Labor Day is the perfect end-of-summer celebration, offering the ideal opportunity to gather friends and family for one last outdoor bash before cooler weather arrives. Whether a seasoned host or planning a first cookout, kicking off a memorable event involves more than just firing up the grill. It combines delicious food, fun activities, and a welcoming vibe to ensure guests have an unforgettable time.
This guide will walk prospective meal planners through everything needed for the perfect Labor Day cookout. It looks from developing a mouthwatering menu to setting up the perfect outdoor space. Let’s work on making your Labor Day cookout the best one yet.
A Labor Day Menu
Food and drink are at the heart of any truly successful cookout. All cookout planning should start with this aspect. The dishes and beverages set the tone for the entire day, including themes, decorations, and activities. It is a best practice to select main dishes first, then add complementary side dishes, desserts, and beverages.
Some popular cookout grilled meats include burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, and ribs. Some excellent seafood would be shrimp, salmon, or fish tacos. For the vegetarian guest, portobello mushrooms, veggie burgers, hummus, or grilled veggies would be a hit.
Salads are great, versatile options. Some of them include potato salad, cole slaw, pasta salad, and a fresh green leaf salad. Grilled veggies are also a great option, too. Corn on the cob, asparagus, peppers, and zucchini are usual fan favorites. A fun addition would be finger foods. Chips and salsa, fruit platters, cheese and crackers, or — a given at any cookout — deviled eggs are all winners on a hot day.
No cookout is complete without dessert. Classic sweets like an array of cookies, pies, and brownies will surely delight guests of all ages. Fresh fruit such as sliced watermelon, fruit skewers, or bowls of fresh berries will fill the stomachs of more health-conscious attendees. A fresh dollop of sweet cream on top completes healthy and unhealthy options.
Round the menu out with a wide variety of beverages. On a hot day, ensure there are plenty to go around or you’ll have thirsty partygoers. Non-alcoholic options should include lemonade, fruit punch, iced tea, soda, and, of course, water. For the adventurous adults, some tremendous alcoholic drinks could include sangria, margaritas, wine, and ice-cold beer.
Your Setting and Entertainment
Next, plan and prep the outdoor space for the Labor Day get-together. Ample seating is a must for any large gathering. Tables and chairs for all guests will ensure a comfortable, enjoyable dining and gathering experience.
Umbrellas or canopies can provide sufficient shade during the day. Use string lights, outdoor torches, or lanterns in the evening to keep the party going. Set the mood with a well-thought-out, upbeat music playlist. Finally, add festive touches with themed decorations, including tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces, and party favors.
Keep guests entertained with some fun activities and games. Popular game options for any Labor Day gatherings are cornhole, horseshoes, and Frisbee. Kids can be entertained all day with well-placed bubble stations, buckets of water balloons, or a creative scavenger hunt. Don’t forget some sports. Volleyball or bocce ball is entertaining, along with croquet.
Look at Other Considerations
Leading up to the big day, it is wise for the host to check out the grill. Make sure that it’s in clean, working order. Grilling tools and extra fuel for the grill are needed. Plenty of ice, coolers, cups, and utensils should be readily available.
The grill should be thoughtfully placed away from flammable or congested outdoor areas. Cleanup should be made easier by strategically placing trash bins all over. Finally, a backup plan should be in place for unpredictable weather events. For instance, you might move indoors or have tents prepared and ready to use.
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