Last Minute Tips for Throwing a Labor Day Party

Do you have plans for Labor Day? If not, now is your chance to make some plans of your own. In fact, you may decide that it is the end of summer and you want to throw a backyard barbecue that sends summer out on a high note. Unfortunately, your anticipated party is right around the corner and you are far from prepared. All you need are a few helpful tips and you will be party ready in no time.

Tip #1: Spread the word. This is an important tip. While there is no time for a formal invitation, you still do not want to send out a mass e-mail. This is not a high school kegger. Your best alternative is to get on the phone and personally invite your guest list to your Labor Day barbecue. Do not expect them to respond to your invitation immediately. Summer is a busy time for parties and barbecues. Let them check their calendars and get back to you in a couple of days if they need to do so.

Tip #2: Make it a Labor Day potluck. An outdoor barbecue is perfect for a potluck. Everyone has a dish that their great at making. Let them showcase their talent. For anyone who is not a master chef, a summer party always needs plenty of chips, dips, and paper plates. Since you are providing the venue, grilling the barbecue, and supplying the drinks, no one else will mind chipping in on a side dish.

Tip #3: Invite the neighbors. If it is a good party, it could go on into the wee hours of the night, especially if it is on the weekend of Labor Day, and not actually Labor Day itself. To make sure no one gets upset about the noise, invite them over. Some may come and some may not, but by extending the invitation, you will inspire your neighbors to be tolerant of your summer barbecue fun.

Tip #4: Make it a pool party. If you have a pool, let everyone know to bring their suits along for a bit of last minute summer fun. If you do have a pool party, make sure to have a room in your house available for changing. You may also want to have a few extra towels on hand. Labor Day is traditionally the end of swimming season, in addition to the end of summer.

Tip #5: Put a little pre-Labor Day work into your yard before the party. Everyone is going to be outside for a majority of the time. It is a summer barbecue, after all. Therefore, you will need to get the yard in party order. Put out plenty of seating, as well as some tables. You might also want to get some lawn games for your guests to enjoy like volleyball, washers, horseshoes, and more.

Tip #6: Make it a theme party. Labor Day is dedicated to American workers who put in long, hard days so that they may preserve their way of life. It doesn't matter what type of work you do; if you work, you are being honored. Much like the fourth of July, a Labor Day party can carry a patriotic theme. Or, since it is in the summer and a barbecue, you can have a picnic-esque theme.

Tip #7: Have a back-up plan in case it rains. Weather is never reliable. Make sure you have enough room to host your guests indoors if the weather permits. Or, if you do not have extra room inside, let them know that the party is contingent on the weather. Another summer alternative is to put up a tent. Then, you will be prepared for any of summer's unexpected circumstances.

No matter how you party turns out, your friends and family will be excited for one last chance for a summer get together before the full force of school, fall weather (and sports), and life sets in. Labor day is about leisure, summer sun, and fun. As long as you put your best effort in to it, everything will go smoothly and everyone will have a great time.