The mister and I have been hunting vintage finds since before we met. Our hearts are naturally nostalgic for old things – especially things that characterize what American life was like several decades ago.
Is there anything more nostalgic than American vintage finds? I love how that phrase rolls off the tongue. American… Vintage… Finds. I think that should be the next HGTV show, don’t you? It probably would be the name of this blog if I could start all over again. Ha!
We are always on the hunt for vintage. So, I like to find creative ways to either repurpose them or use them in my decor. Today I’m going to show you how to decorate for a patriotic party with some of our favorite vintage finds. And, I want to help YOU host the most amazing vintage america party, so scroll to the end for my shopping list.
By the way… Did you visit our summer home tour? If not, go check it out first. Don’t worry… I’ll wait here until you get back. M’kay?
Great – you’re back… let’s get started.
In one of my favorite Modern Family episodes, Claire Dunphy expresses her desire to have a holiday that she controls since Gloria’s taken over Christmas with her Colombian fireworks displays and the gays have taken over Thanksgiving with whatever turkey preparation they find on the Food Network that year.
In that same spirit, I’ve claimed July 4th as my holiday. I love a good red, white and blue dessert or a special patriotic-themed treat. I even love a patriotic table makeover.
And decorating our deck? Well, I totally get into that too… so keep on reading.
Our little community has a July 4th festival and our house is on the parade route. Plus, we have this amazing backyard space with lots of shade to battle the July heat.
Earlier this month I shared this DIY Minnow Bucket Tablescape project on the DecoArt website. The DecoArt Metallic Lustre was super easy and fast-drying, so you still have time to whip this project out before company arrives!
They have that American vintage vibe and look totally chic as extra lighting on the table.
The navy gingham pillow on the right and the red ceramic fruit bowl came from the Target dollar spot – proving you can really transform your decor with a few accessories for under $5. And geraniums – they are my favorite container flower for summer!
I picked up a few of these Pop Shoppe vintage bottles earlier this spring. I love using them in my retro kitchen as a bud vase, but they look just as cute with a little flag.
We always have a drink station set up for the party… usually cold brews and something for the kiddos. I love having this outdoor console table on my deck. It’s narrow enough that it isn’t in the way, but also sturdy and weatherproof. The top is concrete and the wood-like legs are resin.
I feel like decorating with vintage is more about the little details. Use something unexpected, like an old metal toy truck to hold paper napkins. How clever that this is also a fire truck?! I love using toy trucks in my holiday decor. See how I use them at Christmas.
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Vintage America Party Decor Idea Shopping List
Here are a few suggestions for an adorable patriotic party at your home.
- Party Straws – these are the ones pictured above, but I also love these because of the pennants
- Decor – Obviously I have a sweet spot for paper fans (see how I used them in my office) but this brand is my favorite
- Cups – Whether it’s lemonade, iced tea, or this adorable punch, nothing says summer like a mason jar glass
- Drink Dispenser – Everything tastes better from this
- Paper products – I haven’t found anything cuter online, than what you’ll find at the Target Dollar Spot (as if you need a reason to visit Target)
Ok, now it’s time to look around the house, or maybe in the shed out back, or even your garage. Old metal buckets make great planters or troughs for icing down drinks. If you have the time, stop by the flea market – that’s where I found this metal drink container and the ice bucket.
Otherwise, grab one of your kids old toy trucks or anything else you can find – be creative! And then tell me in the comments below what you came up with. I can’t wait!
This guy will be waiting (and napping) too.
Gotta love lazy, summer days…
LOVE IT! Wish I was coming come this summer. Don’t think I can make it though. Your backyard is beautiful and I love all the clever ways you decorate! Love and miss you all.
Thank you! We wish you could join us in Wisconsin again too! Hope you are doing well. Love and miss you too!
Beautiful. I love all things vintage and flea market. Love the minnow bucket idea. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Pamela! We are kindred spirits!
What a fabulous entertaining area you have!! You must have so many wonderful gatherings out there with your family and friends! Your decorations and attention to detail just make it even more welcoming.
Thank you so much for sharing your party decor with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Your 4th of July decorations look fantastic. I love all your vintage finds — especially the fire truck napkin holder. Thanks for sharing.
I love vintage, and you’ve given me some really good ideas. Thank you!
What a fabulous back yard space! I would love to come and eat dinner on your beautiful deck. May I ask where you purchased the table and chair set?
Oh thank you! It’s from Home Depot.
All of your outdoor decor is so fun, but the minnow buckets are my favorites!
Thank you!! They are mine too!
I am a HUGE fan of minnow buckets, I decorated some for Christmas and love them. Yours are fabulous! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Oh I love using them at Christmas too!!
It’s all so lovely! Love vintage!
Thank you so much!!