How to Celebrate Memorial Day Without Overspending!
Decorating for Memorial Day doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. In fact, some of the most heartfelt and charming displays come from reusing, repurposing, and getting creative with what you already have.
Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just prefer to keep spending in check, it’s absolutely possible to style your home for the season with intention, beauty, and reverence.
This guide is full of budget-friendly Memorial Day decor ideas that don’t look or feel “cheap.” From dollar store hacks to clever DIYs, you’ll find inspiration that honors the day without overwhelming your wallet—or your home.
Shop Your Own Home First
Before heading to the store or filling your online cart, take a slow walk through your own home. You might be surprised how many patriotic or seasonally appropriate items you already own—especially when you view them through a fresh lens.
Look for anything in white, navy, cream, muted red, or natural textures like wood and burlap. A ticking stripe pillow, a blue enamel mug, a stack of vintage books, or even a red-check tea towel can instantly become part of your Memorial Day setup.
Get creative. That neutral throw could double as a tablecloth. A basket from the bathroom could hold flowers or flags. A plain glass jar might become a centerpiece with just a bit of ribbon or twine.
The goal isn’t to create something brand new—it’s to reframe what you already have with fresh eyes and thoughtful placement. Not only is this budget-friendly, it makes your decor more personal and layered with meaning.
Budget-Friendly Buys:
- Navy or red dish towels – perfect as napkins, placemats, or tray liners
- Glass jars or vases – ideal for flowers, candles, or printable tags
Use Printable Decor for Instant Impact
One of the simplest ways to decorate on a budget is to take advantage of printable art and decor. Whether you’re after banners, quote signs, vintage flag illustrations, or mini tags for table settings—there’s a printable for that, often free or just a few dollars.
You can find beautiful Memorial Day-themed downloads that feel handmade and heartfelt: scripture-based tributes, watercolor stars, old postcard reproductions, or classic patriotic quotes in vintage type.
Print at home on cardstock or recycled paper, and display them in frames you already own or clip them onto twine with clothespins for an instant garland.
These downloads let you shift the mood of your space without investing in physical decor you need to store later. And if you find a style you love, you can even use it again for the Fourth of July.
Budget-Friendly Finds to Pair with Printables:
- Mini wood clipboard and stand – perfect for rotating seasonal printables
- Natural jute twine & clips – easy to hang banners or photo-style prints anywhere
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Create a Simple Centerpiece with Grocery Store Finds
You don’t need to visit a floral shop or craft store to create a meaningful centerpiece. Your local grocery store—especially the produce and floral sections—has everything you need for a beautiful, last-minute table arrangement on a budget.
Try bunches of white carnations, baby’s breath, or even a few sprigs of greenery paired with items like apples, lemons, or mini watermelons.
Tuck herbs like rosemary or basil into the arrangement for extra texture and scent. Place everything in a clear glass jar or vintage-style pitcher, and layer the base with a folded dish towel or scrap of fabric.
Canned goods like baked beans or tomatoes can also be stacked in a crate or tray with a striped napkin for a quirky but homey look—especially in vintage labels.
It’s a fun nod to the season and something guests always notice.
This approach not only keeps costs low—it ensures nothing goes to waste. You can use or eat nearly everything after the weekend ends.
Budget-Friendly Finds to Anchor the Look:
- Faux white carnations – practical and pretty
- Faux apples – lasts well beyond the day
- White high quality tea towels – versatile as napkins, runners, or layering pieces
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Upcycle Tin Cans, Jars, and Bottles
Some of the best Memorial Day decor starts in your recycling bin. Tin cans, glass jars, and bottles are incredibly versatile, and with just a bit of creativity, they can become rustic, patriotic accents for your table, porch, or picnic setup.
Wrap clean tin cans in leftover fabric scraps, kraft paper, or even an old bandana. Tie with twine, add a sprig of greenery, and you’ve got a charming utensil holder or small vase.
Glass bottles can be filled with wildflowers or single stems, and grouped in odd numbers for an easy centerpiece.
You can also spray paint cans in matte white or navy, or use masking tape to create subtle star or stripe patterns if you’re feeling crafty.
No artistic skills needed—just a willingness to reuse what’s already on hand.
This kind of decor not only saves money, it adds personality to your space and helps keep your home clutter-free.
Budget-Friendly Finds to Support DIYs:
- Natural jute rope roll – ideal for wrapping jars, cans, or napkin rings
- Spray paint in white or blue – affordable and easy to apply on upcycled containers
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Stick to a Limited Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to save money on decor is to simplify your color scheme.
The more colors you try to coordinate, the more items you’ll feel like you need to buy. Instead, pick two or three tones that feel seasonally appropriate and that you already have on hand.
White and navy make a beautiful, understated base. Add in natural textures like kraft paper, jute, or wood, and you’ve got a timeless, Memorial Day-ready look without needing bright red or store-bought accessories.
If you want a pop of color, use produce—like strawberries or apples—as your “red.”
Keeping your palette tight also helps unify mismatched pieces, making thrifted or homemade decor feel cohesive. Even just a few candles, napkins, and glass jars in coordinated colors can make a big impact when styled together.
Budget-Friendly Finds That Work Across Palettes:
- Cotton navy napkin set – reusable and easy to mix with other seasonal decor
- Kraft paper roll – great for table runners, banners, and quick DIY projects
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DIY Flag or Star Bunting
You don’t need fancy supplies to make festive garlands. With a few paper scraps, some string, and a little imagination, you can craft beautiful flag or star buntings that look homemade in the best possible way.
Try cutting triangles or stars out of brown paper bags, old denim, newspaper, or even leftover wrapping paper. Use a hole punch and string them along jute twine or cotton ribbon.
You can also layer scrap fabric or tea-stained paper for a soft, vintage look.
If you have kids, this is a great hands-on activity—have them decorate each piece with drawings, stickers, or stamps.
Hang your bunting across a fireplace, porch railing, or over your table for instant holiday charm.
The best part? It’s cheap, easy to store, and totally customizable.
Budget-Friendly Finds for Easy Bunting:
- Burlap fabric – for a rustic feel
Reimagine Old Clothes or Linens
Before you donate or toss that worn-out shirt or tablecloth, consider how it might find new life in your Memorial Day decor.
Old clothes, towels, and linens are a goldmine for DIYs when you’re decorating on a budget.
An old plaid or striped shirt can be cut into napkins, placemats, or even a rustic table runner. Denim jeans?
Perfect for making star cutouts, utensil pockets, or wrapping tin cans for texture. A red or navy pillowcase can easily be transformed into bunting or used to recover a throw pillow.
Even stained or torn items can be repurposed—just cut around the damage and use the clean portions creatively. You’ll not only save money but create decor with a story and a soul.
Budget-Friendly Finds to Support Your Upcycles:
- Fabric scissors – sharp and durable for cutting through old clothing
- Iron-on interfacing – adds structure to DIY napkins, flags, or table runners
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Dollar Store or Thrift Store Goldmines
You don’t have to spend big to find pieces that elevate your Memorial Day decor. A quick stop at the Dollar Tree or a local thrift shop can yield surprisingly charming finds—if you know what to look for.
Focus on basics that can be styled in multiple ways: clear glassware, small wooden trays, enamel mugs, candlesticks, and picture frames.
At the Dollar Tree, check for plain red, white, or navy napkins, ribbon, and simple vases that can be upgraded with twine or paint.
Thrift stores often have the best deals on vintage books, baskets, and mismatched dishware—all perfect for setting a relaxed, lived-in holiday table.
And don’t overlook fabric bins or curtain panels; they can be cut up and reused just like store-bought craft supplies.
With a sharp eye and a little imagination, even the most humble item can become part of a beautiful and meaningful display.
Budget-Friendly Finds to Look For:
- Glass taper candleholders – clean and classic with endless styling options
- Wood serving tray or wood chopping board – great for layering candles, florals, or seasonal centerpieces
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Make Use of Nature
Some of the most beautiful Memorial Day decor doesn’t come from a store at all—it comes straight from your backyard.
Nature is full of budget-friendly styling elements that bring life, texture, and seasonal charm to your space.
Clip a few branches from a flowering shrub, snip wildflowers, or gather greenery like rosemary, sage, or even ivy.
Stones, pinecones, and small logs can also be repurposed as rustic table accents or candle bases.
A single branch in a tall glass jar or a row of pebbles along a tray adds just enough natural detail to feel intentional.
You can even create an all-natural tablescape using leaves as place cards or dried herbs tied to napkins.
Not only is this approach frugal—it also adds warmth and movement that store-bought items can’t replicate.
Budget-Friendly Finds to Pair with Natural Elements:
- Clear cylinder vase – perfect for wild branches or gathered blooms
- Mini amber glass bottles – ideal for single stems along a mantel or outdoor table
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Lean Into Simplicity
At the end of the day, Memorial Day isn’t about perfectly coordinated decor—it’s about remembering, honoring, and gathering.
And sometimes, the simplest setups carry the most meaning.
A clean table, a single candle, a thoughtfully chosen quote, or a vase of backyard clippings can say more than a full spread of themed items.
Simplicity not only saves money—it keeps the focus where it belongs.
You don’t need to cover every surface or buy into trends to create something special. Instead, choose a few well-placed pieces and let the spirit of the day do the rest.
A simple space feels more welcoming, more restful, and more genuine.
And on a day marked by gratitude and remembrance, that’s exactly the kind of beauty worth creating.
Budget-Friendly Staples That Work All Season:
- Ivory pillar candles – elegant, reusable, and always appropriate
- Kraft paper cards – write or print your favorite patriotic phrase or scripture
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The Takeaway
Decorating for Memorial Day doesn’t have to mean shopping sprees or themed overload.
With a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can honor the day in ways that feel personal, peaceful, and beautifully frugal.
Use what you have, make what you can, and don’t be afraid to keep things simple.
Because the most meaningful spaces aren’t the ones that cost the most—they’re the ones styled with care and intention!
Resources
Looking for even more patriotic DIY’s or budget inspo? Check out these videos from YouTube!
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Last update on 2025-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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