Big Decoration Ideas for the American Theme

Holidays

• While many people think of strand lights as something to use only at Christmastime, you can collect red, white and blue strands to accentuate the bushes or trees near your porch or balcony. Hang the lights on the tress and shrubs in bunches, or string them in rows, alternating the colors as you work. Cut large red, white and blue stars from poster board and hang them from the porch or balcony ceiling, then use red, white and blue ribbons to accentuate any railings you have outside. If you have handrails leading to the porch, tie some red, white and blue helium balloons to them, giving the entire design a festive ambiance. Don't forget to hang an American flag from the porch or balcony to finish off the look.

Parties

• If you are using multiple tables for your party, cover each table in a red, white or blue tablecloth, staggering the colors throughout the space. Make centerpieces using red, white and blue candles and the same colors of artificial flowers. Cut large stars out of cardboard, and paint them traditional American colors, then add glitter glue to the stars to make them sparkle in the light. Blow up red, white and blue balloon with helium and let them hang from the ceiling. Then, in three locations of your choice, place bubble machines. These machines and the bubble liquid are available at party stores. For two of the machines add a few drops of red or blue food coloring to the liquid, so that while the party goes on you have red, white and blue bubbles floating about the room.

Guest Room

• A special occasion is not necessary to decorate with the American theme in your home. For example, when you want to redecorate your guest room, focus on old-time America in your design. Consider items for the room that will give the space atmosphere, such as a red, cast iron bed frame; tea-stained historical documents for the walls, or stars-and-stripes bedding with matching curtains. Go all-out by painting an American flag on the ceiling of the room, complete with glow-in-the-dark paint for the stars and some of the stripes. When the lights go out at night, your guests will rest under the glow of the American flag.

Culture

• If you are able to trace your family's heritage back to when your relatives first came to American soil, use that focus in your American-themed dining room. Consider the year in which your relatives arrived first, planning for your furniture and dining room accessories to coincide with that year. Then copy important documents, such as passports or citizenship papers, and frame them on the wall. Photos of your family members when they first became American citizens would also add to the look, with the photos framed in antique red, white and blue frames. Complete the look with an antique Americana-colored rug beneath the table; red, white and blue drapes and a matching table cover. Paint your walls a medium blue with white trim and complete the room with a red ceiling, as desired.