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!

It's {not} my party, but I'll find favors if I want to

There is nothing that I love more than a good party. Seeing friends and family, whipping up delicious dishes and just kicking back...it's a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, don't you think?

Next week we will celebrate my cousin's engagement at my parent's house. When my mom mentioned that they were brainstorming some food-themed party favors, I couldn't wait to push my way into get in on the fun. You may recall the truffle extravaganza that I helped Lindsey with for her engagement party...so fun!

I think food-themed favors are such a wonderful idea. Guests can enjoy them post-party and also eliminate trinket clutter. While looking around the web, I stumbled upon some truly fabulous and adorable party favor ideas that could easily be DIY'd and adapted for any party.

Red & Blue Taffy via Kara's Party Ideas

So chic and lovely. I adore the playful taffy and the color combo is so bold and different.

Red Velvet Cupcake Jars via cakies

Such a fun twist on the traditional cupcakes, and a lot easier to tote along for the ride home. I heart.

M&M-filled Glass Bottles via Haute Apple Pie

These ladies think of every detail for a party. A sweet label on the front adds the perfect touch to these adorable favors.

Butterscotch Moustache Pops via VintageConfections (Etsy)

I mean...could these be any more fun? Or cute? Not to mention the great photo ops.

S'mores Boxes via Parenting.com

I adore everything about this. I love the idea of DIY s'mores and there is something so pretty and sophisticated about a basic brown takeaway box with twine.

Mini Limoncello Bottles via My DIY Wedding

Such a fun and different idea. But, the real beauty here is the contrasting blue label tied with grass ribbon. Bellissimo.

 

Homemade Truffles (from Lindsey's Engagement Party!)

These were a bit of work, but came out oh-so-fun and special. I love.

Cookie Mix in Glass Jars via Bakerella

Everything she does is beautiful and chic, and these are no exception. How adorable?! Isn't everything prettier in a glass jar?

 

So there you have it. Some favors that I would love to receive at any party (so please invite me). I cannot wait to try DIY'ing some of these for parties over the next year!

Questions of the Day:

What's your favorite kind of party favor?

Have you ever DIY'd something fantastic to give out at a party?

psst...Kimberly is blogging all about finding that post-vaca motivation on The Peach & The Pit! Head over to share your tips!