Hosting a Backyard Labor Day Party

Labor Day weekend will be here before you know it, and what better way to bring your summer to a grand finale than an epic backyard bash?

Gather your neighbors, friends and family, fire up the grill, and get ready to create unforgettable memories that will last through the fall and winter. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-time party planner, we’ve got a few simple tips to make your Labor Day celebration the talk of the neighborhood.

Send Out Invitations

Start by setting the tone with some creative invitations. Go old school with handmade cards, or keep it paperless with fun e-invites. Either way, make sure to include all the details: date, time, location, and any special instructions (like BYOB). Don’t forget to ask your guests to RSVP so you can plan accordingly!

Set the Scene

Take a hot minute or two to transform your backyard into a party-time paradise. Think red, white & blue flags and streamers, fairy lights, and plenty of comfy seating. A mix of outdoor furniture, picnic blankets, and throw pillows will help you create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. And don’t forget to set up some shade with umbrellas or a canopy to keep everyone cool!

Play TuneMaster!

Make a nice, long playlist of party-favorites, so you don’t have to keep running back and forth to put on new tunes. Keep the mix fresh and upbeat, with a blend of old-time Motown, rock and pop from the 60s, 70s and 80s, plus some current hit tracks for the younger folks. And switch things up a bit with some hip-hop, Latin vibes and some electronic dance music. The more styles, the merrier!

Play GrillMaster!

No Labor Day celebration is complete without a sizzling grill. Not 100% confident in the state of your current grill to handle the task? No worries. Whether you’re flipping burgers, grilling veggie skewers, or smoking ribs, our selection of Kenmore grills and grilling accessories will ensure your food is cooked to perfection.

Create a Mouthwatering Menu

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food! Here are some delicious thought-starters to get your culinary juices flowing…

Appetizers: Start with easy, crowd-pleasing snacks like chips and guacamole, veggie trays, and cheese platters. For a fun twist, serve up grilled skewers with a variety of meats and veggies.

Main Course: Burgers, dogs, chicken and ribs are the all-time Labor Day classics. Offer a variety of toppings and sides like fresh coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob.

Vegetarian Options: Don’t forget your veggie-loving friends! Grilled portobello mushrooms, veggie burgers, seasoned asparagus, and stuffed bell peppers are all excellent ideas.

Desserts: Keep it simple with a fresh fruit salad, or go all out with a DIY s’mores station. Freshly baked cookies and ice cream are always a hit too.

Pro Tip: Grilling meats to flavorful perfection is easier than you might think. Read up and learn more!

Quench Every Thirst

Keep everyone happy and hydrated throughout the day with a tempting selection of refreshing drinks.

Signature Cocktails: Create a signature cocktail for your party. Think refreshing mojitos, fruity sangrias, or classic margaritas. A DIY drink station with various mixers and garnishes will add an extra touch of fun.

Mocktails: For guests who prefer to go alcohol-free, offer plenty of soft options like lemonade, iced tea, and flavored sparkling water.

Coolers: Set up coolers around the yard with plenty of ice-cold water, soda, and more. Make sure to have a variety of choices on-hand to cater to all tastes.

Fun and Games, Etc.

Remember, it’s a party! Keep it lively with some backyard games and activities.

Water Activities: If it’s a hot day, consider a water balloon toss, a slip-n-slide, or a small inflatable pool for the kids (and adults!). Just make sure to have a few towels handy!

Classic Games: Baggo (aka cornhole), horseshoes, and bocce ball are always crowd-pleasers. Set up a few different stations so guests can move around and try different games.

Dance-Off: You remember that playlist you created for this get-together? Well, turn up that speaker, because an old-fashioned dance-off is a great way to take this party to the next level.

Comfort and Convenience

Make sure your guests are comfortable and have everything they need. If the weather is looking a little unpredictable, have a plan B with an indoor space ready just in case. And be sure to keep those pesky bugs at bay with citronella candles, bug spray, and maybe even a few electric bug zappers.

Capture the Memories

Don’t forget to document the fun! Set up a photo booth with props and a backdrop, or simply encourage guests to snap photos and share them with a designated hashtag. These memories will be treasured long after the party is over.

Safety First!

With all the fun and excitement, it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. Make sure your grill is set up in a safe location, away from any flammable materials. And it’s never a bad idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

Keep your perishable foods chilled until it’s time to serve them, and use coolers and ice packs to keep everything fresh as the party goes on. Provide sunscreen and encourage guests to reapply throughout the day. Having a few wide-brimmed hats available is a nice touch too.

The Perfect Ending

As the sun sets and the stars come out, gather your guests around a fire pit for some cozy conversation. Toast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the perfect end to a perfect day. If fireworks are legal in your area, a few sparklers and roman candles can add a magical touch to your celebration.

Count on the Kenmore Clean-Up Crew

After the party, the last thing you want to think about is cleaning up. Kenmore appliances are here to make sure you’ll have everything sparkling in no time!

For outdoor messes, you can count on the Kenmore 4-gallon wet/dry vac to do the heavy lifting. And for indoor floors, our award-winning selection of upright vacuums, canister vacs, stick vacs and floor cleaners offer the right clean for every household.

And forget about hand-washing that mountain of dishes, plates and glassware! Our super-quiet dishwashers are happy to handle it while you relax and reminisce about the fabulous day you just had.

Happy Labor Day!

Hosting the ultimate backyard Labor Day celebration is all about planning, preparation, and a dash of creativity. With these tips and the help of Kenmore’s top-notch products, you’re sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories. So fire up that grill, mix up some drinks, and get ready for an unforgettable Labor Day party.

Not up for a big shindig? That’s okay! If you’d rather just spend some quality time with the fam, we totally understand. Here are a few ideas on celebrating Labor Day with minimal fuss and hoopla.

Cheers to a summer well-spent and the exciting adventures that lie ahead!