Take Care of the Patriotic Details (Image courtesy of Tweedle Dee Designs)

Whether you’re inviting the neighborhood over for a backyard 4th of July bash or you’re just gathering a few patriotic friends, there are some easy ways to give them a truly memorable summer party. You can have your home transformed into an explosion of red, white and blue without spending a lot of money or time. Here are some easy DIY 4th of July party favors that you can whip up in your free time thanks to the help of some party pros.

Tweedle Dee Designs

Tweedle Dee Designs is offering up an incredibly cute collection of free 4th of July party printables. It’s quite the free gift and includes labels for your bottled water, treat bags for guests, note cards, cupcake toppers and more! All you do is download the designs, print them off on high quality paper, cut them out and create your red, white and blue party decor. There are even free invitations that coordinate with the collection.

Paper and Pigtails

Another designer, Paper and Pigtails is offering up free 4th of July decorations to help make your party more patriotic. This freebie includes four sets of red, white and blue circles that can be used as cupcake toppers or favor tags. If you want a more complete party set, check out the designers’ Etsy shop where you can pick up the 4th of July Party Pack for $10 which includes water bottle labels and even snack cups.

Martha Stewart July 4th Clip Art

Martha Stewart is the queen of holiday crafts. And she wouldn’t leave you hanging this 4th of July! Head over to MarthaStewart.com for a complete selection of free printable Independence Day crafts. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for making elaborate looking tissue fireworks and printable center medallions. Martha will help you with even the smallest details like patriotic ice cream cone wrappers and napkin rings.

Give a Lovely Hair Accessory this Summer. photo courtesy of delighlah

From vintage headwraps to feminine lace bands, hair accessories are a summer must-have. They also make great gifts because their small size makes them easy to send and usually they are very affordable. Give these stylish gifts to your bridesmaids, sister or best friend this summer. We found five of the best hair accessory styles for summer gift giving.

Headwraps

Headwraps bring a sense of 1920s style to the modern wardrobe. Check out Urban Outfitters for two takes on these unique hair accessories. The detailed and stretchy vintage feminine beaded headwrap is $24. The girly, crochet bow headwrap is $14. Both would add unique flair to a summer party outfit.

Cluster Headbands

A headband is no longer just a headband, it’s a statement piece. Check out J. Crew for a great selection of these popular accessories. The flower cluster headband is $22 and all colors are sold out except for the summery sheer lilac. For another striking look, consider the jewel cluster headband from J. Crew. The blush stone color is $39.50.

Hair Clips

Hair clips are no longer boring and utilitarian. The extra zest clip from Anthropologie is fun, sweet and comes in four colors: yellow, coral, grey and turquoise. Pick these up for your friends or bridal party for just $18 each. Equally as fun and colorful is the pinwheel clip from Anthropologie. It’s made of accordion folded chiffon and sells for $18.

Cotton Headbands

If you’re looking for a  hair accessory that is less cocktail party and more day-at-the-beach, try the cotton headband from Canvas, a new Land’s End brand. It’s lightweight, comes in lots of cute check and floral prints, and sells for $16.50.

Barrettes

For a smaller and less flashy summer hair accessory, try a fashionable barrette. At Zappos.com you’ll find a pair of Juicy Couture pansy barrettes in white. The clips are feminine and affordable at $45.