It’s hard to believe summer’s last hurrah is right around the corner. Labor Day, which now serves as a reminder to put away the swimsuits and banish white shoes, was started in the 1800s, when laborers took a stand over excessive work hours. Thanks to those folks, we now enjoy a weekend at the end of every week and a three-day holiday the first weekend in September.
To take advantage of the extra day and relish the final days before fall is in full swing, celebrate a summer gone by with one final bash.
The first thing you’ll need is a guest list. Alert your guests that you’re throwing your party as soon as possible, because though this three-day holiday is a time for relaxation, having get-togethers is very common. Once you know who’s available, you’ll have a better idea of how many you’ll need to accommodate and can move on to theme, menu and activities.
To lend this party a summery feel that’s not Fourth of July, opt for all-white or beach-chic décor to send the season out in style. You can extend the theme to dress code, décor, even food choices. Think about how you want to organize the seating, food and other fixtures so you know what supplies to get.
It goes without saying that an outdoor party is a classic Labor Day choice. Luckily, an outdoor venue works well for small and large gatherings alike. For a small party, a simple picnic table will seat a good number of people and allows for a sit-down-style dinner. For a large party, you’ll want plenty of surfaces and extra seating (Adirondack chairs, folding chairs, etc.) and the necessary accouterments for a buffet-style meal.
Don’t forget to incorporate a festive tablecloth to elevate your dining space and protect your table(s). Use disposable, eco-friendly napkins, flatware and plates for easy cleanup. If the party’s in the evening, set the ambiance in your entertainment space with soft, summer lighting such as tiki torches or twinkle lights. Tables and other surfaces can be decorated with candles, bowls stocked with colorful fruits and mason jars filled with fresh flowers.
Plan some activities for your guests to enjoy. Even if you don’t have a pool for guests to splash around in, you can keep them busy with flag football, bocce, croquet, badminton—the list goes on. If kids are on the guest list, set up a craft table for them, or give out some jars to catch fireflies with. Guests of all ages will enjoy making s’mores at the end of the night.
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to plan your menu. The culinary go-to for Labor Day is a good ol’ American cookout, with burgers, hotdogs, kebobs, fresh coleslaw and a couple of fruit pies. Another option is a seafood bake. Serve up oysters, crabs, lobsters and whatever fresh seafood you can get your hands on. For those who don’t like shellfish, a fillet of salmon is a general crowd-pleaser. Either way, don’t forgo platters of the season’s best fruits and veggies!
To complement the menu, whip up a custom cocktail for the occasion. Thyme lemonade is a delicious libation and is easy to make. All you need is sugar, thyme and lemon juice. This mixture is kid-approved, but you can swirl in some gin or vodka for adult guests!
Happy Labor Day!
Bree
