Today we're featuring guest blogger, Madison Wanless. She has a few tips and tricks for festive July 4th cooking and baking, so let's dive in!

Cook to impress! 4th of July celebrations are right around the corner and they call for fun recipes to dazzle your friends and family (even the tiny little picky eaters).

With the holiday coming up, I want to share 6 festive Independence Day appetizers and desserts to bring to your gatherings. These are some of our favorite (and cutest 🤩) recipes to help you cool off, celebrate the holiday, and enjoy time with the people in your life!

1. The Perfect Charcuterie

Charcuterie boards are always cute, but making it July 4th themed takes it to the next level! Include cheese stars, red and blue fruits like raspberries, blueberries, and watermelon, crackers, and meat for a simple way to celebrate this year.

2. Watermelon Caprese Salad

Okay, this salad is to die for. It's simple and easy to make with only 5 ingredients, and it tastes so yummy for your 4th of July summer cookout.

3. Red, White, and Blue Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the best crowd pleaser. Plus, unlike a lot of festive pasta recipes, it skips the neon blue food dye noodles, which do not look very appetizing.

4. Firecracker Party Mix

Looking for something sweet? This 4th of July party mix is delicious and adorable, and it's easy to make in bulk.

5. Festive S’mores Dip

Everybody loves s'mores, and this s'mores dip combines "cute July 4th recipe" with "tasty crowd pleaser." Perfect if you need a recipe last minute!

6. Campfire Strawberries

2 Ingredients and perfectly tasty? Sign me up. This recipe is so fun with kids, and so delicious after your 4th of July BBQ!

Thanks for all the awesome 4th of July recipe ideas, Madison!

Before you go, make sure to check out our patriotic favorites over here at Parker Baby Co. - happy 4th of July!

^^ When you buy our Freedom Bandana Bib Set, not only do you complete your baby's adorable 4th of July outfit, but we also donate 10% to Our Military Kids. Order today!

^^ Perfect for midsummer picnics in the park, our Crimson Quilt is beautifully red for all your 4th of July celebrations. Order here!

^^ Multi-purpose (car seat and nursing cover), comfortable, easy to use, and patriotic, our Cherry Multi-Purpose Cover is a no-brainer this summer. Order here!