25 Stunning Memorial Day Decorations to Honor Heroes

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a time to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our freedom. Whether you’re decorating your home, office, or a gravesite, the right Memorial Day decorations can set a respectful and festive tone.

From dollar store finds to handmade DIY Memorial Day decorations, there are countless ways to show patriotism without breaking the bank. In this post, you’ll find:

• Outdoor Memorial Day decorations that make a bold statement
• Affordable ideas from Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby
• DIY and homemade decorations for a personal touch
• Patriotic office and church décor ideas
• Ways to decorate graves with dignity

Let’s dive into creative ways to pay tribute this Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Decorations

1. Patriotic Wreath

A Memorial Day wreath is the perfect way to welcome guests with a touch of patriotism. You can craft one using a grapevine base and adorning it with miniature flags, red-white-blue ribbons, and faux flowers. For a budget-friendly option, check Dollar Tree or Hobby Lobby for pre-made wreaths or DIY supplies. Hang it on your front door or above the fireplace for a bold statement.

Pro Tip: Add a small “Remember & Honor” sign in the center for a heartfelt touch.

2. American Flag Bunting

Nothing says Memorial Day like classic flag bunting draped across a porch, fence, or mantel. You can buy ready-made bunting from Michaels or Amazon, or create your own using fabric strips in patriotic colors. For a rustic look, try burlap bunting with stenciled stars.

Where to Use: ✔ Porch railing ✔ Fireplace mantel ✔ Picnic table backdrop

3. DIY Red, White & Blue Mason Jars

Transform simple mason jars into stunning Memorial Day centerpieces! Paint the jars in alternating red, white, and blue stripes, then fill them with fresh flowers, battery-operated fairy lights, or small flags. These work great for tablescapes, outdoor decor, or even as candle holders.

Budget Hack: Grab mason jars from Dollar Tree and acrylic paint from any craft store.

4. Memorial Day Lantern Centerpiece

A rustic lantern filled with patriotic accents makes a beautiful centerpiece. Place a small LED candle inside and surround it with red, white, and blue beads, mini flags, or faux flowers. You can find affordable lanterns at Hobby Lobby (especially during holiday sales).

Ideal For: ✔ Dining table centerpiece ✔ Outdoor patio decor ✔ Fireplace accent

5. Grave Marker Flowers & Flags

Honoring fallen heroes? Decorate gravesites with small American flags and patriotic floral arrangements. Many veterans’ organizations provide free flags, or you can purchase silk flowers from Dollar Tree or Michaels for a lasting tribute.

Respectful Touches: ✔ Use weather-resistant materials ✔ Opt for subdued colors if preferred ✔ Add a small “Thank You” plaque

6. Patriotic Porch Sign

A hand-painted wooden sign with phrases like “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave” or “In Memory of Our Heroes” adds a meaningful touch to your porch or yard. You can buy pre-made signs at Hobby Lobby or create a DIY version with stencils and reclaimed wood.

Display Ideas: ✔ Lean against a front step ✔ Hang on a porch wall ✔ Use as a photo backdrop

7. Dollar Tree Ribbon Garland

For a super affordable yet festive look, make a ribbon garland using red, white, and blue curling ribbon from Dollar Tree. Simply cut long strips and tie them to a piece of twine or string. Drape it along railings, fences, or even your Memorial Day dessert table.

Bonus: Add small star cutouts for extra flair!

8. Hobby Lobby Wooden Flag Decor

Hobby Lobby carries pre-made wooden American flag decor that’s perfect for wall displays, shelves, or front porch styling. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also DIY a distressed wood flag using reclaimed pallets and paint.

Styling Tips: ✔ Pair with a vintage-style “Memorial Day” banner ✔ Add faux greenery for contrast ✔ Use as a backdrop for a patriotic photo op

9. Outdoor Flag Pole Display

Nothing commands respect like a properly displayed American flag on Memorial Day. If you don’t have a permanent flagpole, use a temporary porch or garden pole (available at hardware stores). Pair it with smaller patriotic garden flags at the base for a layered look.

Key Tips: ✔ Follow U.S. flag etiquette (lower to half-mast until noon, then raise) ✔ Add solar-powered spotlights for nighttime reverence ✔ Surround with red/white petunias or blue lobelia for a living tribute

10. DIY Memorial Day Balloon Arch

A balloon arch in patriotic colors makes a jaw-dropping entrance for backyard cookouts or memorial ceremonies. Use an inexpensive balloon arch kit (Amazon/Michaels) and alternate red, white, and blue balloons. For texture, tuck in star-shaped foil balloons or mini flags.

Pro Hack: Spray balloons with hairspray to prevent sun fading!

Best For: • Party backdrops • Photo booth walls • Church or cemetery event decor

11. Patriotic Table Runner

Elevate your Memorial Day BBQ table with a custom table runner. Use blue burlap as a base, then stencil white stars or paint red stripes. For a no-sew version, grab a pre-made striped runner from Dollar Tree and accent with scattered star confetti.

Centerpiece Pairings: ➔ Mason jar candle holders (Idea #3) ➔ Miniature flag place cards ➔ Wooden crate filled with red/white/blue snacks

12. Red, White & Blue Flower Pots

Transform plain terracotta pots into patriotic planters with spray paint and weatherproof sealant. Plant white alyssum, red geraniums, and blue lobelia for a living flag effect. Arrange them in groups of three along walkways or your porch steps.

Budget Tip: Use Dollar Tree plastic pots wrapped in flag-pattern duct tape for instant charm!

13. Memorial Day Photo Display (Heroes Tribute)

Create a “Wall of Honor” with framed photos of fallen soldiers from your family or community. Hang them on a rustic pallet or clothesline with small flags and black ribbons. Add a plaque reading “Forever in Our Hearts”.

Touching Extras: • Include handwritten notes of gratitude • Use LED tea lights for a glowing tribute at night • Share the stories behind each photo in a guest book

14. DIY Star-Spangled Candles

Customize plain pillar candles by gluing star sequins or painting stripes with acrylics. Arrange them on a mirrored tray with blue glass beads and flag toothpicks for a luminous centerpiece. Battery-operated candles work perfectly outdoors.

Safety Note: Never leave real flames unattended!

Where to Use: ➤ Dining table ➤ Bathroom vanity (for a subtle patriotic touch) ➤ Memorial ceremony aisle markers

15. Patriotic Window Clings

For kid-friendly decor, apply static-cling stars and stripes to windows. Find them at Dollar Tree (seasonal aisle) or make your own using clear contact paper and acrylic paint. Add a banner reading “Home of the Brave” across the glass.

Bonus: These look magical backlit by sunset or indoor lamps!

16. Michaels DIY Banner Kit

Michaels sells themed banner kits with pre-cut letters and flags. Spell out “Remember” or “USA” and hang it over your fireplace or picnic table. Personalize it by adding family members’ military branch insignias.

Upgrade Idea: • Swap twine for red/white striped ribbon • Add mini clothespins holding vintage postcards of soldiers

17. Homemade Flag Pennants

Turn fabric scraps into old-school bunting pennants for nostalgic charm. Cut triangles from red/white/blue bandanas (Dollar Tree) or scrap fabric, then string them on twine with hot glue. Hang along fences, mantels, or your picnic canopy.

Pro Twist: • Stencil military branch symbols on every 5th pennant • Use burlap as a neutral base for rustic appeal

18. Patriotic Chalkboard Sign

A welcome chalkboard sets the tone for your Memorial Day gathering. Write messages like: “Freedom Isn’t Free – Honor Their Sacrifice” “BBQ at 2PM | Moment of Silence at 3PM”

Materials Needed: ✔ Dollar Tree chalkboard + patriotic chalk markers ✔ Mini flag garland as a border ✔ Spray sealant to protect from rain

19. Memorial Day Fire Pit Decor

Transform your fire pit area into a solemn tribute space. Circle seating with: • Red/white/blue striped cushions • DIY s’mores kits wrapped in flag-printed parchment • A “Stories of Valor” jar (guests share memories)

Safety Tip: Use flameless LED tea lights in glass jars for ambiance without risk.

20. Office Desk Flag Display

For workplace tributes, create mini memorials with: • A 5″ desktop flag (Amazon bulk packs) • A framed “In Memoriam” list of fallen colleagues • Red/white/blue paperclip holders

Bonus: Organize a cubicle decorating contest with patriotic themes!

21. Church Pew Memorial Ribbons

Dress up worship spaces with dignified pew markers: ➔ Navy blue ribbons with gold star pins ➔ Small laminated cards featuring soldier names ➔ Sprigs of white silk flowers tied with jute

Note: Coordinate with church staff for respectful placement.

22. DIY Memorial Day Wind Chimes

Craft patriotic chimes from: • Repurposed silverware (engraved with dates of wars) • Painted star-shaped wood slices • Blue glass bottle pieces strung with fishing line

Hang Them: • Porch overhangs • Tree branches near gathering spaces

23. Patriotic Throw Pillows

Instant coziness with flag-themed pillows! Hack It: • Buy solid red/blue pillows from Walmart • Iron-on star patches (Hobby Lobby) • Stencil “Land of the Free” with fabric paint

Arrangement Tip: Mix with neutral linen pillows for balance.

24. Red, White & Blue LED Lights

Drape patriotic string lights over: • Pergolas • Handrailings • Indoor staircases

Smart Buy: • Walmart’s Mainstays brand (under $10/strand) • Solar-powered options for outdoors

25. Veteran-Themed Memory Table

The pièce de résistance – a dedicated display featuring: ✓ Framed photos of veterans ✓ Shadowbox with military medals/patches ✓ Guest book for visitor tributes ✓ A lit candle labeled “Forever Grateful”

Placement: Near entryways or food tables where guests can pause and reflect.

See Also: 25+ Fun Summer Activities for Kids (Indoor & Outdoor!)

Decorating for Memorial Day isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a meaningful way to remember and honor those who served. Whether you opt for outdoor Memorial Day decorations, a patriotic office setup, or DIY crafts, make this holiday special with heartfelt tributes.

Have you tried any of these ideas? Share your Memorial Day decorations with friends or family, or tag us on social media! Let’s celebrate our heroes together.