Making the 4th of July Festive on a Tight Budget

There are so many things you can do and food you can make that doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but will make your 4th of July sparkle as if you spent a fortune! Below are some decorating ideas, food ideas and other inexpensive things you can do!

Decorating Ideas

Red, white and blue decorations and patriotic decorations come out before Memorial Day, so you should be able to find an abundance at your local dollar store.

Homemade 4th of July decorations are easy to make and you probably have some or most of the supplies you’ll need already on hand.

Here are some inexpensive things you can make using items you have on hand:

Craft Stick Flags

Paint 5 sticks red and 4 white (per number of flags you want to make). Let dry. Glue the painted sticks together in an alternating pattern by gluing them to one craft stick on the right side and two broken craft sticks in the middle and on the left side. Cut a small square of blue construction paper and color white stars using a white gel pen. When the glue has set, turn the flag over. Glue on the square of blue construction paper and glue another craft stick to the long craft stick on the back. Let the glue set.

Stars on a String

Cut out large stars using red, white and blue construction paper. Decorate as desired. Fold over one tip of each star and staple or glue to desired length of red or blue string. You can use these to decorate your base camp!

Festive, Yet Inexpensive Ideas for Food

Chicken: You can usually buy chicken on sale really cheap. So, before the 4th is upon us, be checking your local store’s weekly sales paper for chicken on sale, then stock up. You can make great bbq chicken on the grill.

Corn on the Cob: Summertime is the best time to get inexpensive corn on the cob. You can grill it in their husks right along with the BBQ chicken!

Watermelon: Watermelon is one of the least expensive foods for the amount you get. You can make watermelon salads, fruit bowls and other yummy side dishes that will fill your family and guests up!


Other things you can do inexpensively to celebrate our nation’s independence are:

• Have a backyard party and have everyone bring a dish to pass.
• Add sparklers to your burgers when serving them.
• Don’t pass up invites to friends or family who are having backyard parties and take a dish to pass.
• Don’t feel like you have to go all out with decorations. Simply using red, white and blue paper plates, cups and napkins will give your home a patriotic feel.
• Use a vase you already have and fill it with flags from the dollar store. Give one to guests as they arrive too.

Celebrating the 4th of July shouldn’t cost a fortune, especially in a recession! Using simple tips like the ones above will help you stick to your budget AND enjoy a festive Independence Day!