July 4th Desserts & DIY Crafts the Whole Family Will Love

Red, White & Blue recipes and DIY crafts for the BEST Independence Day celebration!

Red, White & Blue. Stars & stripes. Home of the brave. The American July 4^th holiday is just the excuse we all need to kick back and celebrate. While we continue to grapple with the COVID pandemic, national and local Independence Day celebrations may be more subdued this year – but our salute to America will be no less patriotic.

Every year since July 4, 1776, Americans have celebrated the birthday of the United States of America by gathering with friends and family. There’s always way too much food, too many ants and loads of fun. While there may be fewer fireworks and festivals than we’re used to, celebrating with those we love will still be at the top of our list. Whether you’re still sheltering in place or enjoying the ultimate family staycation, we’ve found a smorgasbord of recipes and crafts to get your family in the patriotic mood.

And if you’re wondering what this post has to do with a good night’s sleep, absolutely nothing. We just wanted to celebrate with you 😊

Let’s start with the food for your July 4^th picnic – get ready for the YUM!

American Flag Caprese Salad Recipe

This new take on caprese can be the patriotic centerpiece for your summer party. Build an American flag with purple potatoes, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. A large wooden cutting board lined with parchment makes the perfect serving platter. Get the recipe: foodnetwork.com

4th of July Brie Recipe

There’s nothing more American than a cheese flag, right? Grab the recipe: delish.com

Double RL Ranch Burger Recipe

Ralph Lauren’s signature burger. At his New York City restaurant, they use a mix of chuck, brisket, and short rib. If you have an awesome butcher, ask him or her to give you a blend, but you’ll get great results with chuck alone. Grab the recipe: bonappetite.com

Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs Recipe

Sweet and spicy pickles and peppers make these grilled dogs a real winner. Grab the recipe: goodhousekeeping.com

Swirled Meringues with Blueberry Sauce Recipe

Soft in the middle and crunchy on the outside, these red, white and blue parfaits are the bomb when topped with sweetened whipped cream and homemade blueberry sauce. Get the recipe: countryliving.com

Star Spangled Berry Pie Recipe

In-season blackberries will leave parade candy untouched in this centerpiece-worthy pie. Grab the recipe: southernliving.com

Berry Sangria Recipe

Rosé is a summer drink staple, so add it to this berry mix to make a refreshing drink. Grab the recipe: womensday.com

And now for some DIY patriotic crafts to dress up your picnic!

DIY Paper Pinwheels

It’s not even a picnic without pinwheels, right? Use heavy-duty, double-sided fusible webbing to pair two fabric squares, then cut in from corners and hot glue alternating points to the center. Top with a metal soda cap.  Visit countryliving.com for more ideas like this.

DIY Picnic Blanket

All it takes is a star stencil and some red and blue fabric paint to turn your old tarp into a festive picnic blanket fit for the occasion. Grab the instructions: designimproved.com

DIY No-Sew Bandana Seat Cushions

Soften seats with no-sew pillow covers. Sandwich a cushion between two bandanas, then join each corner together with a rubber band and a thin ribbon. Visit goodhousekeeping.com for more ideas like this.

DIY American Flag

Transform scrap fabric (old sheets work, too) into an Old Glory-ous backdrop to use year after year. Visit parents.com for more ideas like this.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• Wake & don’t bake with these summer breakfast ideas
• How to create a summer-ready bedroom with Drew & Jonathan Scott
• Expert answers about hangovers and the restless sleep alcohol causes