Tips For Hosting The Perfect Labor Day Party

Labor Day marks the end of summer vacation for many people. It’s the last major holiday weekend of the season, and it’s a time when people start transitioning from a carefree summer mentality to a focused return to the daily grind. Since it's your last chance to soak up the summer weather with the ones you love, why not throw an epic celebration.

When hosting a Labor Day party, use outdoor spaces by setting up lawn games, adding water activities, and firing up the grill. Create a festive menu that complements the weather, and find ways to keep your guests cool and hydrated. Make sure you have plenty of seating, and have a backup plan in case it rains. Find ways to combat flies and mosquitoes, and add mood lighting for after sunset.

Labor Day is generally considered a laid-back holiday, and it often features a barbeque menu, cold sides, adult beverages, and lots of relaxation. It’s also a time that celebrates resting, so if you’re hosting a party that day, don't stress or overwork yourself. Follow along to discover how you can throw an incredible and seamless get-together on Laobor Day weekend.

14 Tips For Hosting An Unforgettable Labor Day Party

1. Fire Up The Grill

Other than July 4, Labor Day is probably the biggest grilling holiday of the year. You can cook everything from burgers and hot dogs to ribs, fish, and even roasted vegetables and corn on the cob for the vegans in your life. If you plan on using your grill, it will save you from using your stove and oven and keep all the action outside. Consider what takes the longest to cook and what can stay out for long periods without becoming a health hazard. It’s generally a good idea to cook vegetables and non-meat items first, and then move on to meat and fish.

2. Protect Food From Flies And Heat

If you’re setting up a food station outside, protect it from flies and the heat. Keep dairy and mayonnaise-based items indoors, or serve them promptly. Never leave them in the sun. Use trays of ice to keep salads and other foods chilled. Flies can quickly find your buffet and make your food unappetizing. Netting, or placing food inside an enclosure like an indoor porch, will prevent flies and other insects from reaching it.

3. Choose A Themed Menu

When you’re planning what to serve on Labor Day, it’s good to have a theme. While American barbecue is always a safe bet, you can also try Southern cuisine or a New England-style seafood fest. Whatever themed menu you choose, keep the weather in mind. You don’t want to serve clam chowder or jambalaya in extreme heat. Instead, serve foods that suit the weather, including plenty of refreshing, cold options.

4. Utilize Outdoor Spaces

Since Labor Day is the last major summer holiday, it’s a good idea to have as much of the party outside as possible. The key is to find ways to utilize these outdoor spaces. Add seating in shaded areas of the yard that are often underused, and find ways to keep your guests comfortable and entertained outdoors throughout the day.

5. Lawn Games

One great way to keep people engaged outside having fun is to have outdoor games ready to go. You can set up a badminton net, or stage cornhole, horseshoes, or bocce. The key is having the games available before your guests arrive, so they can play as soon as they begin trickling in. If the games aren’t ready in advance, you may forget to set them up, or have your hands full cooking and other hosting duties.

6. Keep Guests Cool And Hydrated

Labor Day is typically sees fairly hot weather and while your guests are entertained, it’s important to keep them safe, cool, and hydrated. Have a drink station with plenty of options. A large flavored water dispenser is a great option, or homemade punch is another fun idea. Soda, juice, and other beverages on ice give your guests easy access to cold drinks. Find ways to add shade whenever possible, and consider bringing out fans to cool people off while they are sitting on the porch or patio.

7. Be Creative To Add More Seating

While some guests might enjoy walking or standing around mingling, it’s a good idea to have enough seating for everyone. If you don’t have enough chairs, then get creative. If you’re hosting the party outside, bring some chairs and stools onto your patio. You can even use pillows on decks and porches. Make sure your outdoor furniture is clean, and your swings are fully functional in case guests want to use them.

8. Have A Rain Plan

You might envision a beautiful Labor Day spent outdoors with loved ones, but Mother Nature may have other plans. Always check the weather before your party. If there is even a small chance of rain on the day of the event, have sa rain plan in place. Set up tents, or find a way to bring some (or all) of the party indoors. On the day of, stay flexible, as weather can change at a moment's notice. 

9. Add Mood Lighting For The Evening

If your parties are known to last into the evening, think about lighting. There are lots of fun ways to light up your outdoor area when it gets dark, from lanterns and tiki torches to string lights and electric candles. Good outdoor lighting can transform the space, while poor lighting can totally ruin the vibe.

10. Music

Music is a great way to set the tone at a Labor Day party. To keep everyone in a good mood, create a playlist or choose a station ahead of time. Charge your portable speaker, or find a way to hook up speakers outside so music lasts for the entire party. If you’re playing music from a phone, keep it plugged into a charger.

11. Shop And Cook In Advance

One of the best ways to keep your Labor Day as relaxed as your guests, is to do as much prep work as you can before the big day. You can often cut and prep all your grill items, and you can do much of your shopping the weekend before (or at least a few days before). Make a list so you don’t forget anything and have to run out the day of the party. You can also prepare desserts, several salads, and dips the day before so you aren’t forced to spend the entire day in the kitchen.

12. Find Ways To Make Parking Easier

If many of your guests are driving in separate vehicles, create a parking plan. First, encourage people to carpool if your space is limited. You may also want to invite neighbors, so they aren’t upset when guests are parked in front of their house.

13. Consider Water Activities 

Water activities, like a slip-and-slide, a water balloon fight, and other games, are great activities for kids and those who are kids at heart. They provide fub entertainment and keep your guests cool, even on a hot day.

14. Have A Plan To Combat Mosquitoes

Labor Day falls during peak mosquito season. If you’re hosting your party outside, find ways to combat mosquitoes in the backyard. Provide insect repellent, use citronella candles, light a fire, and set up seating in screened-in areas. 

Summing Up How To Host The Perfect Labor Day Party

If you’re having a party on Labor Day weekend, you need to balance hosting an incredible event with finding ways to relax and embrace the spirit of the day. When planning a Labor Day party, shop and cook in advance, so you aren’t cooking on the holiday itself.

Before the party starts, have ample seating, lawn games set up before guests arrive, and a rain plan in case the weather turns. Fire up the grill, have plenty of cold drinks and shade to keep guests cool and hydrated, and use all your outdoor space, especially areas protected from mosquitoes and flies.

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