Tips for Hosting a Fun, Flawless Labor Day Party

Labor Day is a public holiday in the United States of America honoring the American labor movement and contributions our workers have made to the well-being and strength of our country as a whole. This holiday is celebrated annually on the first Monday of each September.

Labor Day Weekend is just around the corner. In fact, it’s this weekend. If you’re hosting a party for friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors at any point this weekend, be sure to use these party planning tips to your advantage.

Invite Your Guests Ahead of Time

Some of us have flexible schedules while others need to adhere to a strict daily timeline. In order to give your guests enough time to rearrange their schedules if need be, remember to invite your family members, friends, and other guests at least a week in advance. The more time to plan, the better!

If your house can only hold a certain number of people, send out invitations far in advance with a specific RSVP date. This RSVP date will allow you to stick to your guest count while having enough time to meticulously plan your party!

Need invitation inspiration? Check out these Labor Day invitation ideas from Purple Trail.

Plan a Menu

While hot dogs and hamburgers are always a safe option for a Labor Day party, you could still liven up the party with festive foods! Try any of these tasty recipes for your event:

• Mediterranean Pitas
• Tomato and Feta Salad
• Lemon-Garlic Glazed Corn on the Cob

Don’t forget to ask your friends and family members to bring over appetizers, side salads, chips and dip, desserts — whatever you need them to! After all, the more food the better at a Labor Day party.

Prepare Your House for Fun

Regardless if the majority of the party will take place outside, it’s still in your best interest to prepare your home for the day of the party. This includes tasks such as:

• Cleaning common areas including bathrooms, the dining area, kitchens, living rooms, game rooms, and more.
• Making sure your deck/patio/outdoor area is organized and clean.
• Checking on the pool chemical levels, if applicable.
• Creating ample space in your refrigerator and freezer for the big party.
• Mowing the lawn and prepping the garden.
• Any home maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off (you don’t want your HVAC system to go down in the middle of a party!)

Now don’t forget about Middle Tennessee’s sporadic weather tendencies! You’ll want to have a back up plan, just in case the skies open up during your party. Your backup plan should include the following items:

• Previously prepared food and a barbecue backup plan, just in case grilling outside is not an option.
• Anchor down tablecloths and outdoor tents, if in use.
• Clear plenty of space in your home for guests, in the case that the party moves inside.

No matter the situation, it’s advantageous to always have a party back-up plan!

Have Games and Activities Available for Guests and Their Children

Aside from food, entertaining your guests is a top priority. Have a wide assortment of backyard games and activities available for guests of all ages. Children might prefer to swim in the pool, play a board game, or throw a ball around the backyard with the other kids. Adults, on the other hand, might prefer activities such as backyard volleyball, bocce ball, a corn hole tournament, and relaxing in the pool.

No matter the weather or the time of day, make sure your guests have plenty to do at your Labor Day party. You can also ask guests to bring their favorite outdoor game or activity to spice up the fun.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy Your Party

Once you’ve cleaned your home, invited your guests, and prepared a drool-worthy menu, it’s time to sit back, relax, and have a blast at your Labor Day party!

Have any additional tips for Labor Day party planners? Comment below.