I love finding small ways to stretch summer a little longer, so I gave plain party-store drink umbrellas a quick striped makeover. Cocktail umbrellas are charming on their own, but a simple stripe pattern makes them feel custom and a lot more fun. I refreshed a few umbrellas and brought them to The Lemonade Stand at The Parker to dress up some lemonade—because a coordinated theme is always more enjoyable.
Supplies:
– Drink umbrellas
– White and black craft paint (I used a soft white and a deep black)
– Small paintbrushes
How to make striped drink umbrellas:
1. Open the umbrella and paint the entire surface with a coat of white paint. Apply a second coat if needed so the original color is fully covered.
2. Using a thin brush, paint a black stripe around the outer edge of the umbrella.
3. If you like, paint the small paper spokes for a more finished look, and touch up any areas that need it. Let the paint dry.
4. Paint an additional stripe around the top of the umbrella, matching the width of the first stripe. Then add one or two more stripes toward the center—no need to measure precisely; an organic, hand-painted look is part of the charm. Allow the umbrellas to dry completely before using.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
A quick note: I’m wearing a lemon-print dress I adore from a small print shop, and I wore it to my shower as well. I’ll share more from that soon. These painted umbrellas are an easy, inexpensive detail that lifts simple drinks and decor—perfect for a summer gathering or a themed party. Enjoy making yours and keep a few on hand to make warm-weather moments feel special.
This post is part of the 12 Months of Martha program. All content and opinions are my own.