Labor Day is the signal that Summer is ending and Fall is right around the corner. It's an opportunity to relax one last time with friends and family before getting back into the groove of school and work. Many people are likely to throw a party or attend one of some sort. American classics are always a favorite on Labor Day like hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, potato salad and fruit salad. We've listed out a few hacks to help you prep and what to offer so you aren't stressing over your get together!
Salad Cups
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Instead of offering the traditional veggie tray and dips, opt to create a snack on the go. Add anything you find on a veggie platter - carrots, peppers, celery, cucumbers - cut them up in thin strips and add them into small cups. For the base of the cups, add the dip or hummus and you've created an instant classic, but your guests won't have to be huddled around a bowl of dip and you won't have to worry about anyone double-dipping!
Fruit Kabobs
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Keeping the simple theme going, fruit kabobs are delicious and fun and are so simple! You can use just about any fruit that you'd like on your kabobs like strawberries, pineapples, blueberries, cantaloupe and honeydew. Cut the fruit in small chunks and then slide them onto the stick. Voila - a simple and easy side.
Grab-n-Go Burger Bar
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Instead of having to remember what everyone likes on their burgers, you can lay out all the fixins' and have your guests create their own! Include different types of cheeses, bacon, condiments and don't forget the pickles, sweet peppers, onions and tomatoes. These toppings can be spread out on simple white plates and you can use labels to easily write what each item is for your guests. For the actual burger, we recommend offering a traditional beef burger along with a chicken breast or turkey burger. You can also include a vegetarian option like a black bean burger or veggie patty.
Wrap the Dogs
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Since Hot Dogs are a must at Labor Day parts, an easy way is to wrap them up and have them ready for your guests to grab them. A cute trick is to wrap the bun and the hot dog in twine and you can add some festive decorative wrapping paper that adds a nice tough. Guests will easily be able to grab them and they won't be holding up the line!
Cooler Corn
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Corn on the cob is another favorite, but who has time to grill or boil ears of corn for a large party? A helpful and quick way to cook a large amount of corn is by using a large cooler. All you need to do is find a large plastic cooler, wipe it down so that it's clean, place shucked ears of corn in it and then pour two large pots of boiling water into the cooler. Make sure you close the lid tight and 30 minutes later you'll have perfectly cooked ears of corn. How easy is that?
Mason Jar Drinks
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These trendy containers can serve as a number of options for your party. Our best suggestion is filling them up with cocktails or juice the night before the party. You can make lemonade, fruit punch, sangria or margaritas and then pour each into it's own mason jar. Be sure to label each jar so your guests know exactly what they are drinking. Then on the day of the party, all you need to do is take them out of the fridge and place them in a bucket of ice for your guests.
