Easy DIY Memorial Day Decor Ideas

Memorial Day means different things to different people. For some, it’s about remembering loved ones who served. For others, it’s a chance to show a little pride in being American. However you mark the day, adding a few homemade decorations around the house or yard is an easy way to show what it means to you.

Whether hosting a small backyard gathering or enjoying a quiet weekend at home, these easy DIY Memorial Day decor projects will help you bring some patriotic charm to your space. Best of all? They're low-cost, fun, and simple enough to complete in an afternoon— no crafting experience needed.

U.S. Mason Jar Flag Lanterns

These charming lanterns are quick to make, reusable, and perfect for porches or patios.

What you'll need:

• Mason jars or any clear glass jars

• Red, white, and blue acrylic paint

• Foam paint brushes

• Painter's tape (optional)

• LED tea lights or fairy lights

How to make it:

1. Clean your jars thoroughly and dry them.

2. Use painter's tape to outline flag stripes if you want neat lines. Otherwise, freehand painting works just fine!

3. Paint red and white stripes around the jar, leaving space for the blue field.

4. Once dry, add the blue paint and use a toothpick or small brush to dot the stars.

5. Place a battery-operated tea light inside and enjoy the glow.

Patriotic Bandana Table Runner

This nostalgic decor piece adds a pop of Americana to your picnic table without much effort.

What you'll need:

• 3 to 5 red, white, and blue bandanas (available at dollar stores)

• Iron-on hemming tape or a sewing machine

• Iron

How to make it:

1. Lay the bandanas side by side, alternating colors.

2. Overlap edges slightly (about ½ inch).

3. Use iron-on tape to join the edges, or stitch them together.

4. Press it with an iron to flatten the seams, and you're done!

You can also fold it over and use it as a wall banner or buffet table accent.

Memorial Wreath with a Tribute

A beautiful way to honor loved ones or all who served.

What you'll need:

• Grapevine or foam wreath base

• Faux red, white, and blue flowers

• Ribbon

• Hot glue gun

• Small photo frame or name card

How to make it:

1. Arrange flowers around one-half of the wreath.

2. Use hot glue to secure them in place.

3. Tie a ribbon in a bow and glue it at the bottom or top.

4. Add a small photo frame or tag with a loved one's name as a tribute.

Hang it on your front door, porch, or fence for a heartfelt display.

Wooden Pallet Flag Sign

Rustic, budget-friendly, and easy to personalize.

What you'll need:

• Wooden crate slats, pallet wood, or scrap boards

• Red, white, and blue paint

• Sandpaper

• Painter's tape

How to make it:

1. Line up slats horizontally and attach them on the back using cross boards or nails.

2. Tape off stripes and a blue square in the top-left corner.

3. Paint red and white stripes and blue for the stars section.

4. Add white stars with a stencil or freehand dots.

5. Lightly sand for a distressed, vintage look.

This makes a great garden or porch decoration.

Tin Can Luminaries

A clever way to recycle while lighting up your evening.

What you'll need:

• Empty soup or vegetable cans

• Hammer and nails or metal punch

• Red, white, and blue spray paint

• Tea lights (LED or real)

How to make it:

1. Fill cans with water and freeze them. This helps keep their shape while punching holes.

2. Use a nail and hammer to punch star patterns or dots into the sides.

3. Once done, let the ice melt and dry the cans.

4. Spray-paint them in patriotic colors.

5. Drop a tea light inside and line your walkway or porch with them.

Something Simple & Meaningful

You don’t need to go overboard to make Memorial Day feel special. A few handmade touches can go a long way.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about doing something that feels good. These kinds of small projects are a nice way to slow down, remember what the day is really about, and maybe even share a moment or two with your kids or grandkids along the way. That’s what makes it meaningful.