9 Things For Your Labor Day Party
I have a love/hate relationship with Labor Day. It traditionally signifies the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. I kinda love and I kinda hate this.
Regardless of my hate for change (yet excitement over cooler weather and fall flavors), I always love a great Labor Day party! Who doesn't? I'm not personally throwing a party this weekend (though I am attending a party at my parents house), but if I was, here's what I'd be sure to include!
Pick out some fun colors. I love oranges, pinks, greens and yellows. Some fall colors, summered up with a splash of pink or lime green.
Make farmer’s market centerpieces. Gather up some ripe peaches (it's the end of their season!) and place in wicker baskets on tables, or use small vases of fresh lemons and limes. I love anything low so it doesn't encroach on table conversation!
Mix up a signature cocktail. Beer and wine should be served, but keep costs down by eliminating hard liquor. Buy only what you need for a signature cocktail and display it prettily on a table, maybe even with a little printed table card/menu. I love anything summery, like pink cosmopolitans or a big bowl of sangria.
Make up a bunch of bright and filling dips and hors d’oeuvres. Again, no need to break the bank. A simple, summery bean dip, fruit salsa or pizza dip will do the trick. I've found all 3 of these to be serious crowd pleasers!
For the main meal station, I love this sweet menu board, borrowed from Style Me Pretty. I love this idea, especially for a larger scale party, where the hostess may not be available to explain what’s in each dish.
Serve easy dishes that can be made in advance and reheated, or can be simply made ahead and baked off before service. And when in doubt, there's always grilled burgers and corn! I'm fairly certain that no one will be turning that down. I love this jalapeno popper buffalo macaroni & cheese from Lauren's Latest. It looks unreal to me! Isn't that perfect for a party?
Make fun desserts. Everyone loves this part of a party, no? I suggest easy, grabbable desserts, like cake pops, fruit pops, brownies (like my pretzel crusted brownies, below) or bars (like my pineapple coconut dream bars!).
Wear something fun and casual, yet chic. Pair with sandals, a chunky necklace and sunglasses. I'm crushing on this necklace from Anthropologie. It would be enough to make a statement with plain white frock.
Leave guests with a delicious (and easy!) party favor. I adore this chocolate chip cookie favor idea from Intimate Weddings. It's wrapped in a paper CD case and stamped with a custom sticker. Classy enough for a wedding, but easy enough for a home party. Adorable.
So there you have it. Some easy ways to throw a chic Labor Day party!
Questions of the Day:
Are you hosting a party this weekend?
Are you happy to see the summer go? Or to see autumn approach? Or are you hanging on to hot days for dear life?
psst...head on over to The Peach and The Pit for a round up of our favorite links around the web this week! Zombie wedding photos, pretty journals, and more!
11 Comments | September 1, 2011 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged Labor Day, party favors, party food, party ideas | in Parties Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (11)
We aren't hosting but we are going to a bbq. Lots of great thoughts here. I've been fiending for that mac and cheese Lauren posted yesterday!
now all I can think about is pretzel crusted brownies, Anthropologie, sangria, and pepperoni pizza. rachel, you're a bad, bad influence on me.
I am throwing a party (football centered!). But, damn, after looking at your pics I've got some work to do beyond the cans of beer floating in ice, shots of tequila, and meat and chese tasting. Better get the wife on it.... :)
Have a wonderful Labor Day!
i'm so ready for fall!! and now i want that pizza dip!
Yay for a 3-day weekend:-) We are going away and no parties... though I really would have enjoyed a last BBQ of summer!
This weekend is Payson Onion Days (where my parents and little sister live), so the whole family heads home to some small-town celebrating! We go to fireworks, the parade, and the "fair" - it's totally old school and I love it! I'm hoping to make it down for at least a day (and take a break from my thesis)!
I wish our party was going to be this classy.
I guess it's not even really a party...just a little get together at the pool.
Brats, cocktails and fun sides! :)
That necklace is stunning! I'm completely drooling over it. if only it were in the $60 dollar range I'd be purchasing it this moment but at $88 I just can't bring myself to do it :(
I love party food!
I am not going to any parties this weekend---I have to work monday (but only part of the day), and I'm totally going to just relax! I love summer---so I'm always sad to see it go, but fall is nice too. It's winter I'm not looking forward to!
Ommmgshhhh I could so learn a thing (or hundred) from you for entertaining and hosting things!! I've never actually done something like that since it's difficult to do that living with my parents, but I will be doing that more when I'm married hopefully! :D Wait, my bad..I did host a women's ministry dessert party during the Fall last year! haha! But just that one time. And your sangria bowl looks utterly beautiful....I'm quite excited now. :)
Love the menu board idea! I am definitely looking forward to fall and the fall fashion that comes with it :)