How to Host an End-of-Summer Celebration

Create your Guest List and Get out the Invitations

Have you noticed that when you don’t stop and remind yourself to plan for the holidays they slip right past you? We’re so busy these days that we too often miss the opportunity to take advantage of an extra day off. I’m guilty of this and have let far too many three-days-weekends go to waste because I didn’t take the time to plan for ahead.

Here is your reminder that Labor Day is coming up on Monday, and it’s a fine time to have some fun with your closest gal pals. If you haven’t already made your plans for this weekend, we have a fun idea for you. We want to make sure you revel in all that this holiday is about—taking some time off to honor all of the hard work you put in throughout the year.

Read on for tips on how to host your own easy breezy Labor Day bash.

1. Pick Your Theme

Picking a theme is great for a couple of reasons. First, it helps lay the foundation for all of the elements of the party that you need to plan (i.e. the food & bev, décor, and music). Second, it’s fun for your guests and gives them a guidepost for what to wear—and gives them an excuse to buy a new outfit for your party.

In honor of Labor Day, our theme is Fruits of Our Summer.

2. Create your Guest List & Get out the Invitations

We love Paperless Post, but there’s nothing like an old-fashioned phone call to take care of last-minute invitations.

3. Plan Your Menu

Keep it simple: The key to effortless entertaining is to have a menu that can be 80% prepared before your guest arrive. This gives you the chance to have fun catching up with your guest instead of getting stuck in the kitchen. We also recommend concocting a signature drink to simplify your life and save your wallet. Let your guest know what you are serving, and give them the option to BYOB if they prefer to pick their own poison. Here’s our Fruits of Summer menu.

Appetizer: Zesty Summer Sandwich

Appetizer: Watermelon Salad

Appetizer: Chips and Guacamole

Main Dish: Grilled Cilantro Lime Shrimp Kabobs

Side Dish: Grilled Corn Orzo Salad with Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Dessert: Grilled Peaches with Honey and Yogurt

Signature Drink: Raspberry Tequila Sangria.