Create an Easy Patriotic Centerpiece with a Vintage Coca Cola Crate

As the summer months roll in, it’s time to refresh your home décor with patriotic colors, vintage charm, and a touch of nostalgia. For me, there’s no better way to usher in Memorial Day and Independence Day than by incorporating vintage Coca Cola crates into my décor. I thrifted this vintage Coca Cola crate a few years ago and love using it for summer decorating. Nothing says vintage summer like classic red, white, and blue paired with nostalgic soda bottles. The best part? The crate has the original bottle dividers, which I love, but it makes it tricky to fit anything other than Coke bottles into the spaces. That’s when the idea for this easy patriotic centerpiece was born.
I wanted to make something that would complement my front porch dining area and fit perfectly into my existing patriotic porch décor. This centerpiece is not only simple to create, but it also brings a rustic, farmhouse vibe to the table—perfect for Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any of the summer holidays when you want to add a touch of Americana to your patriotic decor. Here’s how to make an easy patriotic centerpiece using a vintage Coca Cola crate, bringing vintage flair and a festive touch to your front porch or dining table.
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Supplies for the Patriotic Centerpiece
- Vintage Coca Cola Crate
- Dry floral foam
- Knife
- American Flags on wooden dowels
- Preserved sheet moss
- 8 oz Coke in glass bottles (optional)
You can shop all of the supplies in the post here.

Step-By-Step Instructions for the Patriotic Centerpiece
Step 1: Cut Floral Foam to Fit the Coca Cola Crate
Start by cutting the floral foam to fit inside the dividers of your vintage Coca Cola crate. I only wanted to add flags to the center of the crate, but you could choose to fill the entire crate with foam. I like to reuse my floral foam for different projects, so mine has a few holes from previous uses. This adds a bit of character to the piece!

Step 2: Arrange the American Flags
Place your small American flags. I used six 8”x12” flags and arranged them around the center of the crate. You can adjust the number and size of the flags depending on how full or sparse you want the display to look. For a more dynamic effect, try using different sizes of flags or even layering them at varying heights.


Step 3: Add Preserved Sheet Moss for Texture
Once the flags are in place, it’s time to top the floral foam with preserved sheet moss. Not only does this add a natural texture to the piece, but it also helps conceal the foam. Don’t forget to add moss along the sides of the crate, ensuring that all visible areas are covered for a cohesive, polished look.





Step 4: Incorporate Glass Coke Bottles
Now for the fun part—adding the glass coke bottles! I love incorporating small 8 oz Coke bottles into this patriotic centerpiece, especially when I’m planning a vintage-themed tablescape. These cute little bottles help tie in the vintage charm and add that extra layer of nostalgia. They also serve as a great way to serve everyone’s favorite summer beverage in such a cute way!

Step 5: Style and Display Your Patriotic Centerpiece
Finally, style the centerpiece by placing it in the middle of your front porch dining table or on your porch. It’s a great way to showcase your vintage décor while adding a festive touch to your patriotic theme. Enjoy the rustic 4th of July decor ideas with this simple yet eye-catching centerpiece, and let it serve as the perfect focal point for your summer celebrations.

How do I incorporate vintage décor into my patriotic home décor?
Vintage décor can elevate your patriotic home décor by adding a timeless, nostalgic touch. Think of using vintage Coca Cola crates, classic red glass bottles, or antique shops finds that complement your summer holidays’ theme. Adding wooden crates or vintage soda crates can bring an authentic and rustic feel to your front porch or tablescape.
Can I use other crates for this project?
Absolutely! Wooden crates, especially vintage crates, are a great option for this patriotic centerpiece. They offer the perfect structure to hold flags, moss, and even small accessories like glass bottles or vases. If you can’t find a vintage Coca Cola crate, look for other great vintage items in thrift stores or antique shops that might work just as well.
What’s the best way to reuse my Coca Cola crate for other seasons?
The great thing about a vintage Coca Cola crate is its versatility. You can use it to create themed centerpieces year-round! For the holidays, consider using it to hold small pinecones and holiday candles for Christmas or fill it with spring flowers for a fresh, floral centerpiece. The possibilities are endless when you have a vintage piece like this in your home.
Can I make this centerpiece with a budget-friendly approach?
Definitely! Thrift stores and antique shops often have a variety of affordable vintage crates and supplies. For the flags, you can find small American flags online or at your local craft store at a reasonable price. Preserved moss is a relatively inexpensive item that can be reused for multiple projects, making it a cost-effective way to create a stunning patriotic centerpiece.

Tips for Patriotic Centerpiece
- Get Creative with the Flags: While small American flags are a classic choice, consider adding larger flags or even a combination of flag sizes for a more dynamic display. You could also try using different flag patterns to mix things up and add visual interest to the centerpiece.
- Incorporate More Vintage Elements: To enhance the vintage charm, incorporate more rustic 4th of July decor ideas, like using weathered wooden crates, old mason jars, or vintage soda bottles. These elements will bring a rustic feel to your front porch and reinforce your patriotic theme.
- Make It Multi-Functional: If you plan to leave this centerpiece up all summer, consider making it multi-functional. Add a few summer drink recipes or mini candles in the Coke bottles to create a cozy atmosphere for evening dinners. It’s a great way to get creative with your summer holidays décor.
- Play with Heights: Don’t hesitate to play with varying heights in your centerpiece. You can stack small wooden crates or place a few items on raised platforms to create depth and dimension, making the display feel more balanced and engaging.
- Preserved Moss for Easy Maintenance: One of the best things about using preserved moss is its low-maintenance nature. You won’t have to worry about it wilting or needing regular water, making it perfect for long-term décor that lasts all summer.

With this easy patriotic centerpiece, you can infuse your front porch with vintage charm, rustic farmhouse vibes, and all the fun ideas you need to celebrate Memorial Day, Independence Day, and the summer months. It’s a classic and simple way to bring patriotic colors into your home and enjoy the vintage décor that speaks to the heart of Americana. Happy decorating, and enjoy the festivities with this delightful patriotic centerpiece!

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