How to Make an Easy and Inexpensive Patriotic 4th of July Centerpiece
This oh so Patriotic 4th of July Centerpiece is a wonderful way to give three cheers for the Red, White, and Blue - it's also super easy to make and cheap!
I love almost anything patriotic. I always have for as long as I can remember. I got it from my Dad. He was in the Marine Corps and instilled that love in me from an early age...and I am so thankful to him for that.
And, while my Dad didn't make crafts, if he did, he would like this 4th of July Centerpiece because well, it's red, white, and blue, there are flags involved, and he always fussed over everything I did. 😉
I had just about everything that's needed to make this on hand and then a quick trip to the Dollar Tree rounded out my supply list and this simple centerpiece was ready from start to finish in under an hour.
This inexpensive craft is part of this month's Thrifty Style Team share. You can scroll to the bottom of this post for all the other gorgeous patriotic décor!
So, let's get crackin'!
Supplies:
Mason Jars
White Rice
Food Coloring
Vinegar
Small Flags or tea lights
Parchment Paper
Cookie Sheets or Trays
Container with tight lid
Directions:
Prep trays to hold the dyed rice by covering with parchment paper.
Dye the Rice: This is actually so easy!
Place approximately 3 cups of rice in a container with a tight fitting lid.
Drizzle 3 teaspoons of vinegar over top of the rice.
Add food coloring. I added approximately 20 drops of blue food coloring to this batch (the next batch will be red, obviously!).
Now, put on the TIGHT-FITTING lid and start shaking! Shake the container until the food coloring is evenly blended into the rice.
This doesn't take long at all.
Once the rice is the color you desire, gently pour it out onto the cookie sheet that's been covered with parchment paper and allow it to dry. It was a HOT day when I made mine and it took less than 30 minutes.
Now, let's fill the jars for our 4th of July centerpiece!
We'll start layering the rice in each jar - red rice on the bottom, plain white rice in the center and top it all off with the blue dyed rice!
Leave a little bit of room at the top to add either votive lights or flags.
I think the tea lights would be a pretty option if you'll be having friends over at night but if the centerpiece is just for you, indoors, flags are the way to go!
I placed my jars on a cake plate and then wrapped some battery-operated lights around the bottom. I love the way it looks and even though this is inside, my flags were waving like crazy (that's what I get for leaving the ceiling fan on while taking pictures).
And now, for inspiration from the rest of the Thrifty Style Team!
Click on the links below to be taken to the post!
Redhead Can Decorate
The Painted Hinge
DIY Beautify
2 Bees In A Pod
Postcards From The Ridge
The How To Home
The Tattered Pew
Sweet Pea
What Meegan Makes
Cottage At The Crossroads
I Should Be Mopping the Floor
Lora B Create & Ponder
White Arrows Home
Our Crafty Mom
Chas’ Crazy Creations
Cottage On Bunker Hill
Vinyet Etc.
More 4th of July Posts You May Enjoy!
4th of July Printables
4th of July Indoor Decor
Your 4th of July centerpiece is stunning. Your dad would love it! Thank you so much for sharing your colored rice tutorial. We had no idea that you could do this to rice!
Absolutely darling Mary Beth! I LOVE how you dyed the rice, that is so clever and it looks so good! Love this thrifty idea and I know your dad would too 😉
I love this idea!!! I can't wait to make this for my home.
I love this idea! I've never thought of using food coloring to dye rice.
Such a fun idea!!
Mary Beth, I've never tried to dye rice but I'm glad to know that it's easy to do so. I love both versions of your centerpiece-with the votives and the flags! Such a great idea!
I never would have though of dying the rice! perfect idea for a patriotic look. What a beautiful look. I am sure your dad would be proud of your patriotism. I am grateful for his service.
OH MY GOODNESS! Totally sharing on my page...this is BRILLIANT, MB!!!!!!!!
What a great centerpiece and how vivid the colors are with the rice. Great idea, and I'll have to give it a try.
This is such a fun centerpiece. I never would have thought of dying rice, but it's a great idea and perfect for red, white, and blue decor! Thanks for the how-to!
I love this idea! It turned out so pretty. Pinned!
Wow...I never even knew you could dye rice? How clever is this? Your centerpiece is just lovely, Mary Beth. Love it. xoxo, Kristi
This is so cool! I had no idea it was rice when I first looked at it I definitely want to try this. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Wishing you a very happy Fourth of July.