Labor Day signals the end of summer...But it doesn't mean the end of fun! Invite friends and family over for one last cook-out before the leaves begin to fall. Even if cash is short, a little creativity goes a long way in planning a party for the Labor Day holiday.
How to Save Money and Throw a Big Labor Day Barbecue Bash:
Shop at warehouse clubs first. Get the basics there, including soda, wine, beer, condiments and desserts. Meat is often cheaper at Sam's and Costco. They often carry inexpensive hamburger patties ready for the grill. Sam's Club offers great frozen desserts that are small enough so guests can eat with their fingers, saving on plates and forks.
Also look to warehouse clubs for paper plates and napkins. That way the host doesn't need to be bothered washing dishes when this is supposed to be a party! One trick is to wash the plastic knives and forks. They will probably make it through two or three parties that way! Keep a cooler of ice outside to avoid constant trips to the kitchen.
Invite Only a Few Friends and Relatives:
And if inviting relatives is completely stressful, just stick with the friends! By keeping the invitation list to under 15 people, everyone will have more fun and the host and/or hostess will be less burdened with a lot of introductions and heavy clean-up. Keeping it to just a few close friends who already know each other will make the entire evening more fun and easy-going.
Make Home-made Side Dishes and Desserts:
Find an easy potato recipe and buy brownie mixes in bulk. Brownie mixes store easily and are simple to make. Everyone loves them, and even the pickiest adults and kids can't resist! Or better yet, throw a pot-luck party and ask all the guests to bring their own side dishes. That way, they have the harder job of thinking which salad to make, leaving the hosts to worry about more important things like what music to play!
Do Something Different other than Hotdogs and Burgers on the Grill:
Consider barbecuing fish or even try an old-fashioned fish fry or boil. Buy fish frozen or fresh at a local seafood market (or on sale at a trusted grocery store) and cook the fish outside or in. Not a fish fan? Try using different marinades for extra spicy barbecued Cajun chicken. And even regular hamburgers are delicious in the company of good friends and good conversation!
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