Need some last-minute Fourth of July ideas for this upcoming Independence Day? If you’re throwing a BBQ or looking for something red, white and blue to wear this holiday, we’ve got a bunch of quick and easy projects that will win you a spirit award. This morning I joined the hosts of the TODAY Show to teach them seven DIY projects that perfectly rep the USA.

1. Patriotic String Lights: Every party needs decor, so we’ll start out with some classic string lights. For those of you who plan to celebrate the Fourth outside in the warm summer breeze, these red, white and blue lights will add mood lighting to your soirée while also keeping the it dark enough to see the fireworks show. (via Jonathan Fong of eHow)

2. Fireworks Placemats and Table Runner: When it comes to Fourth of July, we are all about crafts you can make with your kids. We’ve combined two ideas to make a table runner and matching placemats that will warm the hearts of your guests and might just make a comeback in a Fourth of July care package when your baby turns 25 :) First grab a fork and dip it into some acrylic paint to create fireworks on your runner. The kids will love this trick! If you’ve got a little one who is too small to paint, dip your baby’s foot in some red, white and blue Crayola non-toxic paint, and stamp some footprints along the runner. (via Crafty Morning and House of Burke)

3. Cake Poppers: These Independence Day-themed firecracker cakes have been getting a ton of play on the internet (as they should)! Not only are they festive, but they’ve got the perfect surprise inside — Poprocks! Your guests will be delighted when they take a bite. (via She Knows)

4. S’mores on a Stick: Quintessentially summer, s’mores are a delicious and nostalgic treat for a Fourth of July BBQ. Don’t have a campfire? No problem. With these s’mores on a stick you don’t need a fire and you’ll be able to avoid the sticky mess. Pop a marshmallow on a lollipop stick, add chocolate and graham crackers and roll them in red, white and blue sprinkles for a patriotic touch. (via Whimsical Creations)

5. Fourth of Jul-ice Pops: There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than eating an icy cold popsicle. And with homemade pops, you can keep tabs on how much sugar you are feeding your kids. To stick with our theme, we did a layer of watermelon, coconut and blue raspberry for a red, white and blue dessert. (via The Little Kitchen)

6. Stars and Stripes Tank Top: As you know, we love to get dressed up for the holidays. We’ll use any excuse to wear themed attire! Fourth of July is no exception. We adore all clothes red, white and blue, especially garments with stars and stripes. This year we are making a bleach stamped tank. Just add bleach to a star stamp and create your own starry design on a blue shirt. Then add a cute red and white striped pocket for a tank that screams “USA!” (via Brit + Co)

7. American Flag Jean Shorts: Take your old jeans and repurpose them into shorts! Or if you have kids who are growing an inch a day, this is the perfect way to get a little bit more use out of those jeans you bought last week. Make a stencil out of paper and then use fabric paint to add stars to your shorts. Then grab some painter’s tape to make perfect stripes on the other leg. (via Brit + Co)

What are you making for Fourth of July this year? Share your projects with us on Instagram using the hashtags #britsagram and #iamcreative.

Brit Morin
Hi! I'm Brit, the founder of Brit + Co (www.brit.co). I love tech, creativity and color. Lots of color.