A sweet, simple Labor Day celebration is a snap
Here’s what you don’t want a whole lot of during a Labor Day gathering: labor. You want to keep things simple, inexpensive and fun.
It’s the end of summer and a time for lighthearted parties. The holiday season is the time for the pricier, more formal gatherings.
On this weekend, kick off your shoes, add a bit of inexpensive sparkle to the table and get grilling.
Entertainment:
After some simple décor (think pinwheels, and colorful paper plates and cups), think about entertainment. Get real people: Unless you live in the Deep South, this may be your last chance at having fun outside. Turn the sprinklers on for the kids. Or make one smart purchase, be it an inexpensive badminton set, horseshoes, or something like the Trademark Games Classic Bocce Ball Set, $61.95 (plus 3% Cash Back), Walmart.com
Food & drink:
Next, you need to think food and drink. It’s easy enough to grab an appetizer tray from the nearest grocery store before the main course to keep things simple. But think about hydration first: Impress your friends with this classic all-American (and isn’t that what Labor Day is all about) beverage dispenser, the Del Sol Original Mason 2.15 Gallon Beverage Dispenser, $24.99 (plus Cash Back), Bedbathandbeyond.com
Let the kids grab paper cups of lemonade from the beverage dispenser. We’re thinking a few bottles of wine and some all-American beer will nestle well in this Threshold Stainless Steel Angled Beverage Tub, $20.79 (plus up to 1% Cash Back), Target.com
Main course
Finally, make that party one your friends and family will gab about for weeks. Save yourself cooking time by asking guests to bring along a salad, dessert or other side, and consider keeping the meat-lovers happy with a purchase from Omaha Steaks. Keep your eyes out for sales. When we looked, the Celebration Summer Sampler included four filets, pork chops, burgers, and franks, with fries and dessert to round out the meal. Celebration Summer Sampler, on sale $79.99 (plus 8% Cash Back), Omahasteaks.com