[It’s 7am and you check the calendar on the fridge, and realize it’s now September. The following conversation takes place in your head… At least you hope it does.]

It’s Labor Day already! Wasn’t the 4th of July last week? Summer went by waaay too quickly. Oh well, before you know it, we’ll be carving a giant turkey and then... OK, stop being negative. Let’s enjoy late summer while we still can! What to do? Go to the beach for the 849th time? No. Waaay too crowded. I know, let’s host a Labor Day party here at the house! Excellent idea if I must say so myself! Now what do I do?

Relax! It’s not as hard as you might think to host a spectacular Labor Day party. Here are some tips to help you plan and manage your event…

1- Plan your menu a few days in advance

Try to grill as many meals as possible because, you know, everything tastes better grilled! Ever try grilled watermelon or pineapple? You can thank us later.

2- Prepare certain dishes a day before the party

Certain salads or meats that are to be marinated can be done a day or two before the party.

3- Enlist the help of your family (if available) to help clean the house, do yard work and run errands

Everyone pitching in equals less stress for everyone. But if you need to do it alone, pace yourself, and make sure you play loud music while scrubbing away.

4- Decorate for the occasion

Labor Day is not only a patriotic event, it’s one of the last time fashion moguls say you can wear all-white outfits without making a supermodel cry. So, how about a whiteout theme featuring all white utensils, plates, tablecloths, and napkins? Or do purple. Just because.

5- Offer your guests a “signature drink”

Ideally, make this beverage alcohol-free to allow guests of all ages to indulge in and enjoy. We have a Watermelon Slushie recipe that will allow you to enjoy the last of the in-season watermelon. We love it so much, we’re sharing the recipe (see below).

Have a fun, relaxing Labor Day… Enjoy it while you can!

Watermelon & Pomegranate Slushie (Yields 8 cups)

8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1” cubes

2 cups pomegranate juice

2 cups of ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!

#laborday, #labordayparty,