How To Decorate For A Gingham Summer Aesthetic On A Dollar Tree Budget

Summer decor often means brighter colors, playful patterns, and details that embody fun in the sun. Gingham, specifically, has reemerged recently as a quintessential summer staple, with some Gen Z content creators deeming this summer a "Gingham Girl Summer." And luckily, you can use some inexpensive, easy-to-grab items from Dollar Tree to start having a Gingham Girl Summer of your own. But, before you go shopping, you may be wondering — why are we having a Gingham Girl Summer in the first place?

The burgeoning interest in gingham has some roots in the rise of 2020's "cottagecore" aesthetic, a nostalgic design movement focusing on an agriculture-focused lifestyle (think picnic blankets and peasant blouses). Interior designer Julie Chasman explains to Homes & Gardens, "Gingham is as big a crowd-pleaser today as it's always been, with its natural warmth and coziness." Even more recently, gingham obsession has blossomed in response to the popular coquette trend – which has influenced interior decor as much as it has fashion. So, if you've been looking for ways to decorate a coquette aesthetic room or need an idea for perfectly styling gingham, keep reading for how to bring the iconic print into your space without breaking the bank.

First things first — if you're at Dollar Tree on the hunt for gingham on a budget, be sure not to miss their classic red gingham tablecloths, which sell for just $1.25 apiece. Use one on your kitchen table during the summer months for simple but impactful decor, or keep a couple on hand for picnics and beach days to come.

You'll also find assorted colors of gingham ribbon at Dollar Tree, which are perfect crafting fodder. Take a cue from @SheSoCraftDee on YouTube, and use the ribbon to create decorative vases. Start by picking up a glass vase or carafe, which you can also find at Dollar Tree. To get the same look from the video, you will also need white spray paint for the outside of the vase and black acrylic paint with a small brush to outline the edges.

A can of white spray paint like Rust-Oleum's 5-in-1 will run you about $7 at Home Depot, and a 2-ounce bottle of black acrylic paint will only cost $0.99 from Target. If you don't already have a small paint brush on hand, you can find a set for just $1.25, also from Dollar Tree. Once you spray the vase white and use the black paint to define the edges, tie your gingham ribbon in a bow around the waist of the vase. Use it as a vessel for live flowers, or add in artificial flowers or greenery from Dollar Tree.