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Design 101
Celebrate with These Labor Day Decoration Ideas
Stars, stripes, flags, red, white, and blue. These are all elements of an end-of-summer gathering and the perfect Labor Day Decor. But as this September holiday rounds out the summer gatherings, there’s also room for the best of your decorations from those hot July and August weekends.
Labor Day is a time to relax and enjoy the longer afternoon and quiet evening before the chill of autumn rolls in. You can roll out the holiday with decorative Labor Day touches in your table settings, backyard style, and even in your choices of food and snacks.
The Basics of Labor Day Decorations
Labor Day has its roots in celebrating the American worker. Now it’s all about celebrating America, adding a patriotic flare to end-of-summer gatherings. This is a time for relaxation with friends and family, sharing good food and great memories as the seasons change.
Your Labor Day decor should reflect this laid-back, casual vibe. Even a more upscale Labor Day gathering tends to be a bit more stripped down. Be sure to roll out the red, white, and blue and think of Labor Day as a bookend to your Fourth of July.
Outdoor Oasis: Backyard & Patio Decor Ideas
Labor Day is an ideal time to use your outdoor patio dining set or a backyard picnic table. You can decorate your outdoor dining table with plants adorned with American flags or wrapped in checked summer cloth. The table settings can feature fabric napkins striped red and white, or blue and white, or all three colors of the American flag.
Inviting Entrances and Porches
First impressions count when welcoming guests to your Labor Day celebration. Try making a DIY wreath using red, white, and blue ribbons, or hang a festive banner to show holiday spirit. Place potted plants or flowers at the entrance, decorated with flag-inspired ribbons or mini pinwheels. Lanterns or string lights create a warm glow in the evening, helping your entrance feel inviting and patriotic.
Festive Table Settings & Centerpieces
To create an appealing Labor Day outdoor table, start with a vibrant tablecloth in a bold color or patriotic pattern. Use simple centerpieces like mason jars or vases filled with wildflowers for a rustic touch. Add bowls of seasonal fruits like strawberries and blueberries for both color and snacks. Include themed napkins to match your color scheme, and use mismatched or vintage plates for charm. Coordinated flatware and glassware help tie the setting together, making the table festive and welcoming.
Lighting Up the Night
Lighting is key for setting the mood at outdoor Labor Day gatherings, especially as it gets dark. String lights can be draped along fences or patios for a warm glow, while DIY luminaries made from decorated jars or cans with battery tealights add a personal touch. Paper lanterns in various colors can hang from trees, and solar stake lights to light paths or gardens. Using a mix of these options creates a festive, inviting atmosphere that lasts into the night.
Indoor Comfort: Simple Touches for Gatherings
Adding festive touches to your indoor space for Labor Day does not require a complete redesign — small changes can make a significant impact. Here are a few simple ways to decorate for the holiday:
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Scan your home for everyday items that can be easily repurposed: drape red, white, and blue throws over sofas or armchairs to inject instant color and patriotic style, or swap out ordinary cushion covers for ones in the holiday’s signature hues.
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Arrange simple flower bouquets in glass vases or pitchers, selecting blooms in shades of red, white, and blue to create cohesive, cheerful centerpieces for coffee tables or sideboards.
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Incorporate themed serving dishes, such as platters or bowls adorned with star patterns, or layer them on a runner that echoes the patriotic palette.
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Decorative candles, placemats, and napkins in accent colors can be paired with existing dinnerware to give even a modest gathering a subtle but festive flair.
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String mini banners or garlands across mantels and shelves using paper stars or lightweight fabric scraps to add visual interest without overwhelming your space.
By focusing on these easy, budget-friendly adjustments, you can create a warm, celebratory environment that brings the spirit of Labor Day indoors — ideal for intimate get-togethers or small family celebrations.
Effortless Indoor Accents
Bring Labor Day cheer indoors with vibrant red, white, and blue accents like patriotic throw pillows or covers. Add floral arrangements in holiday colors using vases or pitchers, and use themed serving dishes with flag motifs or subtle designs for both function and style. Coordinating kitchen towels or placemats complete the festive look, making your home welcoming and unified for the holiday.
Say Goodbye to Summer With a Great Labor Day
Labor Day is a time to celebrate America and the American worker. It’s also a time to appreciate the last of the long summer days where you can enjoy time on the patio and in the backyard. Don’t skimp on the flags or the bright colors that bring that joyous mood to your Labor Day celebration. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the hot weather season.
Tiffany Wong
Senior Copywriter & Content Strategist
I’m Tiffany Wong, the Senior Copywriter and Content Strategist at Furniture.com, where I cover emerging trends and dream up creative content ideas. Read more.
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F.A.Q.
What are the traditional decorations for Labor Day?
Traditional Labor Day decorations often reflect patriotic themes and celebrate the spirit of the American workforce. Common elements include American flags, star-spangled banners, and red, white, and blue bunting. Many people decorate their homes or outdoor spaces with picnic-themed items like checkered tablecloths, festive tableware, and string lights to set the mood for barbecues and gatherings. Stars and stripes motifs are frequently seen on paper goods, banners, and hanging decorations. Some also incorporate symbolic nods to the labor movement, such as vintage union signs, hard hats, or tool-themed accents. Floral arrangements in patriotic colors or wreaths featuring seasonal materials can also add a traditional yet festive touch.
What is the color for Labor Day?
Although there isn’t a single official color associated with Labor Day, the traditional color scheme is red, white, and blue. These colors represent patriotism and the national significance of the holiday, which honors American workers and their contributions. The red, white, and blue theme connects Labor Day with other major U.S. holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day, emphasizing unity and pride in the country.
Do you decorate red, white, and blue for Labor Day?
Yes, red, white, and blue are commonly used for Labor Day decorations. These patriotic colors are symbolic of American pride and are widely available in party supplies, making them a popular choice for celebrations. Whether it's through table settings, outdoor banners, or clothing, using this color scheme helps set a festive tone and ties into the broader tradition of honoring American heritage and labor achievements.
Is there a color theme for Labor Day?
While Labor Day does not have an officially designated color theme, red, white, and blue are traditionally used to reflect the holiday’s patriotic nature. These colors highlight the American roots of the celebration and are perfect for both casual and more formal gatherings. In recent years, some people have also embraced rustic or transitional fall tones—such as navy, burgundy, or earth tones—especially for late-summer events. These modern interpretations still pay homage to the holiday’s spirit while blending with seasonal aesthetics.