There is something special about celebrating the Fourth of July close to home. While fireworks light up the sky across the country, every community has its own traditions that make Independence Day uniquely its own. Here in St. Louis, our holiday tables tell a story of neighborhood favorites, family recipes, backyard gardens, and a little hometown pride.
This year, instead of planning a menu around generic picnic fare, why not celebrate the flavors that make St. Louis one of America's most distinctive food cities? From toasted ravioli to gooey butter cake, our city has a way of turning simple gatherings into memorable celebrations. Add flowers fresh from the garden, a refreshing bourbon cocktail, a few favorite songs by St. Louis musicians, and you'll have everything you need for a relaxed and welcoming holiday.
One of the things I love most about entertaining is discovering new ways to celebrate familiar traditions. This year's menu combines a few classic Fourth of July favorites with some unmistakable St. Louis twists that are sure to become conversation starters.
A St. Louis Fourth of July Menu
Over the next week, I'll be sharing my Toasted Ravioli Hot Dog recipe, a refreshing Bourbon Lemonade, decorating ideas using flowers from the garden, and the stories behind two St. Louis favorites—Red Hot Riplets and Gooey Butter Cake. Be sure to check back!
Appetizer
- Toasted Ravioli Hot Dogs
Side Dishes
- Creamy Potato Salad topped with crushed Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets
- Deviled Eggs
Dessert
Drinks
- Bourbon Lemonade
- Missouri Rosé or Sparkling Wine
This menu is casual enough for a backyard barbecue yet unique enough to surprise your guests with flavors they won't find anywhere else.
Set the Table with Flowers from the Garden
One of the easiest—and least expensive—ways to create a festive holiday table is to shop your own garden. Bright zinnias, cheerful sunflowers, fresh herbs, and simple greenery arranged in blue mason jars or vintage crocks instantly create a centerpiece that feels both patriotic and welcoming. Add a few small American flags, red-and-white napkins, and candlelight, and your backyard becomes the perfect place to gather with family and friends.
I'll be sharing all of my favorite ideas for creating a beautiful garden-inspired Fourth of July table later this week.
Raise a Glass
Nothing says summer in Missouri quite like an ice-cold drink enjoyed outdoors. A refreshing Bourbon Lemonade pairs beautifully with grilled favorites, while a chilled Missouri rosé or sparkling wine offers an elegant option for guests who enjoy wine with their meal.
If you're looking for Missouri wines, consider a dry rosé made from Norton or Chambourcin grapes, both excellent companions to the savory flavors of this menu.
A complete Bourbon Lemonade recipe will be coming soon.
The Sounds of Summer
Every great backyard gathering deserves a soundtrack. Create a playlist that mixes patriotic classics with artists who call St. Louis home. Favorites from Chuck Berry, Sheryl Crow, Nelly, Tina Turner, Fontella Bass, Pokey LaFarge, and The Urge bring local flavor to the celebration while reminding us of the remarkable musical heritage of our region.
Music has a wonderful way of bringing generations together, and you'll likely find everyone singing along before the evening is over.
Celebrate St. Louis Traditions
Some foods become symbols of the places they call home. Toasted ravioli, Red Hot Riplets, gooey butter cake, Ted Drewes frozen custard, and pork steaks aren't just delicious—they're part of the culture that makes St. Louis unique. Sharing these favorites with family and friends is another way of celebrating where we live.
Later this week, I'll be taking a closer look at the history behind several of these iconic St. Louis foods and why they've become beloved local traditions.
Coming Next in This Series
- Toasted Ravioli Hot Dogs: A St. Louis Twist on a Backyard Classic
- Bourbon Lemonade: The Perfect Summer Cocktail
- Decorating Your Fourth of July Table with Zinnias and Sunflowers
- The Stories Behind Gooey Butter Cake and Red Hot Riplets
- A Patriotic Playlist Featuring St. Louis Musicians
Whether you're hosting the entire neighborhood or enjoying a quiet evening with family, I hope this menu inspires you to celebrate the Fourth with the flavors, flowers, and traditions that make St. Louis such a wonderful place to call home. After all, the best celebrations aren't about elaborate decorations or complicated recipes—they're about gathering the people you love around the table, sharing good food, and making memories that last long after the fireworks have faded.
Happy Fourth of July, and here's to celebrating the St. Louis way!
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