with pink ribbon dress up the base of the Christmas tree!

Who needs an abundance of Christmas decor when you have stunning staple pieces like this? The ornate candleabra and angel statue enhance the intrusive beauty of this Christmas scene at the Welch house.

Source: Larissa Welch_House_1900

Thank you so much for joining me on this tour of beautiful Christmas spaces from some of my favorite designers and myself. I hope you’re inspired to create the coziest Christmas ever.

What idea (or ideas) would you use this Christmas?! Please let me know in the comments below! I’d genuinely love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this article, please pin an image on Pinterest, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future articles!

Xo,

Rebecca

Adding touches of Valentine décor around your home doesn’t have to be complicated or cheesy! With this simple –but completely adorable– DIY Valentine Garland tutorial you’ll have the sweetest Valentine message with the appeal of vintage charm!

When I was brainstorming new Valentine décor ideas and ways to add romantic, charming touches to our home this year, vintage books–and book pages– were one of the first things that came to mind. There’s something so nostalgic (and utterly charming) to me about vintage books. Just to think of the stories, not just within them, but the stories all the people who’ve read them. I love how the pages age with time — and how the covers become worn with age. Oftentimes when I go thrifting or antiquing, I keep my eyes peeled for charming books that aren’t too pricey. Keep yours eyes out, you can often find some for a few dollars! 😍

After adding a dose of vintage charm, I wanted to add a bit of glam. And, what’s more glamorous than Gold Leaf?! So for this tutorial, we’ll be using vintage book pages, stencils and gold leaf to create a this Valentine Garland! (I’m swooning already!🥰🥰)

But keep in mind, everything about this DIY Valentine Garland is customizable! If you’re not into gilding, there’s a type of ink that works beautifully with the stencils and comes in lots of shades called Gel Art Ink. (They have blue, gray, black, white, teal, red, and other colors!) And, although I’ve used the Valentine phrase, “Be Mine” in this tutorial, you could spell out other words or phrases on your garland. Wouldn’t this style of garland be beautiful to make for an anniversary or any other holiday garland? Or how about as a birthday banner?! That would be super Adorable!

First, you’ll want to gather your supplies. Here’s a quick look at the supplies we’ll need. You may already have some of the supplies on hand!

The stencils I used for this DIY are adhesive stencils. I’d say these stencils are a bit of an investment, but I feel they’re totally worth it! Because they’re made from a triple mesh, they keep their shape so much better, let’s you get cleaner lines, and are overall more durable. And once you have this alphabet set, there are really endless DIY opportunities! (Just make sure when you order you get both the A- and the -Z set.) You don’t have to cut the letters out, but I find them much easier to work with that way. A great way to do that is to use a paper trimmer. This will allow you to get really straight lines. I actually didn’t think of that, until I got the paper trimmer to cut the book pages. So, I cut mine the old fashioned way — with a pair of scissors — and it still worked!

Note: These stencils are adhesive, so it would be best to have used them a couple of times before applying to the book pages so that they don’t stick too much.

Cut your Book Pages to the desired shape

I decided I wanted to use a bunting flag style shape on mine, but you could also cut into a heart shape, or triangle shape, or do a full book page. Lay your chosen letter stencil over the book page, and center to your liking. If you’re cutting into a bunting shape, measure the width of the page and find the center. Then measure how far up you’d like the center point to come up. Then use your paper trimmer or scissors to cut to that point on both sides.

First, line up your stencils from top to bottom and left to right just how you want them. With clean hands, rub over the stencil so that it adheres to the page.

NOTE: I’ve used the end of a paint brush to really press the stencil in, and that caused it to stick too much, causing the paper to tear. So I think using your hands/fingers is the best option.

Then shake up the gilding size, and paint it on with your paint brush. Allow the gilding size to come to tack. Tack is the point when it’s almost dry but still adhesive. The amount of time can vary depending on the humidity, but roughly about 10 minutes.

Open up the book of gold leaf, trying to touch only the tissue paper parts. Turn back a tissue paper, so that the gold leaf page can be laid flat on your book page. By rubbing on the tissue paper, press the gold leaf into the gilding size that you stenciled on earlier. Rub and press it into the size, this will burnish the gold leaf into the paper. Then start to pull off some of the excess gold leaf. I like to start by pulling off as large of chunks that I can, so that I can save it and reuse on other projects. Then I come back with a dry chip brush (just a cheapy brush from the hardware store) and brush away the excess.

If you haven’t seen this done before, I know it may seem a bit confusing, so I’ll embed a short video of the process.

Next, I took my heart hole puncher, and punched holes at the top left and right sides. Then, I ran my twine through the holes of all the gilded book pages. Alternatively, you can run a line of glue at the top of a page, and glue the twine on each page.

Here’s the best part! Decide where you want to display your darling book page banner! It would be adorable hung from a mantel or draped over a head board or hung wherever you gather for parties! What’s your go-to party place in your home?!

Today I decided to hang this over the large gilded mirror in our dining room for a whimsical touch to accompany our tablescape! And because I’m extra like that, I decided to separate my phrases onto two pieces of twine for a layered look!

Because I didn’t want to risk messing up the finish on the mirror, I hung it with removable glue dots. It’ll definitely depend on where you want to hang yours, but some other ideas are picture hooks, tacks, command hooks, or good old fashioned nails.

Pro tip: Hover over any image to see the “Pin It” button to save on Pinterest!

Now, I’d loooove to hear from You! What do you think of this Valentine’s day decor idea? And, what about the Gold Leaf?

Thanks so much for joining me today! I hope this gave you some inspiration to maybe learn something new or to add handcrafted items to your Valentine décor and/or to make your own DIY Valentine garland!

XO,

Becca

Before you go, if you’d like to have some quality craft-time with your tween/teen, this simple Conversation Hearth Wreath is super adorable and fun to make! Or you can go over and pin it now, to save for later!

This easy step-by-step chalk paint tutorial will teach you how you can easily create a beautiful multi-layer chippy patina with paint. Today, we’ll be transforming fall pears for fall decorating, but this technique can be used on a multitude of surfaces.

Autumn (sigh) Pumpkins, Pears, and Gourds, oh my! All the bounty of nature makes fall decorating so much fun, doesn’t it!? In years past, I have decorated with lots of pumpkins (real and faux) and your other typical fall finds, but this year I thought it would be fun to mix it up a bit.

I’ve been seeing all kinds of decorative pears, concrete, metallic, and painted, styled into beautiful vignettes. Have you noticed that, too?

Recently I found some faux pears at Goodwill with a nice weight to them, but the color just wasn’t my jam. Naturally, I daydreamed about DIYing ivory, taupe, and French blue painted pears. And immediately, I knew this would be a perfect project for a distressed, wonderfully chippy chalk paint finish!

Chippy pears will make a beautiful addition to your fall vignettes! Here are the faux pears with the chalk painted, chippy finish! I love them both ways! What is your personal preference?!

Let’s Paint: a Pretty Patina

Have you ever wondered how to get a multilayer distressed paint finish? You know, the kind that looks like there’s been layer after layer of paint on a centuries-old antique dresser?! I absolutely love the look of those beautiful antiques and the stories that type of patina tells. Recently, I learned how to recreate that type of finish, so today I’m sharing this secret with You! (Keep it just between us though, okay?) 😉

This is where my favorite chalk paint, One Step Paint, and this life-changing technique come in! At the moment, I am working on all my Fall décor around the house, so I’ll be showing you the technique on these decorative pears.

But keep in mind that you can use this technique to transform your own faux fruit, OR you can also use it on pretty much any furniture piece! The products and the technique we’ll be using today were specifically developed to be used on furniture!

Here is a photo of the way I originally painted & distressed the pears. You can see that I pulled back/removed a lot of the top three layers of paint. Afterward I came back in and added more of the very top layer of paint, a shade called Linen, but I really loved the look of it here. The specific colors of paint, I used here were: 1. Java 2. Windsor 3. Mix of French Blue and Cartouche and 4. Linen.

Search out your local thrift stores for your faux fruit. Today I am sharing this paint technique on faux pears, but this technique could easily be done with pumpkins or apples. Wouldn’t it be beautiful on your faux pumpkins?! And feel free to create your own custom color scheme. Speaking of that, what colors do you think would go well with your fall decor?! (Let me know in the comment section below!!)

These are the faux pears I thrifted from my local Goodwill just as I found them.

Real quick, I have to tell you a hilarious story about finding these pears. So for quite some time, I had the idea of finding pears at the thrift store. After many trips, I finally found the faux fruit jackpot — and at thrift store prices! Yay!

But when I was at the checkout, I was quite surprised with the grand total. Because I had been on the hunt for so long, I just went ahead and paid the price. A few days later, I ran into Home Goods, and what do you know?! A full bag of faux pears for way less than I paid at the thrift store! Lol! Has that ever happened to You?! I love thrifting but every now and then, it’s not the cheapest option.

Prep Your Work Space

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m a messy DIYer. It’s so helpful to clear a space and set out all your needed supplies. I don’t have a designated craft room (my husband confiscated it for a workout room), so I just clear of our casual dining table off of the kitchen and lay down a drop cloth or even a craft roll of paper over the table. This is the craft paper I often use to protect my table. (Not an affiliate link.)

Gather Supplies for your Painted Pears

This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting the RouseintheHouse blog.

The written tutorial continues below, but I wanted to let you know that there is also video tutorial. With the nature of this process, I think you’ll find seeing it in video form very helpful.

Clean your Pears or Pumpkins Well

If you purchase your pears second-hand, inspect your faux fruit. Make sure it’s free of dirt, grime, and wax. If they happened to be covered, just wash them the good old-fashioned way with soap and water. Then wipe them down well with Clean Slate, which will remove the grime and any layers of wax.

Clean Slate is specifically designed to remove wax and prepare a surface for chalk paint — which you can get here. (Just navigate to “Tools’ then to “Furniture & Brush Cleaner”.)

Note: Many people do not wear gloves when using this product, but I prefer (and highly recommend) to wear gloves to protect your skin.

Paint a Layer of Chalk Paint

Using a natural or synthetic brush, paint a layer of chalk paint in your color of choice. Then, allow the paint to dry.

If you like the exact colors I used on my pears, I painted my first layer in the shade, Java.

Apply a Layer of Cracked Patina

Pour out the Cracked Patina into some type of dish. You can use any kind of clean disposable bowl or cup, or any bowl from your pantry. Then, just paint the Cracked Patina over the first layer of paint.

You’ll notice that the Cracked Patina is somewhat sticky, a bit like honey. You will want to try to paint the Cracked Patina in as a few strokes as possible. If you go over it with lots of strokes, the Cracked Patina can goup up.

Apply another Coat of Chalk Paint

Once the Cracked Patina is dry, you will paint over it with your second color of chalk paint. Now this part of the DIY, the timing is crucial. Keep a close eye on the paint — you want the paint to partially dry but not all the way dry.

If you’re planning to use the same color scheme shown in the photos, your second layer of chalk paint will be the shade, Windsor. Windsor is a rich chocolate brown — a beautiful shade!

Pull Back the Paint

Once you find that sweet spot (of the paint being close to dry but not completely dry) is the time to pull back some of the paint. For this you can use your hands or a dry paint brush. I prefer just to tap my fingers in a dabbing motion where I press into the paint and pull away.

You will start to see the paint gradually lift away and your fingers or brush will gradually become saturated with the paint. Pause when needed to clean your hands or brush (or just switch to a clean brush).

Repeat the Paint Process as Desired

Next up, you can repeat the process with another layer of cracked patina and another layer of chalk paint.

The colors I used at this point was a 50/50 mix of the One Step colors, French Blue and Cartouche, which created a gorgeous soft bluish-green. Highly recommend!!

Project Recap

So just to recap, you’ll paint a layer of chalk paint, and allow to dry. Then paint on a layer of the “Cracked Patina” product and allow it to dry. Then, paint on the next layer of One Step Paint, and when it’s almost dry, you’ll pull the paint off in the desired spots with your fingers or a brush. You can repeat the process several times.

Once you’re happy with all your shades of paint and how you’ve distressed your piece, you don’t have to seal the piece — the One Step paint has sealer in the paint itself. You can add antiquing wax to your project more if you’d like, but that’s just your personal preference — it’s not required as long as you use this specific paint.

Style Your Beautiful Painted Pears

Here are just a few ideas of how you could style your pears into your home decor.

These chippy pears would also make a cute topper on a plate stack on a fall table! Wouldn’t it be cute to add a personalized name tag with a pear on each place setting?!

Speaking of fall tablescapes, if you need some inspiration or ideas for creating a fall table setting, I think you’d love this one: easy tips for creating a gorgeous Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving Tablescape! It technically a Thanksgiving table setting, I think it would work for a dinner party anytime during the fall months.

Thank you so much for joining me on this DIY! I sincerely hope you love your painted pears as much as I do! One thing I love about it is that the color variations are endless; what colors would you use with this technique? I’m excited to hear your thoughts on all the possibilities.

XO,

Rebecca

PS: If you enjoyed this paint project, I know you will love this aged terracotta vase tutorial, too!