7 Memorial Day Decorations Your Backyard BBQ Needs

You've got your burgers, your booze, and your barbecue toppings, but have you even thought about what Memorial Day decorations you'll be using to take your cookout to the next level of cool? No?! Not to worry — Hometalk has rounded up seven insanely easy, super fun last-minute DIY projects so you can deck out your backyard with all things red, white, and blue in no time at all.

As much as you’d love to throw that Memorial Day cookout we see in glossy magazines and sales commercials, it’s tough to find the time to prepare those backyard decorations and table settings. Instead, many of us spend these days pushing through work or chores so that we can spend some meaningful time focusing on family and friends over our long holiday weekend. But if you skip the decorations now, you’ll meet the same dilemma once again come July 4th.

Good news: we've got the perfect compromise. With these seven quick and easy decoration ideas, you can leave the decorating until the very last hour, and have everything you need to ensure that you and your guests get the most out of your holiday. And the best part? All of your decorations will be ready to go for July 4th, too!

1. Patriotic Paper Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a classic outdoor decoration, and they’re even better when they’re red, white, and blue. Turn a pack of patriotic scrapbook paper into festive tablescape details, or pin them all over your porch or patio.

Project via Megan @ Rhapsody in Rooms

2. Wood Shim Flag

With some simple supplies from the craft store, you can make a patriotic plaque for your front door. An American flag made from wood shims and paint is the perfect 30 minute way to prep your entryway for guests.

Project via Jessica @ Mad in Crafts

3. Dreamy Votive Candles

Dress up your everyday glasses and candle holders with stickers or rolls or sticky gems and stars. This craft is easy and versatile, and you can use pieces you already have — major bonus!

Project via Carol and Randi @ FrugElegance

4. Painted Denim Bunting

Repurpose an old pair of jeans into sweet Memorial Day bunting to string along your mantel or porch. For this quick craft, you can be precise with stencils, or even freehand the lettering, if you don’t have that kind of patience.

Project via Dusty @ All Things G&D

5. Paper Rolled Wreath

A piece of cardboard and a stack of patriotic-toned paper can become a welcoming Memorial Day wreath in a pinch. This decoration is fun to make, takes just a few minutes, and kids will love participating.

Project via Alicia @ Jam Blog

6. Marbled Nail Polish Designs

OK, if you haven’t tried marbling something with nail polish yet, you’re missing out. Follow these easy instructions to cover candles, vases, glasses, coasters — really anything that needs an instant holiday makeover — in an intricate marbled design.

Project via Megan @ Rhapsody in Rooms

7. Large Lawn Stars

Instead of decorating signs or banners for your lawn, skip a step and turn your yard into the canvas. These giant stars are a unique way to celebrate your national pride, and once you make the stencil, it will take just a couple minutes to get the look again (on, say, July 4th perhaps?).

Project via Jeannine @The Concrete Cottage

For more awesome last minute Memorial Day decoration ideas, inspirations, and how-tos, check out our Memorial Day page on Hometalk!