College Lifestyles is wishing our northern friends a very happy birthday this weekend. This July 1 marks Canada’s 145 birthday! Stylish co-eds across this great nation will proudly be wearing red and white as they celebrate and attend fireworks, parades and other events.

Contrary to popular belief Canadians don’t live in igloos, ride polar bears to work or have non-stop snow (although sometimes it feels like it). We do however  love donairs, loonies and toonies, beaver tails, hockey, Tim Horton’s coffee and of course a great party! CL is showing you how to make your Canada Day party the best one yet.

Photo Credit: Birthday Express

Red & White Supplies 

Paper plates, forks, napkins, streamers, balloons, table clothes and plastic cups can easily be found at local stores.

Though individually a small detail, they can make all the difference when they are put together and are on display.

Photo Credit: One Wed

Centre Pieces 

Create your own red and white centerpieces. They can be as simple as purchasing a clear vase and adding a red candle or filling a mason jar with red and white beads.

I like this idea of filling a white vase with fake red flowers.

Photo Credit: Snack Spot

Candy

Fill bowls with red and white candies. It’s modest but will add tons of character to your table. Try buying red and white M&M’s from a bulk barn or pick them out from a large bag.

You can then feel guilt free eating every other colour!  You can also buy Canadian themed Smarties.

Photo Credit: Botanical Paper Works

Flag Bunting

Of course a dollar store will have many party items for a good price. However if you’re short for time or want to make something more original there are many free Canada Day pintables online.

Here is one where you can download a free flag bunting. You simply download the PDF, cut out the flags and attach each flag to a piece of string.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Maple Leaf Garland 

Using a maple leaf template and cut out maple leafs on red and white paper.

Hole punch them at the top and string them with twine. Hang your original masterpiece around your party.

Photo Credit: Catch My Party

Classic Printable’s

You can print off classic Canada Day images and use them to cover water bottles or glue them to straws and stick them in the foods you’re serving at the party.

Photo Credit: Vixen Made

Framed Art 

Pick up three small frames from the store. Then, using the maple leaf template from above, cut out a maple leaf from some red paper. Fill two frames with solid red paper and the third with white.

Glue the red maple leaf onto the white paper before placing it in the frame. Just set the three frames next to each other and you’ve created yet another Canada Day themed decoration.

Photo Credit: Ottawa Citizen

Sparklers

Who doesn’t love these?

Wrap a few sparklers in plastic and tie with a red ribbon. Add a nametag to make them extra special. Have fun lighting the night with these later in the evening.

Photo Credit: Favim

Red & White Nail Polish

Have red and white nail polishes at your party! You could even encourage guests to bring their own colours to cut down on personal cost.

Add a few toothpicks to the mix and inspire everyone to paint their nails to further support Canada’s birthday. Use the toothpicks to create a design like this one, or just paint them in solid colours.

Pretty cool Eh?

Now you’re ready to kick off another Canada Day holiday with all the Canadian swag you could ask for. To have some Canada Day inspired food at your party check out Canada Day Inspired Treats!

Happy Birthday Canada!

Shaundra Boyd is a Health, Fashion & Lifestyle Writer for College Lifestyles, which is fantastic as she is extremely passionate about all three! This Canadian girl has a BSc Kinesiology and is currently studying Public Relations. She loves orchids, browsing her favorite magazines, family, friends & creativity