6 Easy Ways to Get Ready for the Fourth (Plus, Pretty, Affordable Walmart Outdoor Living)

Seagrass & Rope Baskets — set of two | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four | 82″ Faux Olive Tree

Five (Easy) Ways to Get Ready for the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is upon us and whether you’re into decking your entire house out in red, white and blue, or you prefer to stick to just a few patriotic incorporations, below are a few easy ideas to get you and your home ready! Walmart has been going hard on new lifestyle and home lines over the past couple of years, collaborating with other retailers (like Gap) and public figures, and I am here for it! They’re carrying all the low-priced practical housewares they’ve always been known for, but they’re now also onboarding more and more trending styles at awesome prices in their Walmart Home sector. I’ll also be sharing a new service I just recently started using next week. 😉

1. Get Your Hostess Gift Ready

Are you heading to a barbecue for the Fourth? Or maybe you’re planning to attend a get-together some other time this summer. If you’re going to be a guest at someone’s home in the coming months, here’s an idea to keep you from showing up empty-handed while steering away from the expected wine-in-hand. A small houseplant, paired with THIS pretty ceramic planter (they actually come as a single or a set of two, and retail for just $7.96!) Use a little moss (HERE), and as an added detail, nestle a small flag in the soil. THIS pack of four is only $2.77 — when I ordered, I was shocked but Walmart actually had a third party errand runner deliver them the same day!

Sources: Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four 

You can assemble one or several at once — and, even if the host/hostess doesn’t have a green thumb, they’re be able to use the planter in their home after the green has faded. And, even if you aren’t planning to attend a gathering, this little assembly makes an adorable, inexpensive setup in your own home.

Sources: Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four 

Sources: Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four 

Another gift possibility, I also love the idea of using THESE chalkboard-style mini cheese boards, — one pack of six is only $17.99! — bundling a few pieces of chalk and pairing it with a cheese. As individual gifts, that brings the total down to $3/each board, plus the cost of chalk and a piece of cheese.

Set of 6 Mini Cheese Boards

2. Outfit Your Porch with Patriotic Pillows

Even if you aren’t big on bringing the red, white and blue to the inside of your home, a few red and white porch pillows on the porch are all you need to set a festive tone. THESE timeless cabana stripe style lumbar pillows work perfectly on our front porch rockers. The wide stripe just feels like summer!

Sources: Polywood Rocking Chairs | Red and White Striped Lumbar Pillow | Small Ceramic White Bowls | Seagrass & Rope Baskets — set of two | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four

As a side note, THESE two-toned seagrass handle baskets come as a set — the XL and L are under $35 for the pair!

Sources: Polywood Rocking Chairs | Red and White Striped Lumbar Pillow | Small Ceramic White Bowls | Seagrass & Rope Baskets — set of two | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four

3. Perfect Your Holiday Cocktail

I love a reason to whip up a festive drink but prefer a concoction that isn’t cumbersome when I may be making batches. And, no matter how simple, having a signature cocktail for the day makes any event/holiday feel festive!

Sources: Bar Cart (similar) | Blue Tumbler — set of four | Small Ceramic White Bowls | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | Cocktail Spoon (similar) | American Flag — set of four | Glass Pitcher — set of two | Letter Board

This “Quad Berry Sparkler” hits all the notes — festive in coloring, easy, inexpensive, delicious and refreshing! THESE clear pitchers perfectly hold an entire, full batch. They come as a set of two, which is practical beyond cocktails. If you entertain with multiple options (like water, tea, etc.) these are great to have on hand! You can even whip up a batch of mocktails to go with your cocktails.

Sources: Blue Tumbler — set of four | Small Ceramic White Bowls | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four | Glass Pitcher — set of two | Cocktail Spoon (similar) | Letter Board

Here’s how to make this easy treat for the Fourth…

Quad Berry Sparkler Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 1 bottle champagne (or prosecco)
• 1 bottle sparkling grape juice
• handful of strawberries
• handful of blackberries
• handful of blueberries
• handful of raspberries

Instructions: 

Wash fruit and quarter/halve strawberries. Combine ingredients and enjoy! THIS pitcher holds one bottle of champagne and one bottle of sparkling grape juice perfectly!

THESE blue glasses were an easy addition to my collection — especially since I use so much blue and white in my entertaining. They also come in blush and teal and the full set of four is under $16.

Sources: Blue Tumbler — set of four | Small Ceramic White Bowls | American Flag — set of four | Letter Board

A bar cart doesn’t have to be elaborate and loaded to make a statement — just a couple of decorative accents along with the signature cocktail and you’re ready to go! THIS bar cart is a dead ringer for my gold one and is only $135.85.

Sources: Bar Cart (similar) | Blue Tumbler — set of four | Small Ceramic White Bowls | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | Cocktail Spoon (similar) | American Flag — set of four | Glass Pitcher — set of two | Letter Board

4. Stock Up On Sparklers & the Perfect Lighter

We have steered away from purchasing the big fireworks in recent years, but no matter what, I will always have a stash of sparklers ready to go for the Fourth. USB lighters have fascinated me since they first hit the market but THESE USB torch-style lighters are even better! Not only are they a safer, more effective method for lighting candles, but they are also safer for fireworks and sparklers.

Sources: USB Charging Arc Lighter (for candles or sparklers)

It has a flexible, long neck and the description claims 600 uses on a full charge, before having to recharge. It’s wind and splash proof, making it even better for outdoor use — you can find it HERE.

Sources: USB Charging Arc Lighter (for candles or sparklers)

We loved the first one we got, we actually went ahead and ordered a second.

Sources: USB Charging Arc Lighter (for candles or sparklers)

5. Get This Favorite To-Go Cup to Stay Hydrated

THIS insulated travel cup with straw is my go-to to-go cup — especially when I’m running around and need my cup to fit cupholders and want to keep my ice in tact in the hot car. With all the hot holiday outdoor activities and going here and there, this is a staple, especially in the summer! It comes in multiples sizes (mine is the 24 oz.), colors, and comes with two straws, the pictured straw lid, and a separate flip-lid for liquids you can sip directly (like coffee).

Insulated Cup

6. Incorporate Some Messaging for a Festive Touch

Who doesn’t love a good message board to just literally spell it out?! THIS cute white letter board with whitewashed frame isn’t your typical — it’s on the smaller side, unobtrusive, and blends beautifully with decor, giving less “schoolhouse” vibes. Set it in your kitchen, your entry, on a bar or on a bookshelf and get creative with the seasons, holidays and moments year-round.

Here are a few ideas for occasion-specific sentiments to add to your messaging this Fourth of July:

• COURTESY OF THE RED, WHITE & BLUE
• HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA
• GOD BLESS AMERICA
• RED WHITE AND BLUE
• HAPPY FOURTH
• LETS GET PATRIOTIC
• LET FREEDOM RING
• HOME OF THE BRAVE
• AMERICAN DREAMS
• STARS & STRIPES
• ‘MERICA
• LAND OF THE FREE
• LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
• PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
• FIREWORKS, FAMILY, FREEDOM
• BABY YOU’RE A FIREWORK
• HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
• INDEPENDENCE & FREEDOM
• CELEBRATE & COMMEMORATE

Fourth of July Celebration Sources

Sources:Red and White Striped Lumbar Pillow | Blue Tumbler — set of four | | Small Ceramic White Bowls | 82″ Faux Olive Tree | Cocktail Spoon (similar) |Seagrass & Rope Baskets — set of two | Round Ceramic Planter — set of two | American Flag — set of four | Glass Pitcher — set of two | Letter Board | Bar Cart (similar) | USB Charging Arc Lighter (for candles or sparklers) | Polywood Rocking Chairs

Affordable Outdoor Living in Naturals & Neutrals

I’m not huge on vibrant colors in my outdoor living style and porch decor and prefer more neutral tones, letting the outdoor plants and flowers take centerstage. While they can be a little trickier to find, not only did I identify lots of pretty options, but I located lots of affordable pretty options! Walmart Home did it right with outdoor living and home pretties this season.

*All links can be found beneath the graphic below.

Sources: 1. Black Mandarin 3-Wick Candle | 2. Midnight Incense 3-Wick Candle | 3. Faux Succulent Pot | 4. Large Planter | 5. LED Curtain Lights | 6. Elevated Planter w/Stand | 7. Woven Tufted Black Pillow | 8. Woven Tufted Beige Pillow | 9. Aztec Cream Pillow | 10. Square Water Hyacinth Baskets — set of two | 11. Water Hyacinth Planter Basket | 12. Battery Powered Rattan Outdoor Lantern | 13, Indoor Outdoor White Ceramic Garden Stool | 14. Oval Garden Stool | 15. Wicker Side Table w/Glass Top | 16. Black Warm Leathered Amber 2-Wick Candle | 17. Gray Ceramic Planter | 18. Water Hyacinth Bowl w/Wooden Handles | 19. Gas Fire Table | 20. Kids’ Outdoor Egg Chair | 21. Wicker Egg Chair | 22. White Metal Outdoor LED Candle Lantern 

THIS outdoor egg chair (21) is hot this summer but what I love even more is THIS kids version of the egg chair (20)! How adorable would they be incorporated in a space together?! Believe it or not, the kid’s version of the egg chair (HERE), is currently only $127.

Kids’ Outdoor Egg Chair | Wicker Egg Chair (image via Walmart product listing)

THIS gray scalloped edge ceramic planter (17) is perfect for a tabletop centerpiece and is currently only $7.94 HERE. And, THIS 13″ water hyacinth bowl (18) is awesome for year-round use inside on the kitchen island. At just over $10, that price can’t be beat. THESE large trough-style planters (4)are an amazing deal and come in two sizes and three colors!

A curtain wall of lights, YES PLEASE! I love how THESE (5) are styled in the open air pergola in the image below, but also love the idea of hanging them against the house to take up unused wall space, in lieu of wall art!

Curtain Lights (image via Walmart product listing)

All the outdoor pillows I linked — the striped lumbar pillows (7 & 8) with tassels (black HERE; beige HERE) and the natural tufted pillow (9) — are an awesome deal. The black and beige lumbars are under $15 and the natural pillow is under $17!

I have THIS gas fire pit table (19) in the model from a few seasons ago — we use it regularly, especially during the fall! It’s currently listed for $399 and ships free!

Give me all the baskets! THIS black and natural basket (11) comes in multiple sizes, from 10″ to 15″ and ranges from $14.97 to $26.97. THIS two-pack of square baskets (10) with handles comes in at just $23.47 for the set!

*browse more affordable outdoor living HERE

Here’s to the Fourth and all the things that go along with it — from friends and fireworks to porch sittin’, relaxin’, grillin’, and enjoying those you love!

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