We never like to see summer come to an end, but at least we get a chance to send it off in style this Labor Day weekend. Use the upcoming holiday as a great excuse for one last patriotic party. If you’re not sure how to throw the ultimate end-of-summer celebration, we have a few simple tips to make your gathering a success. It all starts with picking a theme and decorating your outdoor entertaining space(s) with the classic red, white, and blue color scheme. From meats to treats, here are some pointers for planning an all-American affair.
Stars and Stripes for the Patio and Porch
Nothing sets the mood for a Labor Day party like decorations. But before you can start bedazzling your deck, you need to give your entertainment area a proper cleaning. After all, you want guests to marvel at the red, white, and blue decorations. Not the brown and black stains cause by dirt and mildew. Scrub lawn furniture and picnic tables with mild soap and warm water. Then, make sure walkways and porches are swept and hosed off. Decks and patios also require special attention, and power washing will ensure both are spic and span. You can call on Peak Power Wash to pressure wash decks and patios of any kind. Plus, our soft wash technique will make your home’s exterior look like new.
Once cleaning is out of the way, it’s time to get creative. Hang streamers from balconies and awnings. String runners along fences and railings. Use construction marking spray paint to fill your yard with red, white, and blue lawn stars. While painted mason jars make the perfect containers for utensils and napkins. Or you can fill them with flags and flowers for patriotic centerpieces.
Go All Out with Games
Games are a great way to keep your guests engaged. Badminton, croquet, lawn darts, horseshoes, and cornhole offer excitement and entertainment for partygoers of any age. Potato sack races and pie eating contests lead to a lot of laughs and even more memories. If you really want to go big, bring your favorite board game to life in the backyard. All you need is some wood and paint to make giant-sized DIY checkers, dominoes, Scrabble, or Yahtzee. A giant Jenga game with red, white, and blue blocks is sure to give your Labor Day party some patriotic pop.
Be a Grilling Gourmet
There’s certainly nothing wrong with hamburgers and hot dogs, but try to give guests something special this Labor Day. Start by serving summer fruits in unique ways, like a blueberry salsa or chilled watermelon soup. Your guests will love fresh seasonal appetizers including a grilled zucchini and pepper medley or pineapple and shrimp kebabs. Barbecued ribs, tofu skewers, and glazed salmon are excellent entrées. And you can cap it all off with a grilled peach parfait for dessert.
Ice It with Refreshments
Fruity cocktails and flavored teas or lemonades let your guests savor their favorite summer flavors one last time. Use leftover mason jars for sun tea, and add blueberries and strawberries to bring some red, white, and blue to the brew. You’ll need plenty of ice for your refreshments, but you can make that special, too. Add diced blueberries, lemons, limes, pineapple, strawberries, and raspberries to ice cube trays before freezing. They’ll add a burst of flavor to any drink, and guests can mix and match cubes to come up with their favorite flavor.
From all of us at Peak Power Wash to all of our Carroll County neighbors, Maryland-based friends, and Pennsylvania clients: Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend! Give us a call if you need help getting your home ready for the big patriotic party.
